Spain 4/29

The documentation on today’s ride was misleading.  It looked like we had a gentle 22 km climb followed by a gentle 22 km descent.  But instead we found 14 km of mostly flat riding and followed by an 8 km climb of 1,800 feet. Then a 8 km descent which was great, especially with the silky smooth road.  Some of the switchbacks were tight but they were not steep so it was easy to control the bike. See the ride here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In photo above Robert and Marjorie lead two Germans up the second switchback.  They will soon be passed. Beany is chasing.  In photo at right, Jan and Brenda celebrate the top of the climb. But no, we weren’t at the top yet – very deceiving.  Below is the view from the coll.

 

We still see cyclists everywhere, at every intersection and on every road.  Jan, Brenda and I stop for coffee at an intersection and probably 50 cyclists arrive and leave while we are there.  Then on the descent, Jan estimates we pass a hundred cyclists who are climbing the hill from the opposite direction.

Tonight’s stay, and tomorrow’s, is  a “farm stay” (agritourismo) way out in the country. The last 10 km on the way to the farm were on a one-lane road through the vineyards, orchards (pistachio?) and uncultivated fields which remind you of the Texas Hill Country.  The picture below doesn’t show how elegant accommodations are. I’ll try to have better photos tomorrow.