Days 11-13: Guadalupe to Zuheros

Our apologies for the delay in updating you, but we've peddled 220 long hot miles over the past three days, arriving late into both Almaden and Montoro. We've hit a heatwave, with temperatures up to 42 degrees in the late afternoons. Combined with headwinds that at times felt like a hairdryer, the need to carry more than 10 litres of water, panniers, and steep mountain gradients we've been taken to the edge of our capabilities. But despite all this, the trip continues to be awesome and will almost certainly become unforgettable. 2 days to The Med, but a tricky day tomorrow to contend with first....

Day 10: 65 Miler to Guadalupe

The day started nice and easy, and we quickly covered 30 miles. After a picnic lunch the temperature rose to 35 degrees and we ran out of water in the last 5 miles. So it was a tough finish, but now showered and ready to explore this beautiful pilgrimage town.

Day 6-9

We're hopelessly behind schedule with this blog. Over the past four days we've covered about 240 miles and rounded Madrid to the west. The weather has changed dramatically to become much hotter. The scenery has been dramatic and we've met some lovely people. Nearly halfway!!

Day 5: Headwinds

We all agreed this was one of the hardest days ever. A cold front blew off the Atlantic so we had occasional showers and only 13 degrees. But worst of all were the 80 kph winds all day. Energy sapping! Quite a struggle, but we completed 65 miles, climbed 4600 feet over 7:15 hours of peddling. Passed through the small but beautiful city of  El Burgo (coffee break) and plenty of tumbleweed strewn virtually abandoned villages. We have reached Condemios de Ariba now, only 50 miles from Madrid, so progressing!

Day 4: hard climbing day

We left our lovely little Hostal near the monastery and cycled 65 miles through gorges and very wild country. Very few cars to be seen. We were out on the road for about 9 hours peddling up more than 6000 feet with our legs spinning around for seven and a half hours, which was tough. Stayed at San Leonardo de Yagüe. 

Day 3: Rioja!

A lovely day cruising through the vineyards of La Rioja over 60 miles. We finished at San Millán de la Cogolla, which has 6th and 11th century monasteries. 

Leaving Bilbao

Here we are on the start line leaving The Guggenheim. Very exciting!