Cycling in a desert in a heatwave - hmmm

The starts are getting earlier - not that it does much good. The sound of the wind rattling the shutters didn't bode well. Thankfully it wasn't too bad & I was braving a range of dodgy turns that could end up track like. Took in a monument to the spaghetti westerns & you could see why this area was chosen. I later found out that it is the only desert in Europe. Not a good idea in a heat wave. Some turns were just ignored for the good of mine & my bikes health - detours = extra miles = bad but better than punctures. Hoped that one detour would miss out the big climb - it did not. For good measure acooling pre-climb swim - didn't help. Good views from the top. Proceeded to battle through an undulating route - which by the end even the smallest of pimples were being tackled in 1st or 2nd. Took another swim but while it was very nice - the faff of getting changed meant I was as hot afterwards as before & the sand was baking hot - felt like my feet were frying - I imagine. Very relieved to get into Aguilas. Chinese food & rehydration salts the order if the day.Read more