Fighting the headwind

---

Geo: 37.0194, -4.56288

Hmmm.... the ride profile today didn't look too intimidating... but there was a surprising amount of climbing... around 1,200m in 70km and the really strong headwind made it a real challenge. In one particular part of the climb we had about 500m of a tailwind so we could get our speed back up to normal and then the switchback turned and literally we all came to a grinding halt it was so strong!

Nevertheless the route was mostly very scenic...although we did have our heads down a fair bit whilst battling the headwind.... I guess seeing a wind farm in one of the valleys should have given us a bit of a clue!

Lunch break was in the very attractive Parque de Ardales by the embalses (reservoirs). The water was an amazing blue and it is a very great spot for all water sports. It is also one of the entry points into the Camino del Rey which is a suspended hiking path pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro (so popular after it reopened in 2015 that you have to book a time slot).

Only 9 people decided to push on after lunch with the rest opting to escape the wind and be transported the last 30km to the hotel. Again, more climbing than anticipated... made even worse by the wind. Our group of 4 riders made an executive decision to bail out of the final 10kms of uphill - and got picked up by the shuttle after a very respectable 72kms.

Our hotel is the beautiful Convento La Magdalena - a 16th century convent that has been converted to a hotel. Fantastic old oak panelling everywhere and a labyrinth of rooms.

---

Comments

[Anne]

I'd be there - not battling winds and bikes!!

[Anne]

very ernest!!