Number Seven

Puerto de Las Palomas

Got a prompt start & took the direct route to Algodonales, stopped for coffee on the main square which, at 9am was packed with folk enjoying breakfast or a drink in the warm November sun. Many were clearly locals and I was struck with how happy and relaxed everyone seemed. Zahara looked to be an attractive place and I flagged it for a later visit. The came the climb over the Puerto de Las Palomas which was long but not as steep as it looked (sections of ‘only’ 12%). I enjoyed the climb especially the absolute silence, no cars for an hour and wonderful wild countryside. This climb is up there with Sa Colabra on Mallorca, similar climb but no cars, buses or other cyclists. The descent was quick and I was soon in Grazelama sitting in the sun drinking coffee. The next section is the E372 through shady cork oak forest.  As I didn’t want to arrive at Montecorto until later I took a detour towards Ronda then over the Puerto Llano, this was a bit tougher than expected, quite a long climb and in the hot afternoon sun. This led to very different open farming country with long climbs and swooping descents, the one back to Montecorto being particularly exciting.  I returned my bike to the good people of Andalusia Cycling Experience and my ‘director sportive’ Kathryn was waiting so we…..went for a coffee, before returning ‘home’ where beer and cake were waiting.  Another superb day.

Date; 17/11/2015

Route: Olvera-Algdonales-Zahara-Puerto de Las Palomas(1157m)-Grazalema-E372 & A376-Peurto Llano-Montecorto: 

Country: Andalucia,Spain

Distance: 55miles

Time on Bike: 05:20:02

Average: 12mph

Max: 41mph

Ascent: 6051 feet

Average Temperature: 18 Celsuis

Wind: no wind