Paris Dakar Stage 16 to Albarracín

Stage 16 of 60, day 19 of 71: 121.9 km, 1505m, 5:31, 375 shifts, ave speed 22.4, max speed 58.7

The numbers don’t tell the whole story today. We got started after breakfast around 9. The first 10 km was ok, then a pretty strong wind picked up. We had a couple of climbs, totaling maybe 800m, all into the wind. Going downhill was better but still with head or head/side wind for a long time.

I had a moment of luck, coming to a corner where we had to turn completely into the wind, right at the time Wytze and a couple of others were starting. I managed to catch them (hard) and was feeling pretty good drafting. We were holding about 17 kph. Then Rob cruises up, sizes up the situation, and takes the lead. Now it’s 20-21 and I could not hang.

Daniel and I rode together for a while and had a very nice food stop at a little bench sheltered from the wind.

From there it was another 12 km to lunch. Ype had a great spot, sheltered by the edge of a forest. All good things come to an end and we had to set out again, now with more people. There was a small town around 75 km where we caught Andrew and we detoured in to a bar where we had drinks and snacks. Anyway, we eventually made it to town; I was pretty flamed. We stopped at a bar for beers and snacks, very pleasant.

Then the last bit up to camp. A shower was first and it was great. Then soup, snacks and a nice call with Katie at home to raise my spirits. After a short nap, I gave my bike to Ype as the headset was loose again. It’s warm and cozy in my tent to write this before dinner.

Dinner was excellent as usual. Just a few of us still on holiday (according to Rob, if you’re wearing shorts you’re on holiday but if pants are required, then the expedition has started.)