Sierra Nevada National Park to the coast, Spain, 2006
Friday: Run to the coast
Friday was a bit like Thursday really...Emilio guiding us on more of the same...the last couple of hours before lunch I was in my element on extremely rough, slow, technical single track...I got through one section and as someone was fixing a puncture I decided to go back up and have another go at it but unfortunately on the second run I managed to almost destroy my gears when I dropped off a boulder and smashed them into another rock (I wouldn't learn, I did the same thing up at Pateley Bridge a few weeks later)...I spent some time straightening the gears and taking a file to them to straighten up the teeth, I can't believe I'd had the bike for four weeks and I was now taking a file to it, ridiculous. I kept misjudging how much my suspension would drop, which meant I kept knocking teeth off the gears, but everything seemed to work ok so no worries!
Setting off from Castarras village centre. The previous night this square was rammed with people all drinking, chatting and generally socialising....and also staring at the pasty white 'gringo'.
First run down the rocky singletrack and I made it through including the two switchbacks like a pro...no dabs required.
Second run through and I dropped off a rock just after this picture was taken and smashed my bike horribly...cue jumping up and down on big ring to straighten it and then taking a file to it!
Aaron having a go at it...
Our guide Emilio showing us how it's done, he's a tubby lad but don't let that deceive you...he knows his stuff!
Mark displaying the signs of (self) abuse
The classic me taking you, taking me shot...why does it seem like a good idea? Mark is watering that tree in the background although I swear it didn't need it.
We were following a famous Spanish cycling route, which was founded in the Spanish Civil War. The two lines indicate that the route was used by the Spanish but the English mercenaries freed it up for the Spanish freedom fighters...hence the white line above the red...probably.
Endless switchbacks, so tight you had to hop the bike around them or put your foot down...you can see James and Leslie following.
Taking a file (bastard cut since you ask) to my new bike...I won that one.
Mark and James fixing another puncture...puncture number 912 to be precise...and that was just on Mark's bike. Note Aaron is once again doing the 'Better check my kit' pose to avoid real work. I have once again gone for the 'Supervisor' role but foolishly this is already being covered by Benjamin AND Theresa, leaving me to look like a work shy berk.
Leaving the village where we saw our first English tourists in a week (and how annoying were they!!), taken by Emilio in transit.
The view during the climb over the Contraviesa mountains...it was unbelievably high and hot...I think I actually shed a skin whilst climbing that mountain it was so damn hot.
James tackling a rocky section towards the end of the morning.
I've met a few dogs in my time, etc. Getting along with the locals (seriously, what's rabies?).
If we ever start a band this should be our album cover.
Nice shot taken by Aaron of the village spring.
The final two climbs of the trip were across the Contraviesa mountains and then, following a break in Alcazar, the last climb up the Lujar Mountain... we were told it would take us about an hour and a half so when we got up it in 26 minutes there was a lot of chest beating and big talking between Mark, James and I and we had a few beers to celebrate, it was lunchtime after all and the temperature was about 37 celcius...Aaron's deraileur broke on the climb so the rest were a little way behind us giving us time to get a few cheeky ales in.
The final climb up to the bar...a monster climb created a monster thirst for lager.
This sign either means 'Warning! Horny cows' or 'Warning! Rhinos with cow boobs'...I can't decide.
Celebrating getting to the top with some good old fashioned chest beating and beer swilling.
Post lunch coffee. Who says we're not civilized.
Benjamin, our driver, here relaxing after the infamous and still hilarious 'Want some?' incident...the funniest incident on the trip! It made men cry and is still talked about. What you cannot see is that the restaurant is packed with Spanish people all wondering what the hell he is doing.
Topping up our bladders...no really.
Spent the afternoon going downhill all the way to the sea, taking the odd picture as we went down the mountain.
James descending the mountain.
Taking a break. The domed building is a 'sheep jacuzzi' according to Emilio.
Got to Castell de Ferro after a really long run in on the road of about 8km's which seemed to take forever...rode across the beach and dived into the Med...couldn't believe it was over already and I seriously can't recommend it enough if you fancy something different. Everyone we met where we went was really laid back and friendly and despite the language barrier they mixed it up with us just as much as we did with them...I think they liked the fact that even if you couldn't speak Spanish at least you gave it a go...it had been absolutely amazing and definitely something I'll be doing every summer now, possibly with the people on our trip as we're already making plans for Iceland next summer and also a 24 team hour event... bring it on.
When you go stupidly fast (a) make sure you have enough corner and (b) watch you don't collide with the photographer.
Joining the road for a last fast blast down the highway to the sea.
Finally, the beach and the Med!
Job done!
Leslie De Niro in the airport on the way home.
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