08/24/2023 Bikepacking Spain Day 16 : Brains over Brawn

by Brian · Published August 24, 2023 · Updated March 3, 2024

Photos:

When I was a kid, if it hit 80F by 10am, I knew that meant a swimming day because it would reach 100F that day. This was something to look forward to. My entire childhood, I never saw it above 80 at 10am. Never. Things have changed, as this was measured in the shade and on the handlebar. My wrist GPS which I always upload isn’t accurate because it is warmed in the winter by my arm… (and cooled in the summer by my sweat) 🤒

Coffee stop photo for Janet - forgot the photo today because we were worried about the heat.

We have been camping high, but a strange phenomenon means that the tops of the mountains are very hot - similarly the bottoms of the valleys. But midway, it can be cool. I put my down jacket on for a while this morning coming down the mountain! I think we slept too high last night. Also, I think this is an inversion layer. 🧥

Rather than push through the heat, we decided to use our brains instead of our brawn. Took an early stop at 1pm. We never do that sort of thing - so it feels weird… but we will camp at this pass at 3,300’ elevation. 🧀

Strava Comments:

Mark G.

Smooth move...I am wishing you low 20°s in the forecast. So, can one camp just anywhere in Spain? France?

Corrine L.

Good thinking. So hot there. It was like that for RAGBRAI. Hot and humid and no relief at night either. Uggh! Hope it cools down soon

Brian L.

Corrine Leistikow - yeah, you made the best of it with ice cream and water sprays! Mark Glenesk - hope you’re wishing in Celsius! The only countries (that I’m aware of) where you can camp anywhere legally are the “Allemansrätten” countries Sweden and Norway. Like other bikepackers, we will enter that gray area everywhere we go - and find hidden spots. Leaving no trace, of course - so it’s like it never happened.

Tracey A.

Try to stay cool, we are thinking about you two ❤️

Boris F.

Way to adapt. Marie-Blanque is a wonderful road.