Day 76: Antigua estación de Navalagrulla (Cyclo)
A very interesting, eventful and enjoyable cycle was had today by me!
Due to the previously mentioned road and via verde closures the early stages of the ride were on main roads. Fortunately they had a small hard shoulder, which made riding a them a little less hazardous than the main roads in the UK. Also, in general, there were fewer vehicles, which also helps.
Obviously, having yesterday seen the damage that was caused by the storms earlier this year I expected to encounter more evidence of the storms' destructive power.
In the first 23 kilometres the only damage I encountered was this road, with its new bypass:
At 23km I arrived at El Gastor where I met this gentleman:
On exiting El Gastor I was confronted with this sign:
PROBLEM! My planned route had me travelling on the CA-9113 all the way to Setenil de las Bodegas;
... about 19 kilometres away! The question was whether or not to continue. Having already considered that my path was likely to intersect with potential road closures I'd already decided that I'd ride on regardless and, should I be forced to make a u-turn then so be it.
So onwards I went.
Here are some photos of the major road damage I was fortunate not to be thwarted by:
For all you superstitious folks, given I was riding on what was supposed to be a closed road with the number 13 present in its road number, I was lucky to have reached Setenil de las Bodegas without my progress being blocked. Result!
I was surprised to discover that Setenil de las Bodegas is a bit of a tourist trap.
Now, as I exited the pueblo there was a sign informing me that the road ahead was closed. Surely I was on a roll, and my luck is not going to desert me now! So continue I did.
By passing the closure barrier, I shortly thereafter came across a little old lady that, I assume, was advising/instructing/babbling to me NOT to sally forth! Which obviously I ignored! Well, it wasn't long before I encountered this:
Not to worry, I thought, they've nearly finished. Just a wee bit of tidying up to do, and I'll be on my way! Moreover, the junction to the main road is only 50 metres beyond these road works.
Well, shortly thereafter, the "boss man" appeared. Following some chat with his work colleagues, he drove over to me and, and from his tone, I got the impression he was none too pleased by the fact I'd ignored the road closure sign! I gave him a "Lo Siento, pero" and pointed to my Garmin (navigational aid). Okay, he said, on you go, but be careful (in English!). So I, Mucho Gracias'd him and, relieved, cycled onwards with care!
Little did I know, that shortly after the road junction, there had been another landside. And much of its debris was still blocking the road!
Here's a photo I took looking back after I'd crossed over the blockage:
And another taken further away, where you can see from where the landslip originated:
Definitely, I was lucky to have be given permission to proceed.
I was only to encounter one more road closure, but that came after:
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passing through areas where further storm flood damage could be seen;
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after taking this photo with Olvera on the horizon;
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passing through:
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Cycling through Olvera:
Then, just I was about to descend from Olvera, I encountered the penultimate road closure sign. I stopped to consider whether to sally forth or not, when I car slowed and the driver said "es no problema". I mucho gracias'd the guy and followed him down the hill! As we sped down on a fairly steep incline, I did think to myself, "I hope he isn't kidding me, because I don't want to have to climb back up this road"!
But, thankfully he wasn't. And I soon arrived at the final road closed sign, which I new I could ignore, because the clisure was beyond where my van was parked.
A very enjoyable and eventful day out on the bike!
It is now 25 minutes to midnight! Good night!
- Distance driven: 0 miles
- Distance cycled: 66 kilometres
- Weather: Sunny, some fluffy white clouds in the afternoon, T's up to about 25°C, light (cooling) breeze.
Today's route: