You do that Carolyn, it's not Touristy, but has a charming feel to it...the riding has been super nice...fields of wild flowers everywhere...Camperstops clean and tidy and totally uncrowded...
"A Year in Spain" My "last gasp" attempt at posting (informative info). (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter jumartoo
- Start date
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Now at tonight's spot. We've paid about €8.50 to park, empty the grey and black and fill with fresh water. We're here alone atm.
The lakes (some of them) are directly across the road and we've had a stroll to look (along with all the Sunday visitors).
My photos are in the camera until we've had some drinks and nibbles
.
The lakes (some of them) are directly across the road and we've had a stroll to look (along with all the Sunday visitors).
My photos are in the camera until we've had some drinks and nibbles
.
OP
OP
Martin's already answered. You'd love the trails and the flowers.
OP
OP
Something went wrong twixt camera, phone, and tablet. So I'm posting the photos again.
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We're hoping to do a nice ride tomorrow. There are some official trails but, according to Wikiloc, there are some trails that go through private land, that may be closed.
We'll manage a nice morning out, somehow, I'm sure.
You'll know tomorrow whether we succeeded.
We'll manage a nice morning out, somehow, I'm sure.
You'll know tomorrow whether we succeeded.
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Pretty flowers . I can vividly remember the first time I saw Storks nesting, I couldn’t believe how big they, and their nests, were. Beautiful sites to see and remember.
. I can vividly remember the first time I saw Storks nesting, I couldn’t believe how big they, and their nests, were. Beautiful sites to see and remember.
OP
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This area keeps on giving lovely riding. Directly from here we followed a marked route, the route we were following detoured away, but then came to PRIVATE signs, so we about turned and continued on the marked trail. I hope that makes sense
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We eventually, after lots of stunning lake views, and fantastic flowers, arrived in Ciudad Real, but quickly got back out on a cycle way. We rode past Ciudad Real's golf course, on abandoned concrete roads, with roundabouts, but no buildings. Condado (our home course) is so much better than here.
We crossed more water, and went under the train line, before suddenly arriving back here.
Tomorrow we're going Mercadona shopping, before heading to a new overnight spot. Maybe a place recommended by our Calasparra friend, a few weeks back.
We eventually, after lots of stunning lake views, and fantastic flowers, arrived in Ciudad Real, but quickly got back out on a cycle way. We rode past Ciudad Real's golf course, on abandoned concrete roads, with roundabouts, but no buildings. Condado (our home course) is so much better than here.
We crossed more water, and went under the train line, before suddenly arriving back here.
Tomorrow we're going Mercadona shopping, before heading to a new overnight spot. Maybe a place recommended by our Calasparra friend, a few weeks back.
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OP
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Because we've got a shady spot we're staying another night here as the temperatures are forecast to rise to 29° again 
. We're heading out on the bikes in the opposite direction to yesterday and checking out another reservoir.
I expect there will be more flowers
. We're heading out on the bikes in the opposite direction to yesterday and checking out another reservoir.I expect there will be more flowers
OP
OP
We set off on our ride this morning. Many routes went the way we were going, and we saw the official marker posts to reassure us.
We eventually arrived at the route we wanted to follow around the reservoir. There was a brand new board, with written information, showing the route we wanted to do. A quick scan of the written information, with our Spanish knowledge, gave us the go-ahead, although we weren't quite sure as the track had a very old Camino Particular sign. We decided to continue until we arrived at another sign. This was one slightly more forbidding. We scurried through for a short way (seeing bike tracks in the dry mud), but then decided to turn back. We don't want to upset anyone.
We're sure we could read the map, as ex orienteers, we're pretty confident with map reading
.
Anyway. We turned back, and headed to the nearest village, and picked up, what turned out to be, a lovely, flowery route back. You win some, you lose some. We didn't do either today, just had a shorter than expected ride.
We're definitely moving on tomorrow though, after a Mercadona shopping at Ciudad Real.
We eventually arrived at the route we wanted to follow around the reservoir. There was a brand new board, with written information, showing the route we wanted to do. A quick scan of the written information, with our Spanish knowledge, gave us the go-ahead, although we weren't quite sure as the track had a very old Camino Particular sign. We decided to continue until we arrived at another sign. This was one slightly more forbidding. We scurried through for a short way (seeing bike tracks in the dry mud), but then decided to turn back. We don't want to upset anyone.
We're sure we could read the map, as ex orienteers, we're pretty confident with map reading
.Anyway. We turned back, and headed to the nearest village, and picked up, what turned out to be, a lovely, flowery route back. You win some, you lose some. We didn't do either today, just had a shorter than expected ride.
We're definitely moving on tomorrow though, after a Mercadona shopping at Ciudad Real.
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That poster is a very detailed explanation of the trackWe set off on our ride this morning. Many routes went the way we were going, and we saw the official marker posts to reassure us.
We eventually arrived at the route we wanted to follow around the reservoir. There was a brand new board, with written information, showing the route we wanted to do. A quick scan of the written information, with our Spanish knowledge, gave us the go-ahead, although we weren't quite sure as the track had a very old Camino Particular sign. We decided to continue until we arrived at another sign. This was one slightly more forbidding. We scurried through for a short way (seeing bike tracks in the dry mud), but then decided to turn back. We don't want to upset anyone.
We're sure we could read the map, as ex orienteers, we're pretty confident with map reading
Anyway. We turned back, and headed to the nearest village, and picked up, what turned out to be, a lovely, flowery route back. You win some, you lose some. We didn't do either today, just had a shorter than expected ride.
We're definitely moving on tomorrow though, after a Mercadona shopping at Ciudad Real.
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My significant other would love it, as she always wants to stop to read every single post with information
Very nice pictures!
OP
OP
That poster is a very detailed explanation of the track
My significant other would love it, as she always wants to stop to read every single post with information
Very nice pictures!
Well, we thought we were right but .... When we got to the gateway and no entry sign we had second thoughts.
There was a couple of birdwatchers who had been down at the water. We asked them and they said the area beyond was private, with loose toros. Not so sure about that
. Anyway we were on our way back by then.Another Grand Day ahead of us....we are fully re-charged and preparing for a couple of hours of fun..LPG. Diesel. Food and drink needs to be bought, after that we can venture off to pastures new...a few degrees cooler today...Afterall who wants 29°c in April...not in a metal box we don't..
Another Aire in the lpa scheme will be used....@ 6€ a night for secure parking why not....
No plans just now to return to base....we are enjoying the Spanish interior whilst it displays it's array of meadow flowers which are very pleasing on the eye...
Another Aire in the lpa scheme will be used....@ 6€ a night for secure parking why not....
No plans just now to return to base....we are enjoying the Spanish interior whilst it displays it's array of meadow flowers which are very pleasing on the eye...
OP
OP
Now .... we really are in the middle of nowhere. No lakes, no mountains, nothing really. Except for a very well kept village and another motorhome parking area.
Our friend Federico, who we met some weeks ago on the Robledo via verde parking, who was from Calasparra, recommended the riding from here, so we're going to give it a go tomorrow.
So far, it's so quiet, so that's good for a night.
We can see a ruined castle one way, and the other direction are remnants of volcanoes.
We're looking forward to exploring tomorrow.
Photos are from here, the (two) religious buildings. The Ermita and the Church.
Oh, I can hear a Golden Oriole calling. Lovely. Added to the bee eaters it gives a lovely sound.
Our friend Federico, who we met some weeks ago on the Robledo via verde parking, who was from Calasparra, recommended the riding from here, so we're going to give it a go tomorrow.
So far, it's so quiet, so that's good for a night.
We can see a ruined castle one way, and the other direction are remnants of volcanoes.
We're looking forward to exploring tomorrow.
Photos are from here, the (two) religious buildings. The Ermita and the Church.
Oh, I can hear a Golden Oriole calling. Lovely. Added to the bee eaters it gives a lovely sound.
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We're still smiling. Can you see us???
Today's ride was exceptionally nice. Just when we think we can't get better flora, we get ..... better flora.
We've seen lots of different birdlife, but very little animals. We've not even seen one rabbit! The small raptors (Harriers, Kestrels, Booted Eagles) are here in some numbers, so there must be some food for them.
Anyway, we're still smiling, and we had pizza (Mercadona bought, but home added to with pesto, anchovies, and most importantly, more oregano) for lunch.
Some photos ... possibly, again, out of order, but who cares now
Today's ride was exceptionally nice. Just when we think we can't get better flora, we get ..... better flora.
We've seen lots of different birdlife, but very little animals. We've not even seen one rabbit! The small raptors (Harriers, Kestrels, Booted Eagles) are here in some numbers, so there must be some food for them.
Anyway, we're still smiling, and we had pizza (Mercadona bought, but home added to with pesto, anchovies, and most importantly, more oregano) for lunch.
Some photos ... possibly, again, out of order, but who cares now
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Dust is such a nuisance with our bikes....it's gotten into every nook and cranny...I spent two hours yesterday cleaning both bikes, and there is still places that it's showing up...
So...it's a lovely day after a quiet night...only one French camper for company...
Last night's forecasted rain never came...just a steady cloud build up, and that's it..
A very pleasant 24° will not be too challenging and with the position of our van will make for a good day...
Breakfast done, lycras pressed it's up and away...
Will be watching the FA Cup semi later...thanks to a Firestick and VPN connection...supported by my Vodafone.es Data connection...what a good day ahead of us (me)
So...it's a lovely day after a quiet night...only one French camper for company...
Last night's forecasted rain never came...just a steady cloud build up, and that's it..
A very pleasant 24° will not be too challenging and with the position of our van will make for a good day...
Breakfast done, lycras pressed it's up and away...
Will be watching the FA Cup semi later...thanks to a Firestick and VPN connection...supported by my Vodafone.es Data connection...what a good day ahead of us (me)
OP
OP
We're now at, yet another of the areas in the scheme, Aldea del Rey. A nice parking area at the edge of a "normal" village. It does have a Palace (being renovated) and a church with a nice door but, otherwise it's just a very tidy place with everything for day to day living for the residents.
Oh, it has a music building, Asociación Musical Mozart! across the park from here. We heard some "music" yesterday evening.
Today we're riding a route that will bring us back past a Convent/Castle (as seen on the notice board. Photo taken for the wife of Peavy)
For sale! Martin covets the garage area.
Ayuntamiento (town hall)
Palace undergoing renovation
Oh, it has a music building, Asociación Musical Mozart! across the park from here. We heard some "music" yesterday evening.
Today we're riding a route that will bring us back past a Convent/Castle (as seen on the notice board. Photo taken for the wife of Peavy
)For sale! Martin covets the garage area.
Ayuntamiento (town hall)
Palace undergoing renovation
Ride completed...first beer consumed, second one on the way...getting warm...need shade to keep sun off second beer...what a life....
,jumartoo will do doubt provide a full account of today adventures, with photo evidence....be prepared, some scenes may contain Flowers....and old men in Lycra...but fortunately No Flashing Images...
,jumartoo will do doubt provide a full account of today adventures, with photo evidence....be prepared, some scenes may contain Flowers....and old men in Lycra...but fortunately No Flashing Images...
Mr porky
LIFE MEMBER
That's a very specialised Web site flower's and old men in lyciaRide completed...first beer consumed, second one on the way...getting warm...need shade to keep sun off second beer...what a life....
,jumartoo will do doubt provide a full account of today adventures, with photo evidence....be prepared, some scenes may contain Flowers....and old men in Lycra...but fortunately No Flashing Images...
I check it out...thanks for steering me in the right direction...I can flounder at times...That's a very specialised Web site flower's and old men in lycia
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OP
OP
I'd found a Wikiloc route to ride today. It was graded easy, with one part a place to push the bikes. It COULD be avoided by staying on a road, but why would you?
As it turned out we pushed far more than the original riders did in November. The vegetation made riding very difficult. The original pushing bit also still needed pushing across. The outflow from a long extinct volcano.
But ... before then we rode through lots more stunningly beautiful, flowery terrain.
STOP! I DID to take a photo. Probably the first to do so in 100 years Martin definitely ignored the sign 
Then we arrived at the Baños. The water didn't look at all welcoming.
Further on was the difficult, pushing bit,
Then we rode up to the village (hamlet) on the hill. Not at all what we were expecting, but very lovely.
More flowers, and even more flowers, we eventually arrived back.
To the strange sight of some guys pushing the "Saint" to the back of the church.
The photos will arrive in any order out of my control
As it turned out we pushed far more than the original riders did in November. The vegetation made riding very difficult. The original pushing bit also still needed pushing across. The outflow from a long extinct volcano.
But ... before then we rode through lots more stunningly beautiful, flowery terrain.
STOP! I DID to take a photo. Probably the first to do so in 100 years
Martin definitely ignored the sign Then we arrived at the Baños. The water didn't look at all welcoming.
Further on was the difficult, pushing bit,
Then we rode up to the village (hamlet) on the hill. Not at all what we were expecting, but very lovely.
More flowers, and even more flowers, we eventually arrived back.
To the strange sight of some guys pushing the "Saint" to the back of the church.
The photos will arrive in any order out of my control
OP
OP
Needs some pedals! Otherwise, love it, and the colour.
Here's mine today, being partially hidden by undergrowth.
You'll have a great time on the Spanish trails.
Got Shimano dual pedals fitted , mud guards front and rear and a kickstand, the new Kiox 300 controller which is so advanced , even acts as a tracker if the bike is nicked , ob v works even when the controller is not on the bike .
Bosch Smart system on our bikes too...
A big downside if you forget your mobile phone, bike is locked out...
We travel with our bikes in the MH Garage... couldn't understand the beeping sound, or where it was coming from....my bike was locked out and assumed it was nicked...
Don't use it just now....but it's a great system... especially being able to tune your motor settings...
Have fun...
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What a beautiful time of year, I would think us brits don’t see it as we’re either just back from the winter there or its too early for the spring/summer break…..
OP
OP
What a beautiful time of year, I would think us brits don’t see it as we’re either just back from the winter there or its too early for the spring/summer break…..
Exactly. Most people see Spain in its "brown" stage (unless they go to the north) arriving for the winter and leaving before spring.
I must say that even we're amazed by the flowers around here. The Easter rains did a brilliant job
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We drove 35km or so to our present spot, and again we're in another of the fenced motorhome areas. When we arrived, we realised we'd been here before. It was cold and damp then and we went into to the village to find food.
We had entremesas at the very same bar today, but sitting outside in the shade.
We visited the church and spoke to a guy there. He recommended the Palace visit but, it was a 50 minute guided tour, and busy today with local visitors, so we thought it might be a bit too much (and too rapid) for us to follow. Maybe another time when we can ask the guide to slow down if necessary.
We sat in the square and looked at the building though
The motorhome parking area of Viso del Marques.
We had entremesas at the very same bar today, but sitting outside in the shade.
We visited the church and spoke to a guy there. He recommended the Palace visit but, it was a 50 minute guided tour, and busy today with local visitors, so we thought it might be a bit too much (and too rapid) for us to follow. Maybe another time when we can ask the guide to slow down if necessary.
We sat in the square and looked at the building though
The motorhome parking area of Viso del Marques.
OP
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I'm thinking about running this this thread to its year end and then closing it. Then starting a new thread for our summer trip. The 90+ likes at the beginning, slowly dwindled to the latest few. Thanks to those who stuck with us.
But before then (it's not finished until May) today we went for a Wikikoc route. Again, it was lovely, if you like riding a bike on a track, but we eventually arrived at a sign to prevent our onward route.
Now, we'd already said we could cut back on the route at this point so it was easy for us to do. But, we were enjoying the riding so much, it was a definite disappointment.
Nevertheless, we had a very pleasant ride back to our parking area, where we're still "Billy no Mates". We didn't expect anything different though.
For us, it's good to know that we can still go to places in Spain where we will be welcomed, and where we can enjoy what we enjoy doing.
Today's ride.
But before then (it's not finished until May) today we went for a Wikikoc route. Again, it was lovely, if you like riding a bike on a track, but we eventually arrived at a sign to prevent our onward route.
Now, we'd already said we could cut back on the route at this point so it was easy for us to do. But, we were enjoying the riding so much, it was a definite disappointment.
Nevertheless, we had a very pleasant ride back to our parking area, where we're still "Billy no Mates". We didn't expect anything different though.
For us, it's good to know that we can still go to places in Spain where we will be welcomed, and where we can enjoy what we enjoy doing.
Today's ride.
Mark and Mindy
LIFE MEMBER
I've really enjoyed your thread especially on a miserable day like today with its grey skies and rain. We won't ever be cycling but just seeing the different places you're going to plus the blue skies and overnights are definitely giving me thoughts about any future dog-free trips we will be doing.
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