Day 43: Altea (Drive/Cycle)

A view from the descent from La font de Partegat:

Last night I was attacked by mosquitoes! I managed to euthanise two, but only after they had inflicted seven bites to me: four on my balding head, two on my left, inner, forearm and one on my knuckles. However, l was aware that there remained one more in the van that evaded my attempt to bring about its early demise. So, rather than waste time trying to hunt it down, I deployed the mosquito net over my bed and "turned in" for the night.

When I awoke I was mindful that a mosquito lay in wait so made sure I covered my body from head to toe before executing my usual morning routine. Whilst in mid breakfast making I spied the mosquito resting on the underside of the rear cupboards: it was dispatched forthwith!

Fortunately, the bites on my head are not itchy. Unfortunately, the ones on my arm and knuckle are overly compensating for this! It is noticeable that none of the bites were itchy whilst I was out cycling today. Perhaps, that was because my body was busy suffering from some tough climbing today! But, as soon as I returned to the van, the itchiness returned with avengence.

In recent days the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana cycle race has been taking place. Stage two started in La Nucia ...

... and ended 166 kilometres later at La font de Partegat (Elevation 1040) ... So I thought I'd give it a go! No, not the whole thing: "just" the climb to La font de Partegat! Here is where the road ends:

Oh my, on the way up, there were some expected steepness and some very unexpected steepness. Especially on road CV70, which, in hindsight, shouldn't have been unexpected given I'd previously made a very rapid descent on it two years ago.

Maxim of the day: if the descent is rapid then the ascent will be slow or, perhaps, sluggish on a bad day!

• Distance driven: 16 miles
• Distance cycled: 60 kilometres
• Weather: Blue skies all day!
• Location: Google Maps

Today's route: