2 min read Spain Winter/Spring 2026

Day 106: Ponferrada (Rest Day!)

I did not plan to have a rest day today, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

Firstly, the weather forecast was indicating that today would be a marginal day for cycling, especially at the summit of the day's planned climb (feels like temperatures of about -3 to -1). But, I'd check again in the morning.

Secondly, working on the principle, "why do today what you can do tomorrow morning", I thought I'd adjust, the not shifting as smoothly as it should, front derailleur, tomorrow morning. It's only a "two minute job".

Come the morning, the sun was out and the temperatures were low; about 6°C when I went to adjust the derailleur. That's when I discovered the cable had started to fray, thus, causing the poor shifting. Meaning that the cable would need to be replaced. So, replace and adjust it I did ... then I adjusted the brakes ... and cleaned and lubed the chain ... and checked the tyre pressures .... and, last but not least, I gave the bike a clean! Phew! it was now about 1.30pm. Time for lunch.

It is now coming up to 3pm, up until now the weather has been good for cycling, and I am currently sat in the laundrette; clothes are in the washer, and I'm writing this blog post!

Weather wise, it turned out to be a good day for cycling. In the end it was bike maintenance, laundry and I'm not sure what next! At least I have a ready to ride bike again and, in about 15 minutes time, some clean cycling gear!

Given the better than predicted weather conditions, I was a little disappointed that I didn't go cycling this morning. Whilst returning to the van I was pleased not to have gone cycling after lunch: in them there hills and mountains is where I would have been cycling!

The photo was taken as I was returning to the van from the laundrette!

  • Distance driven: 0 miles
  • Distance cycled: just enough to check gear shifting kilometres
  • Weather:-
    • General conditions: cold sunny start.
    • Temperature: 8am about 3°C, this afternoon about a 16°C feel like temperature. Cool gentle breeze.
    • Wind (Beaufort):