Fixing What Carries Me Forward

Daily miles: 22.30 | Total miles: 14,385.99

I got up, had a cold coffee, packed my things, checked the wheel on the buggy—and off I was. I felt tired after yesterday and knew it would be a very windy day, but at least no rain. A big plus.

I had to be careful pushing the buggy. Because of the loose screw nut in the hub of the left wheel, it kept pulling to the right. But the wind, the pull, the cold—I just took it with a smile. Walk, stay steady, and don’t mind too much. Just be out here, on the roads of Spain, about to complete my fourth continental crossing. That thought alone carried me. Warmer months are ahead. Just the way I like it.

After 12.5 miles, I reached Zaragoza and made my way to the first bicycle shop on my list. I was so happy to get there. The man inside initially said he couldn’t fix it, but I insisted that it should work with the right tool and that we should at least try. Moments like this remind me how persistent I can be. Sometimes I question it, but it has helped me many times. And today was one of those days.

He eventually looked for the right tool, gave it a try—and it worked. I was so relieved. I asked if he could take care of a few other small things, but he didn’t have the time. That was fine. The biggest problem was solved. I thanked him and headed to the next repair shop on my list.

The wind was wild, but I knew today was about walking, taking care, and getting things sorted. In the next shop, I met Alberto. He immediately understood and said he could help within the hour. “Relax,” he said. But I told him I’d rather stay and help a little. He smiled and said, “You can’t relax, can you?” He was right. I don’t like leaving the buggy in someone else’s hands.

While he worked, changing a wheel bearing and the front tire, Marissa—his mother—spoke with me in Spanish. Before I left, she handed me some traditional homemade pastries. A beautiful family business, full of warmth and generosity. I left feeling incredibly grateful, hoping these repairs would carry me all the way to the Atlantic—and maybe even to the finish.

After that, I stopped for a coffee to use the restroom, organize the next steps, and figure out where I would stay. Then I made my way out of the city. The wind hit me head-on—dust flying everywhere, stinging my eyes. It became a continuous, gentle challenge, step by step.

But today was a shorter day. And eventually, I arrived at a hotel right along the road. Some more organizing, some daily tasks—and here I am. Almost done.

Some days are about pushing forward. Others are about fixing what carries you forward. Today was both.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea