Day 59: Serón (Drive/Cycle/Drive)

After breakfast a drive to Gergál brought me to the start of today's ride. One that I was very much looking forward to. Especially as the weather was just about perfect for the ride I had planned. It was dry, sunny, there was very little wind about, and what there was, was cooling.

The first time I rode to the Calar Alto there was freezing fog, it was windy, with a temperature of about -1°C, and I became very very cold! The second time it was a little warmer, windy and I needed to wrap up for the descent - it was still cold! Today, it was about 17°C on arrival and when I re-mounted my trusty steed, after taking some photos, the Garmin (navigational aid) was indicating a temperature of 22°C, and the wind, on the Beaufort Scale, was light aires! Third time lucky!

Whereas, on previous occasions, I was keen to get away from the Observatory, today I went for a wonder. Indeed, I had the place to myself!

Here are today's photos:

The first being a middle of the road effort! Taken with about 6 kilometres to go and a further 380 metres of ascent:

The next is arrival at the pass of ...

... where you turn off to climb to the puerto of Calar Alto (Elevation: 2,152 metres)

Nearly there!

Arrived:

Three for the price of one and a bike resting (can you see it?)!

And finally, snowy capped mountains:

Then it was time for some descending. The road isn't very well maintained but, mostly it is okay. I enjoyed it. (I would suggest for your first effort, do this route in reverse ... the descending will be on better made roads).

After returning to the van, rather than remain in a rough and ready car park, I drove up towards collado Vent Luisa, for post ride grub, coffee and biscuits. Also, because I was at an elevation of about 1,850 metres, it was cooler. And, it was on route to Seron.

All-in-all, a very pleasant and enjoyable ride, and day!

• Distance driven: 45 miles
• Distance cycled: 58 kilometres
• Weather: See above.
• Location: Google Maps

Today's route: