May 2, 2023. Trujillo to Guadalupe. Distance 55 miles Elevation. 5,290 feet

This was a long hard ride. Fortunately there was just enough cloud cover and breeze to make it more manageable. Lots of very long, steep, windy ascents with very steep windy descents. We skipped the first town at 19km ’cause it was too soon for a break. At the next tiny town 39km the only place we found was closed. By 79km we finally found a small town with a market where we filled our water bottles.

Although the climbing was steep the terrain was changing as we head north. There were lots of very old olive tree orchards.

We rode on a very low-traffic country road most of the day and a lot of it was through very lush landscapes. As we were nearing Guadalupe we came around yet another curve in the road and saw this impressive site. Here you can see the dense foliage.

As we got closer we got a good view of the town with it’s massive Monastery.

We finally arrived at our Parador de Guadalupe.

This is our room at the hotel. I’ve never seen a hotel room with an office loft.

Here’s a glimpse of the Monastery. We’re spending two nights here so we’ll have more to report tomorrow on this massive site.

April 29, 2023. Zafra – Merida Distance Distance: 38 miles. Elevation: 900 feet

There were two route options for today, a long and a short route. Because Merida has so much history and ruins to explore most of us chose the short route so we could have plenty of time to wander in the afternoon. Plus it was to be a very hot day and we’ve been putting in a lot of miles everyday.

Merida was founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. where remains of the ancient city include the still used Teatro Romano, which has a double tier of columns rising onstage. Other sites include the ancient Puente Romano which is a 2,600 foot bridge as well as the Alcazaba, a 9th century Islamic fortress built over Roman walls. Would you believe I have way too many pictures to share this time.

If you peak through the center you’ll see the stadium seating for the Teatro Romano.

This is where the Gladiators fought.

Lots of active excavation going on.

Mosaic floors are being restored

Tiny piece by tiny piece.

The Romans created some amazing infrastructures including these aqueducts

Here’s the Roman bridge we biked across coming in to town.

And the lovely, shady path along the river.

And a very modern bridge with bike/pedestrian bridge in foreground.

We walked about 8 miles that afternoon but after a wonderful dinner it was delightful to return to this.

April 27, 2003. Cazalla de la Sierra to Zafra. Distance: 67miles. Elevation: 4,470

I can’t believe I have no notable photos to share. Just lots of very hot riding. And I’m so far behind on this blog I don’t remember what we did. Hopefully I can catch up soon and share more pictures and info.

April 27, 2003. Seville to Cazalla de la Sierra. Distance: 55 miles Elevation: 4,700 feet

Extremely hot riding. Very long day. No pictures to share. We stayed at Hotel Posada del Moro. Here’s a picture of the back patio where we stored our bikes for the night.

Also, I forgot to mention that we all went to a Flamenco show our last night in Seville. It was quite amazing but no photos allowed.

April 24, 2023. Vejer de la Frontera to Acros de la Frontera Distance 49 miles. Elevation 3,051 feet

Another hot day. This is what a lot of the countryside looked like.

There’s been a lot of climbing with sustained 8% -12% grades for miles. Spain is in a drought and now they are getting July weather in April. Extremely hot riding in the 90’s.

Here’s the view from our Hotel Parador de Arcos.

Once again we’re off exploring the town.

A beautiful evening in Arcos de la Frontera.

April 23, 2023. Tarifa to Vejer de la Frontera. Distance. 45 miles. Elevation. 4,426

A beautiful day for a bike ride along the southern coast of Spain along the Atlantic.

We rode by Roman ruins and beautiful homes. Stopped for pizza and beer along a beach path. And a quaint lighthouse.

We stayed at the Hotel de San Francisco.

Here are a few pics of the hotel.

Once we arrived and showered we were off to explore the town.

And topped off our day with a lovely dinner beginning with vino blanco and olives.