Algerciras to Torreguadiaro via Gibraltar - 59km
There was a bike path in the city that abruptly ran out like most bike paths do. Then it was the A7, a massive motorway. As the first off ramp loomed I stopped, hopped over the guard rail and was ready to bail while Trevor waited, not so patiently, for me to get it together! The rd split into 3 lots of 2 and we needed to be in the middle so we had to first, get across the off ramp, go up 200 metres and then get across to the middle lanes. Cars everywhere going on and off really fast. Then another cycle tourist came along so I watched what he did and felt a bit more comfortable. We dismounted before each on/off and waited until there was a gap, sometimes quite a few minutes, then crossed to the shoulder. 10 on and offs before we got to the Gibraltor exit. Cyclists are permitted on the autovias if there is no alternative. Not fun but I did it. Cycled all around Gibraltor up to the top and through the tunnels and then headed up the coast to Torreguadiaro, a bit more on the A7 where we stayed the night with the vivacious Mandy, a fellow cycle tourist who has also pedalled around Myanmar. Great evening of dinner, wine and laughs complete with a wood fire, yes it is chilly on the Costa del Sol. The next morning Mandy had to go turn off an alarm on the 9 million dollar power boat/ super yacht that she is the skipper of so we had a look, Wow! Then she drove us to 'Decathlon' a chain store where we bought a new tent and some warm clothes. Finally to the supermecado to get food supplies and then we were off, starting our days ride at 4.30 in the afternoon.
Torreguadiaro to Jimena de la Frontera - 35 km
Easy country rd ride to a campground on the edge of a national park. An old Castle on the hill top. Restaurant and bar on site. A couple from Gibraltor invited us for coffee the next morning and gave us two fold up deck chairs so they are strapped to the back of Trevor's bike, they are great! But I am not going to carry them...
First day on the TransAndalus - Mountain bikers check it out, 2000 km around southern Spain, the ethos is 'off road' Detailed instructions for every province and stage with places to camp or stay along the way. Taking in the most scenic places. We intend to do a mix of trail and road.
We started at the end of the Cadiz province.
Jimena de la Frontera to El Colminar - 40 km
Gorgeous ride through the Los Alcornocales Natural park on 4 wd tracks, passed a few walkers and day bikers and freedom camped above El Colminar. Lovely gall and cork oak trees along the way. ( photo) Absolutely freezing overnight!! We had a visit from a cute little bushy tailed fox advert set up camp but it didn't stay around long enough for the photo shoot. Then some wild boars dropped by just on dark.
El Colminar to Jimera de Libar, 44 km that took most of the day.
Down into the village for coffee and the daily fresh baguette, filled our water bottles at the fuente, (fountain) so nice not having to buy bottled water, then an 8 km steep climb on a quiet rd, stopping to let the cattle pass, then the turn off for the trail. Another tranquil trail and farm track ride finishing being the only occupants of an enormous campground.
Jimera de Libar to Ronda 37km
We took the rd here, very little but oh so courteous traffic, winding up into the hills and visited the Pileta caves halfway along. They are famous for the 30000 year old cave paintings, people make special trips here to see them. Quite amazing, had to wait an hour and a half for the tour then another hour going through.
The numerous small towns here are known as the 'white villages' Tourists come here to walk or drive between and around the villages, they are very quaint. Cafes, bars restaurants and many places to stay. Numerous caminos, (walking tracks)
A big climb into Ronda at the end of the day, more food shopping then onto a lovely campground 7 km out of town. Next day we took our bikes in to the bike shop for maintenance, new wheel for Trevor, brake pads, cables etc then wandered around Ronda across the famous bridge and down into the gorge. Stunning. Saw the bull ring and bull fighting museum. Enjoyed an afternoon beer with an Irish couple.
Put my order in for fresh croissants to pick up at the campground in the morning, yum!
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