When we last chatted we were happily tucked into a cozy apartment in Donastia while we waited out the rain. Our pre-done schedule called for us to ride early in the morning in a southerly direction along the coast, then camp near Lekeitio and ride on Friday into Bilbao.
But the weather is miserable and Lorie discovered that the campground we'd planned to stay in doesn't open until July 1. Another family meeting was called and we unanimously decided to reroute. With a bit of research, I found a possible solution: a commuter / light rail train called the Euskatren that runs from Donastia to Bilbao. But would we have to do battle with train conductors who would kick the tandem off?
We decided to roll the dice and rode down to the Euskatren station. We bought tickets for the 3 hour journey (6 euro) and tried to go through the automatic entry gates. A security guy dashed over and said "No, No, No." I thought, "Oh no, not again." But the guy steered the tandem around and said "Go here, through this gate," which he opened for us. Then he urged us to hurry onto the train, which was leaving in 2 minutes. He then opened the train door and helped us get the bike onto the train and get it settled. All with a huge smile on his face. Viva la difference! We were in Bilbao in no time. Lorie had done some quick digging for a place to stay. Not much available since the place is crowded for the Tour de France start on Saturday, but we found a quirky little apartment in a dodgy part of town. Works for us. Awesome. We will be here for three nights, doing Tour de France fanboy stuff and having fun.
Bilbao is a stunning city. Situated on the coast but focused on the Nirvion river, which flows through the middle of it, The architecture is old and new and beautifully blended together. If you ever get a chance to visit northern Spain, plan a couple of days in Donastia and the same in Bilbao. You will not regret it.
We were a day earlier than we'd planned, so we went to the TDF team presentation. Kind of kitschy and silly, but it was full of energy and was fun, even though it was pouring rain. And actually, the heavy rain solidified our decision to skip camping tonight. Here are a bunch of photos.
 |
| Ready for the Tour |
 |
| The Guggenheim. We already have tickets for tomorrow |
 |
| TDF team presentation stage |
 |
| One of several foot bridges over the Nervion river |
 |
| Fanboys having fun |
 |
| Traditional Basque dancing |
Lots of energetic fun
 |
| Big Mig was there, of course. Miguel Indurain, the only rider to have won the TDF five times in a row. |
More traditional Basque culture
 |
| Team presentations |
The team presentations were not real thrilling and the skies decided to open up and give us a shower, so we slid out the back and retreated. We stopped by the neighborhood Dia supermarket, grabbed stuff to make dinner, and had a nice evening.
Tomorrow is a visit to the Guggenheim!
No comments:
Post a Comment