Day 20: Denia (Drive/Cycle)
From the outset, today was to be a moving-on day. However, it nearly wasn't! After breakfast I went to start the van only to discover that once again Stupid Dave had been at it once again! He'd allowed the vehicle's battery to discharge below its ability to start the van. Idiot! Less than sufficient sunshine over the previous days and then last night thinking the battery capacities would be okay until the morning! But, clearly not was the morning's reality!
Fortunately, Clever Dave had purchased a Noco Battery Jump-Starter. Unfortunately, it took Not So Clever Dave quite some time to recall/workout the location of the vehical battery's live and neutral terminals (the van has an internal battery with terminals in the engine compartment).
- The neutral terminal is clearly marked and visible;
- The live is not clearly marked: to is located to the lower right of centre, and resides behind a black cover that needs to be opened - I used the shaft of a small fork! [Note to self: add photos!]
- Once found, the live and then neutral cables of the Noco Jump-Starter (recommended) were attached to the battery terminals.
More time was lost as Not So Clever Dave refreshed his memory as to how the jump-starter worked - he eventually recalled that:
- The van's immobiliser needs to be deactivated by turning the van's key one click in the ignition;
- Then wait for about 30 seconds;
- Before attempting to start the van.
[I appreciate that many will not be at all interested in these details. However, given my age, my declining memory storge capacity and, hoping that by the time when I next have to jump-start the van, as I experienced today, so much time has passed that I need to teach myself all over again the required process. Having detailed the process here, all I need to do is bring up this blog post to get a reminder! I simply need to remember I've written this post, and have access to the Internet! What could go wrong with that?]
Phew, the van started! The drive to Denia helped to recharge both the vehicle and leisure batteries.
I'm currently parked-up by the beach in Denia:
Given all the morning's phaffing, I didn't set off for today's rest day recovery ride (as yesterday's ride came to an end I was knackered!) until midday-ish. Given the delayed start, my route only had me cycling 66 kilometres (about 40 miles).
I did pass through a small pueblo called Llosa, which the Greenwich Meridian also passes through:
I did cycled down the Vall de Lliber, which I cycled up yesterday: at the high point of which this metalwork can be found (and has previously photographed by both me and others):
Very good ice cream was had at Bico de Xeado in Arenal (recommended). A reward for staying calm when battery disaster (almost) struck!:
Then, on the way back to the van, I was surprised to see this yacht washed up on the rocks (on top of the headland, which can be seen in the background of the photo, there resides a lighthouse!):
- Distance driven: 15 miles
- Distance cycled: 66 kilometres
- Weather: Cloud and sunshine of varying degrees. T about 13°C
- Location: Google Maps
Today's route: