May 16, 2023. Penafiel to Lerma. Distance: 50 miles Elevation: 2,210 feet

So far on this trip we had record breaking heat, then record breaking cold. Now we’ve hit record breaking wind. This morning just as we got going the wind kicked up to maybe 9mph out of the NNE. It continued to increase to 22mph with gusts throughout the day of well over 20mph. Tomorrow will be the same except stronger winds but still out of the NNE. We just happen to be traveling NNE so it will be another slow, hard day. Very exhausting riding.

Aside from the wind it was a beautiful ride. Quiet country roads, very little traffic. Lots of vineyards and wheat fields. And poppies.

Looking back to where we started this morning in Penafiel in the distance.

We got to our hotel the Perador de Lerma around 2pm.

We were surprised to see this amazing setup for our bikes down in the “car park” under the hotel. They are set up for Cicloturismo.

Here’s the view from our room. Right over the front door looking out over the square.

Once we got settled and showered we headed off for some tapas. Then wandered a bit and got to our Happy Hour/meeting at 6pm where the birthday boy was serenaded with Happy Birthday as he was presented with his little birthday brownie with a #7 candle on top.

Later we went out for more tapas with a couple of friends, still really cold and windy.

And here’s the end to a lovely day of riding and celebrating the big 7-0!