Four Go Down to the Sea

We woke to a reasonably bright morning at Camping Comillas, but the site had seen some rain & the tents were wet. As I packed my gear away sat in my tent, I made the decision that this would be my last night inside her (now then!). I reckon I’ve had it about 15 years & well over 100 erections (stop it!), but the fly has been starting to let water through, the compression bags failed & it’s really too heavy for cycle camping. So, after stowing the rest of my gear, my faithful old tent was rolled up & put in the campsite skip. 

So off we rolled towards Santillana & Santander beyond. Now tentless, my overall weight had dropped about 4kg. Not immediately obvious until rising out of the saddle when the reduced pendulum effect became apparent. 

We retraced the route of our first day, stopping  for breakfast asap, before tackling the very lumpy ride back to the ferry port. I don’t remember it being as tough as it was. Steeper, longer climbs than I remember! Still, the weather was good & it had to be done. 

We did the 30 miles to Santander without stopping & arrived a couple of hours early. 

Bit of lunch then & watch the world go by. 

We rolled through check in & customs & were quickly on the ‘Pont Aven’. 

Showered, changed & in the café before the cars had finished loading. 

Going to feel like a long journey home I reckon, especially as the cabin is already infected by the smell of four sets of very smelly cycling shoes! 😷

So we’re effectively done. I’m informed by those more anal than myself that some of us have done around 950 miles & 18,000 metres of climbing. One of us a little less 🤗

No punctures. A couple of brake mechanicals & a spoke failure..............oh, and something went down on Kevin on several nights. Nevertheless he declared that he loved camping & can’t wait to get away with Dee for a few nights under the stars 🤫

Fabulous tour through a fantastic part of the world, much of it little affected by tourism. 

Many very tough days, but everyone stayed healthy & generally had a smile on their faces.

Another one for the memory banks!