This is the 11th tour I have ridden in Spain. I would say that todays ride sites in the top rides I have done in this country. The weather was great and not too hot. The views were amazing. and to wrap things up, the hotel at the end was really nice. Lots of climbing but I was suitably recharged after a rest day at the Parador.
For those that do not know, the “Parador” is a chain of hotels which are located in very old and historical buildings. My first trip into a Parador was in May 1994 during a yacht trip from France. After nearly being sunk due to mechanical failure, we pulled into Ferol on the north coast of Spain where we stopped in the Parador, a former naval wardroom.
The Gredos parador a 4 star hotel is the very first Parador established in 1928, so nearly 100 years in business. I have found that in tour, a nice hotel like the Parador is a real treat, and surprisingly affordable in some locations if stopping during mid week.
Like many countries, Spain is a proud nation where you will often see the national flag flying in most cities, towns and villages. This flag was in the Gredos hills just outside one village. In the UK, we need to rescue the Union Flag from the thugs and display more like other countries. Sadly all we seem to do is strap Temu flags to light posts with zip ties and allow the whole collection to quickly get tatty. We need to stop doing this as its letting the UK down!
So, I am more than halfway up the major climb for the day. Over 1000m of climbing overall. After a good hearty breakfast, I was able to haul myself + bike up the hill with a small number of stops to take photos. The gradient was perfect so I did not even need to get off the bike and walk!
The picture above is looking back towards the south. I am about 120m from the top at this point.
At the top, 1909m possible the highest point for this ride. According to Garmin GPS at the end of the last leg, it reported that I had acclimatized to 500m. Since leaving Santander, I have been mostly above 600m.
This is a view down from the top. I will be filming as I drop down to 1,200m
The top of the hill is very popular with hang gliders. A very strong smell of Weed when I arrived. I assume the pilots were going to be high whilst being high!
And down the hill, a short pause to look back up to where I started. If you zoom in you can just about make out the mobile phone mast close to the view point.
Once into the valley, I have a few KM of easy riding on a slight downhill incline to El Barco d’Avilla. Nice small village with a castle. From here, its 10KM to Solana d’Avilla where I stop for the night.
The rural hotel is amazing and great value for money, Like many of these Casa Rural places, great food is served by friendly staff (Possibly the owners). So it was perfect to round of an amazing day with a cool beer and a fat juicy homemade cow burger.