Day 4 Diary

Stage 4 – Burgos - Carrion De Los Condes 23/09/2006 - 110Km

Distance 61 miles (99km). Feet climbed 1,920 Cyling Time 5 hrs 5

First on the agenda was a short visit to the cathedral for a group photo.

Suzie un-ashamedly adds powder to her drink

Gerry reluctantly cedes the lead off to Barney

Group Photo at Burgos Cathedral.

Turlough has a "Road to Carrion" conversion after a profound conversion with an old holy Padre.

Then on the way out of town, Gerry tried to emulate his consultant by taking a slow speed tumble from his bicycle. However, his style was poor and he only managed a very badly bruised apple and a barely grazed knee. The cyclists now got under way down a busy road into the teeth of a gale and coffe was taken early at Tardajos. Shortly afterwards, the first sign for Santiago was seen.

First sign for Santiago

1st Coffee stop of the day and Mairead thinks a banana never tasted so good

The group stopped to have their "passports" stamped at the convent of San Anton. As the group entered Castrojeriz for lunch the rain started. The lunch was a rustic Basque-style banquet which all greatly enjoyed.

Lovely covent, but the roof needs some attention

Canal locks en Route (you would think Larry had never seen one before)

The train approaches lunch, still dry

Stephen, turbo boost on max, easily gets the jump on Paul, who mutters "when I get my new gears in Leon..."

Mairead starting to enjoy the run and laughs at Turlough's talk on the power of prayer

Basque-style soup at lunch

Turlough can't believe that Larry doesn't pray three times daily

Gerry tops up with Irish Epo at lunch stop

Turlough grants Mairead absolution for her sins as they set out in rain after lunch

When the key for the bike locks was eventually found the cyclists got underway in driving rain which persisted for over an hour. And Carrion De Los Condes has little to attract the passing visitor. The Hotel was located just out of town and difficult to find. Our hotel was in a converted Abbey and had faded elegance with an impressive Cloister Area where a Spanish wedding reception was being held.