May 15, 2023 Sepulveda to Penafiel. Distance: 50 miles. Elevation: 2, 475 feet

Our ride began with about a 2km, very chilly descent out of Sepulveda followed by a very long 5km ascent up and over the next mountain range. The descent took us through a fascinating river gorge (the Rio Duraton) with steep rock walls on either side.

At kilometer 17 we took a 4k side trip to an abandoned monastery

Zoom in real close to the upper center and you’ll see the monastery.

which is known for is large Griffon Vultures that soar with the thermals over this river gorge.

We arrived at the Hotel Convento Las Claras, a converted convent a little before 3pm, grabbed a burger at the hotel, showered and were off on another adventure.

Our hotel in the foreground the Penafiel Castle in the background.

Instead of our daily Happy Hour we were all invited on a tour of a local winery, Protos Winery.

Here we toured the winery which is massively huge, starting our tour in the original facility with its underground storage and fermentation floors.

Tunnel under the street to get to the new facility. Note pipes on ceiling. They carry wine from one side to the other for the various stages of winemaking.

In the new facility.

Then on to a tasting area in the new facility.

On our walk back to the hotel we crossed this river in the town.

A fun way to end a great day of cycling in Spain!