Australia is at the bottom of the World

We wanted a longer ride today and David our host, did not disappoint, 107km with 1800 metres of climbing through National Parks, gorgeous towns on a bright clear sunny day.   Breakfast is served at 8am and we have choices of cereal, porridge (my favourite) with fresh fruits, pastries, eggs if you wish, hams and cheeses and beautiful fresh stoneground breads.  

Once we had our fill and slipped a few extra calories into our jersey pockets, our group of 6 set off.  

We have 11 climbs to do over our course, the first comes early, Alt Del Portell, 837 meters to get our hearts going on super smooth roads, absolutely no cars.  We see signs everywhere, that two abreast cycling is permitted on these roads, that's a first .

We are in the Serra de Mariola National Park and it's stunning.  Rocky walls layered of limestone to our left, drop offs into gorges to our right. How good are these roads, undulating easy riding, we are just blown away with how smooth they are.




We pass through fertile countryside, farmers out tilling their land and would you believe?? A purple tractor.  A quick stop for coffee and bread and the mandatory 'Fanta' in preparation for our remaining two climbs in the last 40km or so.  
Two ninety plus gentleman in the cafe struck up a conversation with Fiona, I join in, 'have no idea what they were saying' but told them I was from Australia, and they indicated with their hands, that Australia was at the bottom of the world.  Yes I nodded and one gentleman proceeded to hand out small stickers, of 'Pena ciclista CANALIS' with three little graphics of cyclists on it.  I am understanding now that these gentleman use to be local riders.  They bid us farewell with a smile and chatting away.

Gorgeous tiled apartment block in the street heading out of town to our next climb, Canalis d'Onil, a long  climb of 1015 metres up and over a pass, quite tuff but have to slog on, suck on those sweet jellies, I like to let them slowly melt under my tongue.  The climb takes us from dry, rugged limestone rock walls over  into a valley, lush and green. Total opposite views.

Just one major climb remains.  Port d' Moro, it's also long at 8km and I find this one tiring to say the least as it comes around the 85km mark.  I really have to just focus on my riding, spinning not grinding (that's too energy draining) as I am light, not strong, so no rocking from side to side, no wasting energy.  

Be efficient, I tell myself, relax the shoulders, relax the hands, I lift my fingers off the handle bars, just resting the palms to keep me steady, lean into the hill so I use my leg and butt muscles.  'Do a Demi' I tell myself.  (Pro cyclist climber I admire) It works, I am over the top and screaming down the other side, wide sweeping turns (no tight switchbacks like Mallorca) and its wonderful, I love it.



Wind was around, buffeting at times, particularly cross winds coming down steep long decent of high passes, us lightweights get buffeted around by strong winds, but we make it down safely.  With around 10km to go we have a tailwind, and a strong one at that, to sail us home.

Great day, beautiful riding conditions, wonderful great company, feeling blessed I am here and able to do what I simply love to do.  





Thanks to Jenn, for sharing your great photo's.



 

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