Much to my surprise and pleasure my neighbours quietened down to nearly zero sound at 11. Obviously earlier would have been perfect, but be thankful for small mercies.
The route today was predominantly down there were still a few ups in there.
Winding my way through 1000 olive groves. On the borders of Castile la Mancha and Andalusia. This is the olive growing region of Spain 🇪🇸. This is where I trolly put my only olive fact. Spain produces more olives than the next three countries (Italy, Turkey, Tunisia) combined. That’s a lot of olives. Anyway, to my advantage I find the olive tree layout and general aesthetics particularly good. So I ride with a smile on my face.
I stopped early for breakfast.
The route is adorned with statues/pictures of the Don.
I had lunch at about 1.30. It was good.I stopped here for a breather. Lovely, although a little neglected.A few more pics of the way. I felt a bit too tired to carry on so have opted for the olive grove wild camp
The sun is still blaring down, its still as hot as hell, it seems early but it’s nearly 7. I’m thinking of bed and sleep now.
Daily Disasters: Saddle broke, new saddle was a pain, no hotels available in Albacete. Too much gravel for these tyres. Really noisy neighbours. I only turned on the dot thing ¾ through the ride.
I woke to my alarm at 6, ate a little breakfast in my room and was out the door at 7.
I abstained from having coffee at the first town, but could help myself in the second.
The road was flat and the riding easy. Rushing through towns, hardly seeing them. They are a bit nondescript. So I just pushed on until I got to Albacete. As I got into town I headed for the first bike shop looking for a new saddle, it was closed down, the second not open till Monday morning, I checked, all were closed till Monday, except 1, i rushed to it and after a bit of discussion i bought a saddle. Big shout out to Mammoth Cycles well just for being open.
I was still a bit tired from yesterday so I decided to call it a day. I tried Bookings.com. But they had nothing available, hmmm that’s peculiar. I went into a hotel and asked for a room and the receptionist told me the whole town was booked out due to a festival. Grrrrrr. I had to make a decision quick, so I decided to ride on. I had marked a campsite, it was 130kms from the town I started from best I get a move on, only 70kms to go.
As I left town I popped into a supermarket to get a few food supplies.
My Road route took me straight onto the Don Quijote Route a gravel path.
The path is quite tame so I continued. 20 kms later I a big cross on the path told me it was closed, I could see no explanation but moved onto the road that ran parallel to the DQ route.
I’m not particularly sure this is the best way to break in a new saddle, but some of my old nerve problems returned. I continuously squirmed in pain on the saddle for the next 5 hours. Looking forward to tomorrow.
The last 15 kms I was guided onto a gravel path, with more appropriate tyres this woukd have been great but I took it slow. Eventually arriving at the campsite at 6.30.
I put my tent up, showered, the campsite is in the middle of a national park, I was hoping for peace and tranquility, my neighbours are playing music full and one of the kids persistently blows a whistle….. its going to be a long night. 😪
Daily Disasters: Turned up a csmpsite and it was closed. I noticed my saddle is ripping and in need of immediate replacement, here hoping tomorrow in Albacete.
I have started wearing my eye mask at night. There are always lights on in campsites and always in my eye. So far it’s been good.
The alarm woke me at about 5.30. I felt quite sprightly, leapt up. Packed and was up and riding by 6.46. Hmmmm either I got up later or I took a long time to get ready.
The first turn took me into a bling ally, I hoped this wasn’t a sign of things to come. But it was easily remedied. The first bit of the ride was riding through Valencia. Such s great city to ride through. Bike paths, cars stopping, generally seemed. Like a system working.
Then out to Torrent. 10 mins after that I was into countryside. Today Komoot showed how good it was, the route was fantastic.
It’s tough to stop and take pictures when you are enjoying yourself so much. I chased a couple of road cyclists up a small rise, my comedy effort was worthy of Dr. Gerguri. Then climb after climb. I felt strong so the climbing was a pleasure. But the descending was spectacular as well.
At breakfast, I think my third a guy leant across and asked if my bike was an Open. I was thrilled, he’s the first person to recognise it.
I saw a cyclist with bikepacking kit, but was going way too fast for me to catch up.
Lunch was a big roll with omelette and ham oh and cheese and tomatoes, yummy. That was at about 2. I probably should have stopped for longer but time was pressing.
After lunch the road climbed high, my legs were starting to feel it bow. But I dipped into a valley, a town at the bottom. I sat down for a snack and some water from the fountain. When I got going again I discovered this beautiful water wheel and leisure area, wish I had discovered it earlier it would have been better than sitting on the curb.
Then to road rose steeply with obliterated road surface. It was a long snd tough climb.
At the top I entered a small town, found a fountain. And lying having a siesta was the guy who sped past earlier.
He was Itslian living in Valencia and restores bikes… He didn’t recognise the brand of my bike, and hadn’t heard if it 🤦. We started together, I made the schoolboy error of trying to follow, i wilted fast.
Was into the last 15kms to the campsite but I was flagging and had to concentrate to keep going, eventually rolling to the front of the campsite only to discover it was closed. I should have put my tent up outside. But I didn’t I rode to the next town and found a hostal.
My campsite was great last night beautiful flat gravelly pitches. And across the entrance it advertised cycle friendly. And all for the princely sum of €12.
I travelled fast today there was only one hill and that took me through a beautiful woodland area.
Then just the other side of Sagunt I found myself on this road, taking me nearly into Valencia. Big shout out to Sagunt vicinity for a great job
I rode past my eventual campsite for one a little further on, only to find it was a a motorhome park with no facilities. A u turn found me back at the exorbitantly priced Camping Sandaya Valencia. It’s big has great WiFi a pool, entertainment for the kids and loud customers. And particularly unflat muddy pitches.
Then at 9.15 I discovered my tyre had deflated a bit. Despite locating where the hole was I found it difficult in inserting the worm and had to resumption the tyre up a few times. Eventually I got the worm in. And left it at that. Here’s hoping it’ll be OK in the morning I’m hoping for an early start.
Oh the joy if waking up in the sunshine. Packing up quickly. Because I have so little I seem to use everything every night, of course I have a system.
I had a little fruit before I left. And rode out just after 8am.
I was so lucky today my touted wound through quiet countryside with very few cars. And the scenery is to die for. Olive groves abound, so many places to stop and relax, I wish I had brought my coffee maker. I 5ook no scenery pictures today, I was just revelling in the joy of what I am doing. 😀
Then it started a little smattering of rain. I rode on, it got a little wetter, I stopped and put my Shakedry on. Soon after I rolled into Les Coves de Vin Romà a marked was happening but slowly packing up. I bought some bread before I saw the chicken van. I was dragged in like a rat up a drainpipe.
And as i was sitting there the heavens opened and torrential downpour started, a river flowed down the road
Luckily I was under a cover sitting on a bench eating my chicken and potatoe. I waited long after the food had gone.
Jumping up to get on the bike in what I thought was going to be a short break in the pouring. But the rain then held off. The last 20kms was undulating, the road was crappy but I like that and so beautiful winding, zero cars to the sea.
The campsite was signposted. Still it seemed like threatening rain but it held off.
Tent is up stuff is drying slowly. I’m feeling strong but realised I need to eat s bit more substantial food to fuel my journey.
I sat in the campsite and had a little late afternoon snack
Posted on
Daily Stats
Distance: 88kms
Elevation: 793 m
Time: 4 hours 10 mins
Speed: 21.2
Daily Disasters: I hammered a tent pegs into the ground unfortunately additionally into a tree root. I tried with all my might to free it but too no avail. I left it there.
I left the camping at about 7am. A bit later than anticipated. I was looking for a cafe for coffee and croissants. 90mins later I rolled into a small town. Sat down ordered the C and C and immediately it started to pour with rain, perfect timing. Now it’s going to be hard to get out again.
Eventually a lull in the rain I set off then moments later it started to rain and continued to rain till way into the afternoon. I was wet.
I rolled to a campsite. It is one of those places that the music stops and people turn and look at you as you enter. A cheery Hola and all is good.
I put my tent up had a shower then lay down and listened yo the rain on the tent.
I thought I had hardly ridden, but 4 hours and 88kms is a bit of distance.
The rain has been pretty miserable and seriously demotivated me. Pretty sure a couple of days it’ll be a bit sunnier.
Here’s hoping Levi remembered to pay the last camping.
Daily Disasters: I was told I could not pay for 2 nights beforehand and was not allowed to leave before 8am. 🤯😡
I know you missed me yesterday. But I got to the end of the day and was just too lazy. And having a day off today, why not write today.
The day was flat and cruisey. I was hoping to pump out some good Kms. But the weather was rainy in the morning so I stayed in bed till late, by the time I got going I was a bit non plussed, so decided to not go too far and to have a day off.
After 50kms I started looking for a campsite there are so many down this coast, but that makes choosing tougher. The differences are spectacular, offering so much but not what I want. Eventually I lucked out, the site was on the beach.
As I was checking in I asked to pay for 2 nights. The receptionist said no you have to pay on the way out. I explained that I leave at 6 am. She said I couldn’t. I ask again still no. It is at this point that my mind gets a little red misty 😡. I just cannot fathom why they cannot take the money in advance. But there was no budging…. I’m sure by this point my attitude didn’t help. But how stupid are they grrrrrrrrrr. But I will ask later today and see if I can persuade them to take my money now.
Eventually the explanation was that to leave at 6 getting ready to do that starts at 4am or 5am and that’s unsociable to the other campers. We did find a solution, with Levi paying them my money in the morning.
One of my greatest touring pleasures is to be up and riding early before many people are up. Empty roads are such a pleasure.
Coming up (mid August) I have a middling important birthday. So I have been in discussion with Stayer I know it’s early but things take time to order then make. I think I have come to a conclusion as to which wheels I want. To a layperson, of course, they are just wheels, but to me they are heaven sent.
I met Levi, he is cycling to Hungary. I’m really excited about his first long trip abroad. Flew from Bristol to Valencia. We shared a meal and spent a long conversation, another of my pleasures, talking the night away. Good luck for the rest of the trip.
Daily Disasters: I bought way too much and too expensive cheese.
I know, you gotta be careful pronouncing that.
Barcelona is s spectacular city. I made a beeline for Picasso museum always a joy, many of his lesser known works but still great.
On the way back to the hotel I was enticed into the big Central Market. Of course there was a cheese shop and ivspent so much. 🤦
I also bought a new knife to replace the one convescated in Civitavecchia.
The route of course went through Barcelona, travelling south. I left the hotel at about midday. Close to the sea but seldom close enough to see it. Flat and pretty uninteresting. I onow there will be nore interesting rides later on.
I rolled into a campsite forgetting to check it out and forgetting it is Saturday. Lots of weekenders. Lots of noise.
I do have a few days spare and I’m trying to decide what to do with them?
Daily Disasters: Security took my small penknife broke it when opening it then told me it had to be binned. Luckily they didn’t find my tent pegs 😲.
I’m real pleased I did the short ride yesterday to Lake Bracciano. The campsite was pleasant. I went out for a meal which was delicious
I’m glad I had my last proper meal then rather than in Civitavecchia. Leaving a port I’m always stressed, and I do find big port towns a bit sleazy.
I awoke late I didn’t sleep too well, first time this trip.
I went straight to Bracciano town and jumped into the first patisserie shop, it was the most expensive but really delicious.
Then finally found a supermarket with some suntan lotion. Smothered it all over and started my ride. Seriously getting hot now, and starting later than usual at nearly the hottest part of the day is no fun.
I messaged 4 hotels in Barcelona to ask if ok to store my bike. I arrive late on Friday night so no time to get to a campsite.
Finally I got to see the sea on Italys west coast.
There was along the way a few kms of gravel.
Then into Civitavecchia.
Always a final ice cream.
I did meet a a couple of women riders who had ridden from the Netherlands. No pictures 🤷♂️
The port is a mess with practically zero signage. I went to 3 places before I got to the terminal, of course getting increasingly angrier. But finally success.
I got on the boat. Demanded that my bike was put in a safer place thsn just leant against a wall in the garage, history has told me this is not good. 😕
I got to the seated area 1st person. I sat next to one of 2 plugs for the 200 seats and saved it for myself. Then put my sleeping mat on the floor between the seats and went to sleep.
I tried to get up later, I really did try. But at 6am I woke. An apple a Kiwi fruit and a cerial bar for breakfast. I was up and riding by 7.30. 30 mins later of course I was in a café having coffee and a croissant. That safely tucked away I got on the road for real.
Oh hiw once again was cursing Komoot, the road was so busy, cars, lorries ypu name it hammering past me. But we wound up a snakey climb and
Such a beautiful town of course I bought a spinach pie
And a pizza that I eventually had for lunch.
The road was quieter after that as I moved off rhe main road.
Another georgeous town.
Hmmm early or late
Eventually I got to Lake Bracciano. The first campsite had booming music and was €25 which I thought was a bit steep. The next 10 kms away was quiet and €15.
They told me I’d lose weight by touring. I believe Italy has failed me in that endeavour.
A Couple of Days Ride Outta....... 