DAY 1 THE JOURNEY BEGINS!

With the disappointment of no 2021 America behind me, now at the start line of my next adventure, I’m warming to the hastily arranged alternative – bikepacking down through mainland Spain thanks to Komoot & an old Map.
Gear changes: Since being rear ended in Yellowstone, for on road stints I’ve double up on rear lights & reflective stuff, Headlight is upgraded to an Exposure Toro mk12, plus battery backup to deliver up to 72hrs of light between charges & will give me daylong on the trail if I ever need it! My tent is now a carbon fibre job, super light, robust, with good headroom. – may be overkill for Spain in September & with my preference for comfort, it may not get the outing it deserves this time round but should get a useful trial.
Christine was, as ever, incredibly supportive – including driving me to Plymouth for the Santander ferry a 10 hr round trip for her!
Being a cyclist got me to the front of the queue & was first on board giving me lots of time to explore Pont Evats empty restaurants, bars, shops, pool before the crowd.