Day 11: Layover Day in Guadalupe

May 3, 2023

A layover day! Rest or ride was the first decision to be made. Our route options were either a 39k loop or a 107k loop. Well, the short route had too much climbing in it for a rest day and the long route was too long. But the geology on the long route was something we really wanted to see. We opted to ride out to the first village on the long route and then ride back. It was perfect!

But first we had to retrieve the tandem. The bikes were parked in a locked garage about 300 meters UPHILL from the parador. And its a cobbled street that we needed to climb. Up top we were surprised with the flowers and view.

Chuck wheeling the tandem back down to the parador because we have to return the key before riding off.

The ride was great and started with a climb followed by a fantastic long downhill. We found ourselves cycling through pines, sweet chestnuts, cherry, holm oak, and olive trees.

The hills are full of rocky crags now. There is a series of parallel rock ridges like this one.

The crags remind me of a blunt saw blade - all jagged, but not pointed.

This time we stopped at the top of the main climb to read about the hermitage that was close by and then we saw this sign. We are so happy that the tour director hadn't told us about this ride option. I fear we would have tried it and then be sorry because the next couple of days are going to be long.

Up here there was a trail head for hikers - great signage.

Looking down upon Guadalupe before we begin the descent.

La Puebla where pilgrims would fall to their knees in thanks at the first sighting of Guadalupe. They were now very close to seeing the Virgin Saint.

Once we were back at the parador and the bike was back in the garage up on the hill, it was time to explore the Basilica de Santa Maria and the Monastery. The basilica is open to the public, but the monastery is a guided tour in Spanish and no pictures were allowed past the courtyard. We turned on Google translate and sort of understood pieces here and there from the tour. It was stunning inside!

The main alter with the Virgin of Guadalupe

Up close look of the Virgin. During our monastery tour we were able to touch her talisman. We are no longer allowed to kiss her because of Covid.

The choir chamber - the acoustics in the basilica were terrific!

The doors to the basilica were 3 times taller than Chuck.

The colors today were spectacular - greens and blues.

There is a horse parade happening in town tonight at 8 pm. We made sure we had tables at the cafe on the corner of the plaza that the horses will be coming through. 8:30 and still nothing, but the Civil Guards are on the corners. 8:50 the action started. However, the horses aren't parading. They are racing up the street, across the stone covered surface of the plaza and up the street. They came in groups of 2 or 3 at a time. Now we know what the guy was doing with his horse last night!