Day 122: Gernika-Lumo (Cycle)

According to the weather forecast there was a five to twenty-five percent chance of rain. It one-hundred percent did not! However,the conditions ranged from overcast, to fog, to sunshine and cloud, and back to overcast!

The first pass of the day was El Balcón de Bizkaia ...

Here's a photo taken at the pass:

... on my way up to Monte Oiz (1026 metres) - about 2 kilometres to go!

Glad to see that someone has made an effort!

Here's the climb profile:

I can confirm that the final 5 kilometres are tough! But, the first fifteen are relatively easy!

Here's some photos taken at the summit:

Mustn't forget the masts!

From monte Oiz it was mostly downhill to Durango. Where the next climb started. The early kilometres are more rolling up and down, followed by a sustained 7% -ish climb to Muniketagane.

What I didn't realise was my route had me turning off of the climb approximately 700 metres from the climb's end!

Obviously, before returning to my route, I went off-piste to the summit!

Then it was just a mostly downhill run into Gernika-Lumo, for the final 922 metre climb up to the car park and my van.

Another good ride, with just 4.5 kilometres of hard climbing; but well worth the effort.

• Distance driven: 0 miles
• Distance cycled: 76 kilometres
• Weather:-
  • General conditions: See above
  • Temperature: About 14°C increasing to 20°C
  • Wind (Beaufort): Calm increasing to gentle breeze, before easing again.

Today's route (updated to include "off-piste" event)