Ride Day 3 - Zamanzas to Medina de Pomar

Last night I decided to talk to the Russians. We’ve been eating dinner ten feet apart every night and it seemed un-American not to strike up a meaningless conversation. They were eager to talk and in the first 90 seconds asked my why I was travelling alone and how old I was, thereby confirming every stereotype we have about how Russians communicate. Then the woman typed something into her translation app and said “When I am 60, I want to do what you are doing.” Score one for the western alliance.

Since I spent last night on the banks of the Ebro, today unsurprisingly started with a ride over a mountain.

Along these mountain roads I was totally isolated – no people, cars, stores, nothing but many great views. It was exhilarating and also made me pray that my bike kept working, which thankfully it did. 

Sometimes, even in the most remote areas I would look across the valley and see something like this – a tiny sign of civilization perched on the edge. Not that it would do me any good if I got a flat.

Based on a recommendation from the guy at the mill last night, I made a 15-mile detour to stop by this town, Puentedey, to see this geological structure. The town’s name is a shortened version of Puente de Dios or God’s Bridge, since only God could have made this. Or I guess possibly erosion could have done it. But then, who invented erosion?

No time to answer that question, I had to ride back to original route and get to the hotel so that I can rest up for another ride over a mountain tomorrow.