Update: Tuesday and Wednesday rides in Spain

[Crankin]

We left Baena after a tour of an organic oliv oil factory. Very interesting. However, by this time my, ah, nether regions (all of them!) were not happy. I religiously applied Body Glide, chamois cream, Neosporin, and was finally able to communicate at the pharmacy at our lunch stop, so i could something for my athlete's foot. Hot weather does not agree with my body, although my riding has been much better than I thought it would be in the heat. I really don't remember much of yesterday, except that DH left me on a descent and I was alone for a long time, which got me mad. Lunch made up for it, though. After lunch, we went on a rail trail for 15 miles. It was flat! When we got to the town where we were staying, there was like an 18% grade cobblestone road to the hotel. I walked up it, as did several others. When we got there, there was an optional ride, up to the top of a ridge... I knew I couldn't do it, at least on this bike, maybe not even on my own bike. DH went up with 4 others and did it. I took a cool bath and put on my compression tights! We had a lovely dinner on the patio of the hotel, but it was hard for me to sit, from my "issues." Slept OK, and woke up at 6:00, feeling much better.
Got out on the road today at 9 AM. I promised DH I would try to listen to his coaching on the descents. I know what to do, but I am nervous; I did do much better, but without a computer, I am not sure how fast I was going. Maybe 40 on the straightaways. The switchbacks still scare me. Today was much cooler (so was yesterday). It's maybe about 83 and a little breezy. The rest of today was all climbing. I mean, all climbing. I have never done so much climbing. The rides each day are about 30-35 miles, but very hilly. There was an extension to add up to 47 miles today, but it was a 9 mile climb, so only 2 people did it. The town we are in (Montefrio) is not that pretty, but the hotel is nice. We are going to eat at the hotel tonight and rest.
We are heading into Granada on Friday.
That's all from the road.

[Biciclista]

wow! you're riding in spain? where is the rest of the story?
if the switchbacks scare you, slow down!!!
sorry you're having issues, but it sounds like you are having fun too!

[redrhodie]

Wow, it sounds amazing! Good job making it up everything. I read your other posts, so I know you can't reach your brakes, so good job making it down everything, too! I can only imagine how scary that must be.

You're not missing much here in New England. Record high temps today, in the 90s. You wouldn't want to ride. It's a sauna.

[TrekTheKaty]

Thanks for another great ride report, Crankin. Jealous

[shootingstar]

Hope you enjoy next few days..despite some hill-climbing. What is the temp. there?

[malkin]

Wow!

[Crankin]

Red, I am not even attempting to descend in the drops because of the brakes issue.

[tulip]

I love Spain! You are quite fortunate. Enjoy your trip and the sherry and the sunshine and the sultry flamenco at midnight!