22 February, 2012

Spain, a brief entry

Long day of travel to get here. We all arrived and built up our bikes. There are several that have done both camps. It's a diverse group of people with different abilities and goals. Needless to say I'm the slowest climber here. But that's okay. Everyone is great and we've laughed and laughed.

Day 1 we went for an "easy" ride to shake out the legs. It hasn't rained here in almost a month and the air is terribly dry with a lot of dust kicked up by the farm trucks and autos. I started wheezing 15 minutes into the ride. Could not figure out what was up. Finally at one hour I gave and jumped in the van. Started the AdVair at full dose. Made it to the local gas station and bought a buff. Now I look like a bandito while riding my bike, but at least it helps keep the wheezing at bay.

Day 2 was the most climbing Ive ever done. OUCH but man what a ride. 

Day 3 we were given the option of riding the whole day or taking the van to the race and then riding back after the cyclists came through. I took the second option. We started with a 3k climb that made my quads scream. Then there was a 15K descent that was wild. About 2K down I realized my brakes weren't closed. STUPID! So I stopped and fixed that. The remaining way down to the town was breathtaking. When we got back I started to get down on myself for not doing the full day. But stopped that quickly enough as there are several days of serious climbing left. These legs aren't used to it. There are some fantastic descents as well as some hellacious climbs.

Today we are doing an "easy" 3 hours starting at lunch. Tomorrow is to be a hard day. Friday is off for sightseeing and such. Saturday is to be the toughest day.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the end of their February!

much love and peace

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