False flats & flies

Another early start, in theory to beat the heat. Some chance. Left the hotel in darkness & it was on the verge of hitting 20° That said it was pleasant enough cycling apart from all the red lights. Inevitably things headed upwards along with the sun. The gradients weren't too steep and on arriving at Lanjaron the high street offered something of a surprise. It's entire length shaded by an length of tarpaulin - flags dotted in for decoration. Would that they could do this up the imminent mountain. Clearly things get seriously hot here. No time to visit the Honey museum, unfortunately. Got to make as much progress as possible by 11. That said at the current pace it was looking likely that I would just be hitting the base of the big mountain pass at that time. 14 miles of up in the midday heat - mad dogs and Englishmen. Qualify for one of those if not a very patriotic one. Satnavs can be something of a mixed blessing - showing the profile isn't great but can't be resisted. Seemingly flattening out with miles of climbing to go provokes hope only to innevitably be dashed. Breaks were strategically placed wherever shade could be found - temp differences being around 10°. Between was something of a crawl - no chance of outpacing the delightful flies. Eventually made the summit which on arrival was 1300m. Following lunch the Satnav had changed its mind - 1280m. Don't think I'd eaten enough to cause a mountain to sink 20m. From here it was the joyous knowledge of 12 miles downhill all the way to the hotel. As they say 'a technical descent' full of switchbacks and hairpins. No chance of silly speeds (that was earlier in the day) God knows how hot the wheel rims got though - fast, brake, fast, brake repeat ad nauseam. By the end my hands were aching. Checked in and promptly plonked myself in front of the aircon. Once some semblence if coolness had been acquired time for a little explore & swim.Read more