Ontinyent

We leave Girona and head south, to the Valencia region by fast train, travelling just shy of 250km per hour and get picked up and driven to our next cycling base in Ontinyent, a traditional Spanish town in the heart of the hills, perched high above a deep gorge, an hour inland from the coast at a dedicated cycling lodge.



There was two climbs today, in our first ride for the week, the first was easy, with sweeping bends, super smooth roads, no cars and in no time we were over the top and plunging down into the known 'Tuscany' area of Spain. The ride down however, was very steep, long enough to cramp my fingers on the breaks.  I had to pull over and undo the arthritic locked fingers and relax the wrist for a minute or two.  Don't you just love getting old!! 

Rows and rows of orchards of almonds, fruit, olive's and grapes and more grapes dot the valleys with imposing large White homesteads with electronic entrance gates.  I imagine it would get super hot here in Summer. They all look empty, not a sole in sight.


We were riding two abreast on super smooth quite roads, pretending we were pro's. The major climb of the day was optional, so of course, we head up.  Steady gradient of 6% till the last 800 metres or so, where it pitches to 14% with efforts of 16%.  Tuff is an understatement, it's hot, the road is lined by thick pine trees, so no wind to keep you cool.  This is where I fight with myself, 'what am I doing? I can't do this? Why am I doing this? I'm too old for this' until your at the top, geez thank god for that.......

On the ride back to our base we pass through limestone gorges with inviting swimming holes, I needed a Fanta by now, have no water left, but we must continue on into a strong headwind, and by now, it's hot.  



We arrive back at the lodge, just as more Kiwi guest's are arriving.  It's hot, I look terrible, helmet hairdo, they ask how long was our ride, four hours I say, 'shit four hours' was the response.  They are all wearing ironman/triathlon t-shirts, (they look serious) and we find out like us, cycling their way through Spain then onto the Pyrenees.  

Unfortunately the slow pace of Spanish life is very much in play here.  We didn't start riding till 10am, due to the time breakfast is served.  I will have to change things, if I am going to enjoy this week..








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