With echoes of “I am only riding 36 miles a day” ringing in my ears I set off for a tour of Spain in October. I joined the Adventure Bug tour group along with15 other cyclist, our tour guide-baggage handler-bicycle mechanic-jack of all trades Matt and our mascot Ruby. We met in Sevilla and 160 miles later rode into Granada Spain. We stayed in Sevilla, Palma Del Rio, Cordoba, Juheros, Alcala Real and Granada.
A real added bonus to this trip was each evening our very informative guide Matt took us on a cultural and historic tour of the towns we visited. In Palma Del Rio we heard of the connection to California missions in Spain. Several California missions were also named after Spanish missions.
We also got to ride on the Via Verde. Throughout Spain there is abanded railroad tracks that have been turned into packed gravel bicycle trails.
On our rest day Matt led us on a rugged four-mile hike thru Subetica National park to the “Bat Cave”. In the Bat Cave we saw cave paintings that were 20000 years old. To add to the rugged hike we had to walk down 350 steps and up 350 steps in the cave itself. And this was our rest day!
Along the route we got to see much of the history of Spain and to meet many friendly, helpful, kind Spanish people who directed us on our way. Leaving Cordoba I was directed to the wrong road. It was easier than riding Foothill Expressway as the Spanish drivers were very courteous and calm staying well within the posted speed limit of 48 miles per hour. I also had a wide, smooth shoulder to ride. Along the way I stopped in Santa Cruz for lunch!
Our lunches were taken at a Tapos bar along the route. Dinners were a culinary delight as we tried many Spanish and Moroccan dishes. I loved the Spanish Gazpacho, orange Sole, Iberian ham and lamb meatballs. Breakfasts were usually served at the hotels where we stayed and varied from toast and coffee to cereal and yogurt.
In Cordoba I had the experience of being locked in my room with no telephone. I hung out the third floor bathroom window until someone appeared on the street. They sent someone to unlock my door for me.
For October the weather was cool and bicycle friendly. We did have one day of pouring rain (but which trip has not).
In addition to the bicycle portion of this trip I spent an addition 2 days in Madrid and at the suggestion of club member Janet 2 days in Sevilla. On the extra days I spent time touring the cities and taking in the history of the area. I was trying to find the tour bus in Sevilla when I asked an older Spanish gentleman for directions. Since he spoke no English and I spoke very little Spanish he took me to my bus stop. He also, thru an interrupter, offered me a personal tour of the Sevilla bullring.
Since we were riding hybrid bicycles and there were several rolling hills this ride was a challenge for me. So my assurances to my boss that the riding portion would be easy came back to haunt me. The countryside was lovely to ride thru
After 12 days on the road and sounds of “Gracias” ringing in my ears I returned home. It was a great trip and I hope some day I can return to Spain and get to see the things I missed this trip.
Almaden Cycle Touring Club - November 2006
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