Ceri: (rewritten as my previous blog got lost during website problems) Today was our ride up to the Pyrenees. It started well . All uphill, until Google Maps decided to send us along a factory track. The guy at the gate would not let us through and our only option was either to follow the motorway for 1000m or turn back. No way was I going to cycle downhill so we followed the hard shoulder of the motorway for 500m with huge lorries zooming past, until we saw a gap in the railings. We climbed through and followed a vague footpath through brambles for the most part until we were back on a safer road with very scratched ankles! Up and up we cycled around hair pin bends through pretty rural mountain villages. Neil enjoyed a rewarding beer with our picnic at the pub at the top. Then a long whizz down to Altsasu. There were no restaurants open and occasionally, hotels have microwaves, so I’ve mastered the art of micro wave meals: baked potatoes plus whatever we find to add. I have problems eating the fatty Spanish food, so the occasional bland food certainly helps my system. I brought loads of teabags and cups so we often enjoy an English cup of tea as well.
Neil’s wants you to know it was 9km of uphill. (Not bad for a 72 year old!!)
Ceri's Blog with Neil 
Sounds like a tough day. Hopefully not too many more hard shoulder routes.
LikeLiked by 1 person