Day 112: Villamanín de la Tercia (Drive/Cycle)

Three signposted climbs today.

The first was a gift on the way to the second. The second being Alto Cuitu Negru, the main climb of the day. However, to reach the heights of Cuitu Negru the route passes within one kilometre of the Puerto de Pajares. So, I took the very minor detour to it.

About 5 kilometres to go to the summit of Cuitu Negru:

The final four kilometres have average gradients of: 15% 13% 15% 10%, with ramps of 23%. Yes, back to crazy gradients again!

There were no signs indicating that the route was closed. So, onwards I went. Having said that, had there been one, I'd probably have ignored it anyway! Just to see how far I could get!

I was making reasonable progress, but had to dismount to cross this:

... and this:

... and this:

Eventually, I did reach the summit. Moreover, although I couldn't cycle every inch of the climb, I'm going to invoke "force majeure" and claim that I have successfully cycled the climb of Alto del Cuitu Negru: I do not intend to cycle it again!

Here's some photos taken at the summit:

Later, as I reached the final climb of the day, I passed through Carmanes:

... on the way up to:

Here's the view from whence I came:

• Distance driven: 25 miles
• Distance cycled: 75 kilometres
• Weather:-
  • General conditions: Fog where I left this morning; sunny at the start of the ride; followed by increasing cloud; some thunder and lightning at about 6pm; heavy rain at about 10pm!
  • Temperature: 18°C increasing to about 21°C
  • Wind (Beaufort): Light breeze increasing to gentle/moderate breeze.
• Location: Google Maps

Today's route: