Day 29: Laguardia Layover Day Loop - Traversing the Iberian Peninsula from South to North - CycleBlaze

May 21, 2023

Day 29: Laguardia Layover Day Loop

The sun is shining.  It's 10C and the wind is hardly blowing.  Simon told us the layover day long loop is beautiful, but there are a couple of long difficult climbs.  How can we not ride when the weather is so nice?!!  Off we went.

We had about a 15 minute warm up before the big climb of the day began. Up we went for 6.7 kilometers that averaged 8.3% with ramps as high as 14%.  

An interesting looking winery that we rode past.
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Yeah! We made it to the top!
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Bill coming down the descent behind us.
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Looking down the road ahead - this descent was a lot of fun.
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Malcolm and Michelle riding up to the intersection.
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So many places to go . . .
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The decision point - do we run into the little village in search of coffee, or do we continue the ride without interruption. Continuation won.
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Broad bean field.
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This high valley is luxuriously green.
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Dramatic views.
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Quiet road.
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Vibrant colors.
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No vineyards over here - all agricultural.
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Road borne with the Province of Navarre on one side and the Province of Alava on the other.
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Canyon walls.
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Michelle climbing past us.
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Bill motoring along.
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The summit cut through the rocks.
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We made the final climb of the day.
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Today's ride was one not to be missed.  We did miss out exploring the village and its spectacular sites and the wine tastings, but the ride was spectacular.  Our favorite route so far.  Hmmm . . . I think we've been saying that each day lately.  This is really a beautiful ride and we're so glad we're here.

Our tour director, Simon, and his sidekick (who takes great care of us), Héctor at Happy Hour.
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Day 29: Laguardia Loop Ride
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Bill BogueYou descended the same pass we came over to arrive in Laguardia. We had a fairly brief thunderstorm for a few K on that descent, but it cleared away quickly for my misadventure up into town.
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1 year ago

Here's hoping the weather is as wonderful tomorrow!

Today's ride: 61 km (38 miles)
Total: 395 km (245 miles)

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