Category: Spain 🇪🇸 March 2024

Now I know how good my tent looked in my last blog but unfortunately I failed to consider the rising sun. My spot was possibly the last place to get the sun.

I did unfortunately make an error, Brett warned me but I ignored him (as usual) I do realise he is invariably right. I took my closer to summer travel quilt, he told me the winter one would be better. But less bulk always seems to win in my head. Suffice to say I have been shivering at night.

I got sorted and was on the road at 9.30, immediately stopping for coffee then get some food supplies. Fully loaded I was on my way.

Bit of industry,  bit of agriculture,  lots of lemons, lots of cherry blossom, an abundance of olive trees.

The last 15kms was up, I had to stop multiple times, not because of unfitness, but the pain from the saddle is excruciating, these things are sent to tey us.

I woke before my alarm set for 8am… I’m trying to be relaxed. But the greeting of this magnificent sunrise 🤩😍. I had breakfast then set off for Fortuna and a coffee, toast and tomatoes. The road was slightly undulating and perfect. Minimum cars oh the joy.

Then the route turned off the road and onto the Camino de la Cruz de Caravaca. A gravel route for the rest of the day.

I aimed for a campsite in Bullas but after the frustration of yesterday I did not pin all my hopes on it being open. My worries were needless, the campsite open, l had to wait for a receptionist but he was friendly and helpful and at €8 a pop you can’t go wrong with that.

Shower, not the best but eventually warm and I’m clean, clothes are washed and hanging up.

I woke to my alarm, 7am early for Spanish standards it seems. But I had a few errands to run. Hair/food/pump tyres.

The hostal cafe served me a coffee and Tostadas y tomates yes of course with olive oil and garlic. It really does come close to beating porridge as the breakfast top spot.

I got some food supplies. Then as can be seen I had a little trim. It’s one of my traditions to get a shave and my hair cut when I get to a country.

Then back to the hotel and pack the bike up, it always takes time. I cruised to a motorbike shop… they always have a generator. Reason why I struggled to pump up my back tyre was the valve core was ill.  I’m reasonably organised I have 3 or 4 spares. Pumped up like a dream.

Then off I pootled. Nice and flat, new saddle still undecided 🤔. Real pleased I put in the suncream, smothered my face and arms in it.

I started to feel a bit knackered, I had selected a campsite but still 20kms to go. Minimum an hour, the last hours ride the scenery changed for the better, I’ll try to get a picture tomorrow.  Finally I got to Fontaine, it’s a spa town. But I get to the campsite and its closed, the next one is full and the 3rd really was only a parking lot with zero facilities.

Luckily I found a water tap and filled up my bottles… I really need a bit more.

I retraced my route and searched for a wild camp. Discovering a few motorhomed I sort of pitched near them. The howling wind made it hard to put up the tent (it’s subsided now).

The only blight is one of the motorhomes is blaring out music. So disrespectful. 

Phew I’m in need of some sleep.

After my tough decision to cancel the Saudi ride I decided to hold fire for a month and try to relax… and stuff.

These weeks are peculiar. I become extremely demotivated and the rain and ice curtailing any riding doesn’t help my mood.

Loneliness and apathy seems to permeate much of my time.

It’s a source of great emotional uplift to have my brother and nieces….and great nieces close and their efforts to involve me in their lives are sooo appreciated. 

And touching base with some of the guys at the Glasgow Green Cycle Club has also helped.

I followed some advice.  Check in as late as possible and you will likely get a seat at the front of the plane. I checked it at 4.15 for my 7.30 flight and got seat 1b, 1st person off the plane.

Simon arrived at 4.50 this morning,  both of us looking pretty jaded. Chucked the bike box into the car (could have fitted another 2 in there). We were at the airport by 5.15 and I had dumped the bike and through security by 5 30.  Thanks Simon so much for the lift.

Straight through customs at Alicante Airport. Collected bike despite being guided to the wrong baggage belt, there was a moment or 2 of panic.

I trollied the bike out of the terminal and proceeded to put my bike together in front of the 100 taxis

They must have been amused as I went off on a rant as after pumping my tyre up the pump extracted the valve core and the tyre deflated.

10kms to the hotel.