We left Tudela late, about noon. First we went to a ferretería (hardware store) to buy a screwdriver, flat washers, and combination padlock that we could use to lock our things in at the albergues. Dennis tightened all the screws loosen on the trail by the canal, then he cleaned the chain of sand, oiled it, and adjusted the seats. I am lucky he is so skilled in bicycle maintenance.
We followed the Camino out of Tudela. The first 12 km were paved, then the next 8 km were rough dirt roads. The pot holes were large enough to swallow a VW bug–definitely not fit for touring bikes. The road followed the railroad tracks and we passed acres of artichokes, pear and peach orchards, and recently plowed fields. Again, the north wind made pedaling difficult.
Once we arrived at Castlejon and discovered that there were no roads out of the town except for the N-232 (the national highway) and the Camino (more dirt roads). Frustrated, we called it quits and took the train to Logroño (about 70 miles away.)
Spanish trains have a special compartment for bikes. All we had to do was push the bikes onto to the train and then hook them on the mounts. Easy.
Once we disembarked in Logroño, the station had elevators large enough for the bikes. Thank goodness. I could not see myself on the escalator with the bike.
After 
settling in at the albergue, we walked around town, mailed something home (from the tobacco store which sold us an envelope and stamps), saw the cathedral, and then went out to eat.
We were early at the restaurant and had to wait about 20 minutes to get served. I was ready to eat my arm, not having eaten since breakfast. I dove into fresh, crusty bread, which took the edge of my appetite. I had fish soup, lamb with artichokes, and rice pudding for dessert. Everything was nicely seasoned and we left sated.
The restaurant, for those who might go to Logroño, is Cafe Moderna Bar. I highly recommend it.
i hope you have a nice visit in Logrono. there was a drunken festival going on when we got there and i could not wait to leave. i do remember a great lamb dinner though.
Sue, We were there in 2011 during the wine festival. Since we could not sleep because of all the noise, we only walked 1 km to a campground La Playa to recoup. Too cold for camping, at least for me. (34 F)
Hi Dennis and Jane,
Hadn’t had time to read many of your posts before, but read some of them today. This sounds like a very difficult journey–more so than walking the C de S! The Portuguese route should be a “walk in the woods” in comparison. Congratulations on your accomplishments as you go onward and upward–winds allowing!
We’re busy doing last minute packing for our next Chemin de Saint Jacques hike. Leaving tomorrow and will first spend 5 nights in Paris (fattening up?!?), then make our way down to Gran Lemps and start walking toward LePuy. This is a new section for us. Since we have more time than needed to do this 100-miles or so, we will then head north on some trail or another toward Lyon (but not have time to reach it). This is, of course, if all goes according to plan, which as you know, is never a certainty.
Buen Camino and thank heavens for husbands that can fix flat tires, etc.!
Susan, Sounds like you have a nice trip planned also. This morning in Logrono it is 34 F (4 C)…quite chilly for the bike. Hoping it will warm up by the time we are ready to leave.
Buen Camino to you and your hubby.
I hope you found your way easily from the Logrono train station to the hostel. When I had to walk from the station to the cathedral in May2011, it took me almost two hours and I was pointed in the approximate direction by at least eight friendly locals and then a very helpful man walking to work accompanied me to the cathedral to make sure I got there. In Oct2011, my walking mate and I were trying to walk from the cathedral to the train station and it took at least six friendly locals to point us in the right direction, and finally one very helpful man put us in his car and drove us there because it was just too complicated to explain to us! I hope it is clear sailing (or cycling) for you now that you are on the Camino Frances! Buen Camino!!
Mary Lynn, As we left the train station, I got very good directions from a police officer and we had no trouble finding the Camino. Last night was the first time since we started the Camino that we had other pilgrims in the albergue with us. Glad I brought earplugs.
You are both courageous to do this journey. Wishing you two safe travel.
Thanks Lil for following along. We will try to be safe.
Jane and Dennis,
I just had a chance to review your travels. It appears you are making your way nicely at this point.
Dave,
Thanks for following…progressing a lot slower than planned. Biking in Spain is so hard!