Day 43 31/8/16
49miles (Biarritz to Goizueta) average speed 9.1 mph Top speed 33 mph
via St Jean de Luz, Irun,
Great Roads d3510 n4150
Spain here I come
Well I made it to Spain. I’m in Goizueta.
What a fantastic day. Started off with brekkie of boiled eggs even though one had broken it boiled up just fine. Said goodbye to my new friends Stephan and Frederic from Paris. Helped another neighbour fix a puncture. Had a shower and shave and off to Spain.
Had a few issues with the satnav, arguing with it constantly, and they continued throughout the day but I managed to get here without going back to the coast which the damn thing was trying to make me do!
Can the satnav read Spanish? French-Spanish dictionary anyone?
Went via St Jean de Luz and then to Irun which was not very pretty to say the least. Then I found my way and have had the best time in the mountains. Up and down at a great pace (well down anyway). It’s been a terrific ride and just when I needed it I found a campsite for €9.50, but to be honest I could have carried on and wild camped by the river when it got dark such is the exhilaration of climbing these hills and the buzz you get on the way down.
The road to Spain
The ups and downs of the road in Spain
On the road to Goizueta
Salud!
I have the whole place to myself. I’m next to a river which recommends bathing at your own risk. I was a bit late getting here but I might give it a try in morning. Had a couple of beers at reception and now chilling in field to myself and watching fire burning at my level and stars up above. Bought dinner in a small town (begins with an A) thinking that I would have to wild camp and there were plenty of opportunities along the way. Had pasta with tomatoes, onions and chorizo for dinner while listening to music. Now I think I’ll have an early night as I have a mountain to climb in the morning! Pamplona here I come. I was worried I couldn’t handle the Pyrenees but so far it’s been great! It is amazing that this morning I was looking in a beach souvenir shop for Brian replacements and now I’m in the mountains! I’m loving this more than words or pictures can describe! No need to lock my bike tonight, there is no one else about apart from ants and slugs and midges!
Goizueta – my first overnight stop in Spain