Day 73: Pueblo Salinas (Cycling)

Some very good cycling was had today. First was a visit to the dam at the Cuevas del Almanzora Reservoir. More on that later!



Then it was an excellent climb up to the Cerro del Cucharon Antenas. A 10 kilometre climb with an average gradient of 7% and many steep ramps: the final 900 metres have an average gradient of 10%.

The only concern I had when I embarked on the climb was the sign prohibiting entry without permission to proceed! I should have photographed it, it is a rather impressive sign. Anyway, working on the assumption that it is better to ask for forgiveness than to ask permission, I sallied forth somewhat concerned that I may find myself in trouble. That is why, after a few kilometres, I was glad to see some cyclists coming in the opposite direction. Phew, time to relax and enjoy! the climb.

It is an excellent climb, although in some places the road is: in poor repair; strewn with fallen rocks; or may have debris accross it due to flash flood waters. The surface for the descent was better but, not perfect, so care is still needed.

The most important aspect of this climb is that since access is restricted there was not a single motorised vehicle on the road for the whole length of the climb and descent. Fantastic!

I highly recommend this climb.

The fun didn't stop there! Later on in my ride, and unbeknowst to me,there was a short section of off-road that had to be traversed, which effectively joined two different roads: the AL-7106 and a minor road from El Pinar. As I was riding on this unpaved road I noticed there was a blue line that bisected the road on my Garmin (navigational aid). Obviously, given the amount of rain that Andalusia has experienced recently it did cross my mind that I may encounter water! And I did!

So it was shoes and socks off time, before crossing this stretch of water (thankfully, it was only ankle deep)! Well, it transpires that this water feature is in fact the Rio Almanzora that goes on to feed the Embalse Cuevas del Almanzora. Damn, who would have thought it?

All-in-all a most enjoyable ride, with added water!

• Distance driven: 0
• Distance cycled: 81 kilometres
• Weather: mm T=18°C, early afternoon mid 20's C - the Garmin was indicating 34°C in the sunshine at the Rio Almanzora as I phaffed with shoes and socks!. Wind: probably 2 or 3 on the Beaufort scale until early afternoon when the wind speeds started to pick up. Late after gusting at about 30mph. But now, at about 21:00 all is calm again.

Today's route: