JBST Camp Day 3

Day three had the longest bike ride of the camp, a estimated 5 hour ride up the Tabayesco climb. I wasn’t really looking forward to this one, and had considered giving it a miss, but, based on how well the previous two days bike rides had gone, I decided to give it a try. The ride was again led by Phil.

The ride to the base of Tabayesco took about 1:30, and we stopped for refreshments from the support car at the bottom. Once we were fed and watered, the 10k climb began. The climb isn’t particularly steep at any point, but it is long, starting off following the side of the hill, then consisting of a series of switchbacks to the cafe at the top. About half way up, I stopped to give my spare tube to a couple of Germans, one of whom had punctured, but had no spare. Once I eventually got started again, I wondered if they’d had a pump – as I found out at the top, the answer was no!

I completed the climb in just over 50 minutes, having made the sensible decision to stay behind one of my team mates for the climb. Total climb, according to my Suunto was 585 m. Average HR was 171 (85% Max), Max 187 (95% Max).

The return ride to Club la Santa started with a 30 km or-so downhill section which was most welcome after the climb. Going through the middle of Teguise was interesting as the road we went down had the local market on it, but Phil led us down it regardless, dodging the shoppers!

Total distance 88.32 km, 4:12:20.