There was so much to see today that we stopped numerous times enjoying every moment of our tour. That is not to say that we did not do much riding as we rode close to 55 miles but with lots of opportunity for some rather killer climbs averaging around 9-10% in elevation topping out in a few places at 15% grades. Of course by the time we hit those it had warmed up significantly making the climbing even more fun.
We stopped at a few rupestrian churches in the morning. The term Rupestrian means that the churches are literally hewn out of the rock face itself. Quite a site to see. One was small and lovely and the other was quite primitive and conveniently located at the top of an 11% graded hillside.
We also saw some of the worlds largest vultures, quite a site sitt no at the tops of the cliffs. They are called "Griffins" and soared high above us.and they are said to have wingspans of over six feet.
We toured through the valley roads surrounded by tall cliffs. Simon our tour guide described this as the Grand Canyon of Spain, it was truly breathtakingly beautiful.
We stopped for coffee at the small village of Orbaneja del Castillo and was almost like being transported in time to a fairytale village - so quaint and colorful!
Lunch was at yet another village and we were served a tomato salad that was over the top delicious - the tomatoes were grown by the proprietors father-in-law.
Overall we were treated to spectacular views, incredible scenery and some extremely difficult and challenging climbs. All of us are doing well and I will admit at a one of the steeper climbs, I even got the off and pushed for a few 100 yards and my friend Mary Margaret who is a bit older than me rode the entire thing. She did give me a neener-neener at dinner time as she reveled in her accomplishment and my lack thereof.
I must say that one of the best things I have with me is my Garmin that kept us on track at many times on the ride. Let me know more than a few times when we were off course.
Posted with Blogsy
2 comments:
Pictures are great. looks like a wonderful bike experience. very nice blog Thanks for taking me along
Well, it's a darned good thing you have the Garmin since you don't have Bob to tell you where to go. I love the story of Mary Margaret basically giving you a "raspberry"! Stay safe!
Post a Comment