Another Day Off

Well, kind of.  The Vuelta route came through Cangas de Onis directly on our road --  our balcony is 2 floors above the race.  But even though we've both come down with colds and coughs we decided to ride as far up to the finish as we could -- the infamous Lagos de Covadonga.  At noon we set out, well ahead of the race.  No panniers, no bags, just the bike and us.  It felt so light without all that baggage.  Very cool.

The finish is exactly 22 km from our apartment.  We're not sure how far we can get -- the average gradient is probably 14% for the last 15 km and the maximum is 21%.  But we had lots of time.

We rode until a 6 km from the finish -- the prior 2 1/2 km had been 16% and we just didn't want to push it any further.  Besides, we had a great spot to watch the show.

I'll add some detail and some photos, but first, I'll say that there was a low cloud ceiling and it was cold.  The helis couldn't fly, so the only photos being broadcast were from the motos.  It turns out that the winner, Tibot Pinot, launched an attack from the lead group right where we were standing and Lorie got it on video.

I'm not sure that it was even broadcast.  Put it on Youtube somebody!

It was a super fun day.  The hill was packed with people there to root on the riders and everyone was very courteous -- no jamming into the middle of the lane and blocking the riders.  And the hill was so steep and long that even the fastest guys were going a reasonable speed.

Here are some photos from the way up.

I would love to get photos of people's surprised looks when they see us -- tandems are just not seen much here

7 km to the top and we're about toasted!

It doesn't look steep but it really is

Lots of colorful characters

Our vantage point

One of the coolest things about Spain is the number of kids (everywhere from maybe 7 or 8, to mid-teens) who are doing serious cycling.  They ride up with a group or their parents and the entire crowd yells encouragement - "venga! venga! muy bien!"

Just one of hundreds of little guys who were slaughtering the hill

OK, we did some other things today, too, including the wonderful Sunday market in the morning, where bread with spelt is featured at many stalls.  And we took photos of a beautiful church on the way up Covadonga.

Sardines

Pigs' snouts

Cheese vendors

We bought a block of interesting local cheese, from sheep, which tastes like a blend between a blue veined cheese and a strong creamy cheese.  It is a commitment.  But it is very good.

We bought lots of oranges -- following Doug P's advice about ascorbic acid and colds....

A church on the Covadonga climb

The trip down was fast, but civil since there were so many people.  We'll find something to eat, then pack up to hit the road early tomorrow.  We're heading west to Oviedo in the Galicia region.

Mañana