Day 118: Vinebre (Drive/Cycle)

Following a delayed awakening, it was a delayed breakfast, followed by a drive to Vinebre and a late start to the day's cycle ride: 12 o'clock.

And boy, what a start: multiple short climbs with gradients ranging from 9% through to 14%. Thankfully, the gradients eased and the descent to the Ebro river was fun.

I made a stop here:

for lunch and to take on fluid: it was very hot; there was little to no shade; and my Garmin (navigational aid) was indicating temperatures in the mid thirties °C. Indeed, I was pleased that the route passed through a few small pueblos that offered me with an opportunity to find some shade to cool down for a while and to replenish my bidon with much needed water.

The route was made available by the Terres de l'Ebre Tourism Board and is titled: Battle of d'Ebro Landscape. The final big battle of the Spanish Civil War took place hereabouts: I didn't see evidence of it. Yet, apparently there is much to see and do. Maybe next time! This time I simply enjoyed the ride and the landscape:

I did see this dam (I may have already mentioned that I do like to visit interesting examples of civil engineering, and dams are good examples!):

There was one named puerto (no altitude given but, the Garmin (navigational aid) was offering an elevation of 540 metres:

Also, I may or may not have previously mentioned that I also like seeing interesting examples of industrial infrastructure and architecture, for example:

I think the tourist board's route is very good, on well paved roads with very light traffic. I'm sure that a little prior knowledge about the Battle d'Ebro would up the interest value. Recommended.

Given the heat ..... I was glad to discover .... at about kilometre 10 .... I'd forgotten to wear my cycling helmet! Yesterday, since I was not riding on out of city/town roads, there wasn't a requirement to wear one, today I just forgot to put it on! Two days helmet free, what freedom!

• Distance driven: 31 miles
• Distance cycled: 98 kilometres
• Weather: Hot! (It did cloud over at about 6.30pm)
• Location: Google Maps

Today's route: