Alison and Alison and the art of re-tyrement

Cycling from London to Spain

Day 39 León to Astorga

Distance 34.3 miles

Ascent 392 metres Descent 350 metres

Temperature 19 degrees

Today started with a bang. Alison fused the lights in our Hostal bedroom whilst making us an early morning cup of tea.

This well used item has made cups of tea in rooms all around the world and never caused a problem until today. Should this follow the panniers and the Kathmandu bag?
Mainly flat today with tomorrow’s challenge looming over us.

We made slow progress today as much of the route was on the walker’s unmade road. The bikes are unsteady on this surface and we need to concentrate on staying upright.

The 300 metre medieval bridge at Hospital d’Órbigo.

It had to be done. A visit to a bike shop in Spain. We are both having problems with our brakes and as we have big climbs tomorrow we needed to get them sorted. José at Liébana Bike repaired both bikes.

They weren’t the only thing needing sorting. Alison’s 16 year old cycle shoes finally fell apart today.
Alison was planning to tape her shoe together. But here she is with José, the bike shop owner in her new shoes. She left the old ones with him. She is thinking about buying some new socks.
More culture. The Episcopal palace in Astorga built by Gaudí.

Brakes and shoes sorted. Tyres pumped up and we are ready for the big climb tomorrow.

Level 11 cyclists need their rest.

Goodnight.

alisonmiddleditch

2 responses to “Day 39 León to Astorga”

  1. chrisincarshalton avatar
    chrisincarshalton

    Our real worry is that you may have upgraded Al herself by the time you get back. But a word of caution Alison. She may have new panniers and new cycle shoes, but unless the tea making contraption is impounded, no Level 11 cyclist is safe!

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  2. Malcolm avatar
    Malcolm

    Hope you’ve collected lots and lots of Camino stamps on your way. Otherwise when you rock up in SdC no-one will believe you’ve cycled from England with lots of brand new bits and pieces, handle bars, brake systems, panniers, shoes, etc..
    On your return UK Customs will clock you as bike smugglers.
    Maybe you should have kept all the broken bits as proof. If you asked nicely I’m sure Utrecht man would have carried them for you.

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