Everywhere this winter.
We have now been at Camping La Rosaleda for two weeks and the rain has been fairly non-stop. There have been a couple of nice days but even then, temperatures have been cold with wind-chill even colder, driven by a wicked northerly wind.
Monday was a dry day so I decided to head east on the bike. The route to Trafalgar is all on a dedicated and separated cycle path and I understand that this has been extended a few more kilometres to the coastal town of Barbate. This would be a long ride and there are some steep inclines between Trafalgar and Barbate as the road (and presumaby cycle route) heads inland and through the forest.
Let’s find out…
Leaving Trafalgar, the cycle route is still a bit of a mess through the village of Los Canos de Meca. However, once you leave the east side of the town, a fairly new cycle route makes it’s way inland and up to the top of the cliffs.
It was just under 30km to Barbate and I knew the last few had depleted my battery dramatically. I hoped I had enough power to assist on the route back.
After stopping for refreshements along the sea front I set off on the return leg. This time I had the full impact of a northwesterly wind and despite deploying my final layer of clothing, it was a horrid ride back. To add to the delights, my battery ran out prematurely on the outskirts of Conil. At least the remaining journey warmed me up somewhat!
I’m guessing the bike battery, which is some 9 years young, is approaching its end of life. Time for another upgrade.
Recent upgrades to the bike have worked well. A new wide-range cassette on the rear, brand new Shimano Deore rear-gearset, chain and new shifter. Also, a lightweight bike rack to replace the cheap and cheerful topeak seat-post mounted one. Finally a proper system fit for purpose – all based around the absolute best in class Ortlieb system. And some new USB C rechargeable lights, direct from AliExpress.
Whilst I was visiting Barbate on the bike, Moe went out with the ladies walking group, clocking up some 15,000 steps.
Later in the week a customary visit to my favourite DIY store – Leroy Merlin and the Carrefour at neaby San Fernando. Managed to buy loads of stuff we definitely didn’t need from Leroy Merlin.
Friday night was another communal meal with brother and sister Flamenco and guitar act taking to the stage. We’ve seen this couple before and they are very good. Both the guitar playing and the Flamenco dancing.
And that’s really the highlights of Week 2 at Conil de La Frontera in the province of Cadiz in Spain.
Still seeking that opportunity to be able to liberate the shorts and vest top.