Friday 9/15 we were back on the road for the next route from Pamplona to Estella. Now better equipped with directions and alternate routes for bikes. This portion of our route is 48.5 km with a net elevation gain of 870 meters. The terrain also changes drastically, becoming dryer and more agricultural with many vineyards and farms. The towns ahead are rich in history and reflect so many cultural influences over the centuries of immigration as well as wars won and lost.
The town of Cirauqui is literally at the top of a hill and boasts its fair share of former residences for the medieval nobility and the beautiful church fortress of San Roman with its arab-influenced arched doorway, remnants of the Muslim culture during the reign of the Moors.
As we applied the lessons learned from our prior bikepacking route, we took more breaks, especially between ascents. And we were able to find alternate paths with either paved roads that were not as busy or firm paths that avoided rocky terrain. Pace really makes a difference. You can’t expect to always run at breakneck speed and have the endurance needed to reach your destination.
And our destination being the beautiful city of Estella along the Ega River did not disappoint. A site of one confrontation during the Carlist wars in the 19th century (a series of civil wars fought over claims to the throne and political differences) it is steeped in history.
And last but not least, we enjoyed our first paella in Spain. Our family has a long tradition of making paellas for special occasions and I would dare say, tends to be very particular about the texture, taste and ingredients. Well, it is only fitting that where we chose to enjoy this delicacy would be the namesake of both Tom’s mom and sister. And again, it did not disappoint. Thankful for embracing a better pace that enables us to enjoy the destinations along the journey.
