We are pedalling pilgrims and we are collecting our stamps to prove it.

Setting off from Burgos was rather a ‘dodge the pilgrim’ game. We got going at 0830 and passed many on their journey along the super nice cycle ways of Burgos and the polarising rough tracks of the Camino. The track…

We had pre-routed to avoid the tracks in favour of the billiard-table-smooth roads, but in some places these could not be avoided unless one takes a very long diversion. So we suffered in silence; ok we moaned a bit but not too much. Taking the track was a great way to meet other pilgrims, and it was enjoyable to exchange a cheery “Buen camino” (“Good way” – wishing each other safe travels) with our fellow pilgrims.

During this quiet ordeal we met Colin (normal)- a Kiwi. Easy to spot – the only bloke in shorts. Being a Kiwi, Karen and Colin had a good chin wag while we pushed our bikes. Pushing was harder than cycling, so after a 5 min chat we were off again. This is Colin and I:

We also met Christian (normal) today. A rather nice French chap who is ‘cycling’ on his electric bike. To be fair he did explain that his bike was an old model and only had a range of 20km, so only used electric to go up the hills. He showed us his map that had a few road alternatives and insisted Karen take photos of all the maps. These will come in useful in order to dodge the rough tracks. Here is Christian and I. He is rather wrapped up, but it was very warm.

Further down the road we found the derelict convent of San Anton. Shot of me approaching, about to shout “stopping” to warn Karen I was pulling over.

On leaving the Nun house I took these shots of a biker following me from my rear radar cam! I have to say, I’m very chuffed at how they turned out.

We came across a partly disused canal lock system. This is the view of the disused bit, gates long gone.

And the bit still in use today.

General pics of the super lovely views. Easy pedalling with a light tail wind. Marvellous. Also some steep descents, in the order of 15%.

The Team. Happy we are.