09/18/2023 Bikepacking Spain Day 41 : Canyons and Cols

Rain was predicted for the entire day - but we got a little break. Just some on and off sprinkles in the morning. --

Today we would hike the other end of the Rio Cares. We hiked in from Poncebos in 2019 and wanted to see this side too. Worth it! --

Remember how Janet fell over backwards yesterday into the creek? Here is the rock that dislodged. The top of the bank was level with Janet's shoulders - so now I think she fell 4 feet backwards. We are really lucky she is ok!! --

This is a trap for catching wolves. Don't worry; they don't use it anymore. In fact a man told me today: "Everything is protected here.... except for the human beings". Anyway, people keep telling us there are wolves and bears here. We haven't seen any - or any certain evidence of these animals. We did hear some animals that sounded like they were roaring in pain. I thought, "that poor cow must be stuck in barbed wire". Luckily I mentioned it to a guy on the trail who told me we were hearing ciervos (deer) in rut. I didn't know that deer made these noises, so maybe here they use the word "ciervo" for elk too? --

I'm planning on making a part 2 for my "new touring gear for 2023"... but today had an opportunity to break out one of the new items that I am carrying. EXTREMELY happy with this device. It is a disc lock ring tool https://amzn.to/3ZkBFs4 You use your 12mm thru axle as the handle so it is small and light. I had to use it today because Janet has really demolished her rear rotor. I decided to load-balance and swap her front and rear rotor. Her front pads are still like new. --

Should we take the 4 mile single track down or the 15 mile road? Happy we made the right decision on the single track! --

Video of Janet riding some sections of awesome trail. --

We had seen 3 "invernal" buildings on the map. We hoped they were refugios, but they ended up being stone buildings for animals. I'd sleep there in a pinch, but last week we had a rash of bug bites that we don't want to happen again... and we like the open air of camping. So we set up in this flat playground just above a small town. It's hard to find flat land in the mountains. There are so many things to consider when selecting a campsite... will tree branches or rocks fall on you? will the spot flood in rain? Are there mites? Flies? Is it flat? Will people come by? Is there water? Can cars drive there (or possibly run you over in the dark?) Are there cows or horses that could trample the tent? Javelina?

I continue to be blown away by the vert/mi ratios you pedal each day. The videos make it clear just how steep the terrain is and how improbable your route through the cliffs is.

Boris F.