Paris Dakar Stage 20 to Cazorla

Stage 20 of 60, day 24 of 71: 116.2 km, 2026m, 5:25, 390 shifts, ave speed 21.4, max speed 60.4

We’ve now done one third of the stages of Paris Dakar. It feels strange but if we look at the map of Spain and find Cazorla, we’re getting toward the southern part. I slept really well again; at some point in the night I pulled out my sleeping bag and put it over me. It was just starting to get light at 7:30 when I got up. Breakfast was normal at 8, then I helped load the trucks and we were ready to go by 9.

After riding up to the campground entrance we turned right and immediately the climb screen popped up on my Garmin telling me I’m starting a 12 km climb of 659m. But the air was cool and I really didn’t mind it. It was beautiful at the start and only got better. I was proud to make it in just under an hour, even though I was going easy, conserving leg power for another long day. At the top we were up over 1400m again, with long beautiful views. This part of Spain is just great.

We had several more climbs and lots of glorious downhill as we made our way along the route. Ype texted and said he was only going 25 kph so don’t expect lunch before 1pm. We came to a small town with a fun looking bar that was open and did as he said, took our time. We had a few rounds of refrescos, relaxing on the deck.

Finally it was time to go, more downhill to an interesting dam holding back a lake that needs more water. The route then followed the lakeshore but up quite a bit, and partway through we found lunch at 66 km. It was getting hot now, sitting in the shade was vital. And I did not forget the electrolytes! The only sad thing was Dick’s derailleur breaking – Ype went back to rescue him but he will not be able to ride tomorrow’s stage.

After lunch there was one more big climb and we decided to just ride to it and do it non-stop. The idea was that beers would taste even better if we weren’t too soft. We rode through a resort town at the bottom of the climb, then cranked back up to over 1400m and stopped on top at 100 km for views and peeing.

We went partway down the descent but noticed a fancy looking hotel with an amazing view. So we pulled over and ordered a round of Clara (radler – beer mixed with lemon) which came with a very yummy snack: big balls of potato/tomato/onion/salted fish. It was so cool and wonderful looking out over the valley, olive trees growing everywhere. We ordered a second round and it came with Spanish cheese with olive oil dribbled on top. Simple but delicious.

From there it was a fun descent to town, and I was in charge of finding a bar for more beer. We got to a nice looking square but it had two bars and I had to decide. I picked the one that looked like it had better shade, not even noticing its best feature: a fountain where we immediately dunked our heads. The beer here came with potato chips with anchovies on top. That was not bad either!

We rode a couple more km twisting through town, then up some tiny roads steeply to the campground. There were grassy spots for the tents, soup was ready and many snacks were out. I immediately went for empanadas and soup, olives and more. I threw my tent up and went for a shower. Then a bit of time, poolside, to write before dinner. Dinner was the typical feast with a surprise for dessert (cake). I had a video call with Katie after dinner, she was walking up from the beach in the Capitola sun.

Today we have another Rider Profile. This time it’s Suzanne Stack. I already featured a photo of her headtube with its “Do Epic Shit” badge. To give you and idea of what epic means to her, this year she rode her bike from Vancouver to Halifax, packed it in a box and flew to Paris to meet us and ride to Dakar. She has many more huge trips planned, like the Silk Road.

How old are you Suzanne?

63

Where are you from and how much of this crazy adventure are you riding?

I was born and raised in Washington, D. C. and live In Arizona since 1985. I’m doing the “Full PD”.

Tell us about your bike…

It’s a Lynskey titanium R150 with 25mm tires. Gears unknown, I think the best climbing gear is a 32 or maybe 34 [doesn’t matter to her, she just goes!]

What do you hope to get out of Paris Dakar? Do your friends think you’re crazy?

I signed up for S. America [Andes Trail, 4 1/2 month hardcore ride] & it changed to PD. My friends would think I’m crazy if I stayed home.

Thanks Suzanne. For me it’s inspiring to see so many strong women like you doing this tour.