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| Joe, Doug and Dave, l-r |
The best way to prepare for one big adventure is by doing another.
With that in mind, Dave, Joe and I rode our fully-loaded touring bikes around a 128-mile loop of mostly-gravel roads near the tiny town of Cass, W.V., earlier this summer.
The three-day shakedown ride, with 10,690 feet of sometimes-steep climbing, was not easy. The temperatures in the 80s and 90s and elevated humidity levels were uncomfortable at times.
But though we suffered one flat tire and a couple of minor stomach issues, all riders demonstrated that they we were up for a bigger challenge.
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| Sweet gravel |
Spain’s 624-mile Via de la Plata pilgrimage route, which we are hoping to ride over 20 days this fall and are training for now, features some comparable terrain.
But the Via, though longer, should be easier in important ways. On the Via, we won’t have to carry camping gear or food because we’ll be sleeping and dining inside. The weather also should be a lot nicer in Spain in the fall.
Next stop: Sevilla! Si se puede!
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| Pinch flat |
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| Had to push one section |
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| Greenbrier River Trail site |
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| Break time |
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| Camp Allegheny start |
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