It's autumn in Spain, we're on the road again

[jumar]

You’re definitely not far from home on this trip. How is your weather, it looks beautiful

Hi Roy...cold at night but a scorching 14°c by mid afternoon...

 

[jumartoo]

You’re definitely not far from home on this trip. How is your weather, it looks beautiful

It's cold at night but very pleasant in the day once the sun gets chance to have an effect. We are staying local because the weather is colder further west (that was another possibility but discarded). There are always some hidden corners to search out, even close to home. We learnt that during Covid when we couldn't travel out of our region.

This will be our last trip until early March because we have promised our Dutch friends to be at the apartment when they come out for two weeks and then we're having 5 days in the UK for my mum's 93rd birthday. Hopefully by March the weather will have warmed up sufficiently for us to go further away from home.

 

[royandsharont]

That all sounds good, is that up north .

We’re on the ferry 24/3. Depending on the weather we shall decide where to head but we haven’t been to Cadiz for 17 years, and never that way in the van, so we may head for there. Of course we don’t always make it to where we thought if we find somewhere we really like on the way.

I think Salamanca will be a definite, last time there around 2014 a huge book fair took over the Plaza Mayor, which we wanted to see properly. It cost me a rather expensive fan with a painting of the plaza on it

Murcia likely in September though to drop an 18th birthday present off early as we fancy Croatia direction next year for the early trip

 

[CAB96]

Baños?

Baths?

 

[Peavy]

Baños?

Baths?

Yes, a place where people came to have baths were there's a spring of waters (I think spring is the English word?)

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[Orion]

(I think spring is the English word?)

It certainly is - but check out how many meanings ‘spring’ or ‘Spring’ has in English!

 

[CAB96]

Yes, a place where people came to have baths were there's a spring of waters (I think spring is the English word?)

Spring or Springs, yes.

It would normally be called a Spa. Bath Spa, Buxton Spa etc.

 

[suavecarve]

Getting back on track (pun intended!) we are looking at riding some sections of the Via Verde de los Ojos Negros in May, anyone done it?

Spanish rehab thrournal

It is that time of year when we go on holiday and I do a journal. I call it a thrournal as I start with a journal and copy it into a thread. Hopefully others will do journals in the upcoming period as well. And the journal map is very helpful for...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

I think we did a few sections of it in the journal

 

[jumartoo]

We thought today's ride would be a bit scrappy from the Wikiloc map but it turned out to be excellent. For the most part very fast minor roads and tracks. Just one short section that was stony and rocky but easily rideable. The last kilometers were along a minor road through a very pretty area and around the back of the statue we saw yesterday.

Not much left of the castle.

There were five motorhomes parked around the reservoir. Four German, one French. It just shows how busy everywhere is.

We're now at our usual spot at Coy for a quiet Friday night

Totally by chance I saw a notice on Facebook for the cycle race Vuelta de Guadalentin which comes through here on Sunday. So we have to leave tomorrow or stay until Sunday afternoon. We'll decide tomorrow.

 

[jumartoo]

Today we did a slightly modified ride to the one we did just before Christmas. We enjoyed it so much then we wanted to do it again.

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[jumar]

Another cold start to the day... Air frost evident...diverted to Cepsa garage for LPG top up.... wouldn't normally bother, but trialling one cylinder Rechargeable, and the heater is working overtime...
Having filled up it was calculated by jumartoo that we are using 2 litres per 24 hours...that's fine by us...we need to decide which type we carry as our back up...of course..Propane during the winter...or even a small rechargeable...a second large rechargeable wouldn't fit...but either of the others might...I have supplies at Base jumar..
Details of our super ride will be posted soon by Judith...

 

[jumartoo]

We went for a second attempt at last Saturday's aborted (by hunters) ride. This time it all went to plan. Not many photos because the first bit I took photos of last week and the aborted bit was through pine forests and, although nice to ride, didn't offer any photogenic opportunities.

I took a few on the via verde though. The old station, now a bar and accommodation, was busy at 11 am when we set off. We then did a big loop and finished along another bit of the via verde.

The old station

The purple field

Emerging from the forest. Orange break.

Via verde

Accommodation advertising

Begastri. Archaeological site. Never seen it open!

We're now parked above Mula, near the Presa la Cierva and climbing area. The plan is walk down to the water for sunset, spend the night here and shop in Mercadona in the morning before going to Casas Nuevas for a couple of nights.

Got to be home before Thursday. Our resort's AGM calls

 

[Barriesimpson]

We went for a second attempt at last Saturday's aborted (by hunters) ride. This time it all went to plan. Not many photos because the first bit I took photos of last week and the aborted bit was through pine forests and, although nice to ride, didn't offer any photogenic opportunities.

I took a few on the via verde though. The old station, now a bar and accommodation, was busy at 11 am when we set off. We then did a big loop and finished along another bit of the via verde.

The old station
View attachment 1010946

The purple field
View attachment 1010949

Emerging from the forest. Orange break.
View attachment 1010950
View attachment 1010947
View attachment 1010951
Via verde
View attachment 1010945
Accommodation advertising

View attachment 1010948
Begastri. Archaeological site. Never seen it open!

We're now parked above Mula, near the Presa la Cierva and climbing area. The plan is walk down to the water for sunset, spend the night here and shop in Mercadona in the morning before going to Casas Nuevas for a couple of nights.

Got to be home before Thursday. Our resort's AGM calls

You guys using electric bikes are cheating the system. The whole point of bicycles is for exercising I would say, but using electric ones you are not exercising anything so what's the point? You would probably be better off walking. I'm not criticising you (well, maybe just a little ), but just to get your reasoning and/or input on why.

 

[jumartoo]

You guys using electric bikes are cheating the system. The whole point of bicycles is for exercising I would say, but using electric ones you are not exercising anything so what's the point? You would probably be better off walking. I'm not criticising you (well, maybe just a little ), but just to get your reasoning and/or input on why.

It was only a couple of years ago that Martin couldn't walk or cycle at all. His knees were too painful. After paying for some expensive treatment he found he could ride a bike if he didn't put too much pressure on his knees. At that point he changed to an ebike and he can get out and about once again. I kept a traditional mountain bike for a few weeks, but changed as well as I couldn't comfortably ride with him.

It's a myth that you don't get exercise from an ebike, you can make it as hard or as easy as you want/need.

 

[jumar]

The number of times I've heard that one... I've got fed up with giving an answer..so I'll not bother this time...

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[Barriesimpson]

It was only a couple of years ago that Martin couldn't walk or cycle at all. His knees were too painful. After paying for some expensive treatment he found he could ride a bike if he didn't put too much pressure on his knees. At that point he changed to an ebike and he can get out and about once again. I kept a traditional mountain bike for a few weeks, but changed as well as I couldn't comfortably ride with him.

It's a myth that you don't get exercise from an ebike, you can make it as hard or as easy as you want/need.

That's what I wanted to know, thank you. I am pleased for Martin that it has been a solution for him. I guess what I'm really trying to accomplish here is justification for ebikes, but I'm not sure the missus will be up for it , she's slim and healthy (for now) but I'm overweight and need to do more active exercise and am looking at solutions because sitting in the van with a whisky does not seem to be working......

 

[jumartoo]

That's what I wanted to know, thank you. I am pleased for Martin that it has been a solution for him. I guess what I'm really trying to accomplish here is justification for ebikes, but I'm not sure the missus will be up for it , she's slim and healthy (for now) but I'm overweight and need to do more active exercise and am looking at solutions because sitting in the van with a whisky does not seem to be working......

Get one for yourself and let your wife try to keep up with you on a bike. She'll soon be looking at ebikes.

 

[Barriesimpson]

The number of times I've heard that one... I've got fed up with giving an answer..so I'll not bother this time...

Grumpy bugger . Fortunately your wife has replied with a very coherent answer.

 

[jumartoo]

We used to ride with our Spanish mountainbiking friends. All men, mostly bomberos, all 20 years younger than us. We could still do the same ride, but we couldn't possibly keep up at their speed (especially me a 48 kilo female).

We've turned the tables on them all now though

We can now all ride together, if we're considerate of them and don't use turbo.

 

[jumar]

Grumpy bugger. Fortunately you wife has replied with a very coherent answer.

Grumpy Fit bugger if you don't mind..
Go buy yourself a bike like many do and either leave it at home or under a cover on the motorhome..
I'm 73 years old 69kg...bad knees...but can still do 40km a day up any hill...if you get a bike...pop over here to Murcia.
I'm very experienced in administering CPR..
.........

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[Barriesimpson]

Grumpy Fit bugger if you don't mind..

Of course, I do appologise.

Go buy yourself a bike like many do and either leave it at home or under a cover on the motorhome..

If I do, it will not be at home. And if I do buy one it's gonna be in the van and only under a cover while travelling. As I mentioned already, I need to exercise.

if you get a bike...pop over here to Murcia.

I'm very experienced in administering CPR..
.........

I might well go there sometime soon, hopefully not to get CPR

 

[jumar]

Of course, I do appologise.

If I do, it will not be at home. And if I do buy one it's gonna be in the van and only under a cover while travelling. As I mentioned already, I need to exercise.

I might well go there sometime soon, hopefully not to get CPR

I'll make sure we are not at home..if I see you in Lycras it will be me needing CPR.
If you want advice on any aspects of physical fitness, then try non impact activities like Nordic Walking...or power walking...moderate calories especially alcohol intake...take cold showers.
And most of all.. Don't tell me I'm cheating the system..

 

[KASPAR]

At risk of going off thread, jumar & jumartoo are perfect exemplars of the old adage 'you don't get older if you don't get wiser'. Their cycling jaunts employing e-bikes shows how as we age we can maintain fitness and remain active, very inspiring.

Barriesimpson I'm younger than Judith & Martin, but older than you by a fair few years. As lots of us have met health challenges as ageing. In my case I needed to lose weight for life saving surgery 4.5 years ago. I had bought an e-bike, a folding version through my cycle to work scheme and used it to lose 36Kg in 90 days by cycling every day, initially using full power setting, to then just at lowest setting. A great way to lose weight and gain fitness. Have since converted to fat tyre e-bikes (both my wife and I) and carry them in the motorhome to make trips out at some great places (nothing on the scale of J&M), but sufficient to keep interest and fitness.

Try one by hiring, it'll be a game changer and bring a different outlook on life.

 

[Barriesimpson]

At risk of going off thread, jumar & jumartoo are perfect exemplars of the old adage 'you don't get older if you don't get wiser'. Their cycling jaunts employing e-bikes shows how as we age we can maintain fitness and remain active, very inspiring.

Barriesimpson I'm younger than Judith & Martin, but older than you by a fair few years. As lots of us have met health challenges as ageing. In my case I needed to lose weight for life saving surgery 4.5 years ago. I had bought an e-bike, a folding version through my cycle to work scheme and used it to lose 36Kg in 90 days by cycling every day, initially using full power setting, to then just at lowest setting. A great way to lose weight and gain fitness. Have since converted to fat tyre e-bikes (both my wife and I) and carry them in the motorhome to make trips out at some great places (nothing on the scale of J&M), but sufficient to keep interest and fitness.

Try one by hiring, it'll be a game changer and bring a different outlook on life.

Interesting, thank you for the input.

 

[jumartoo]

Martin's watching football and I've been down to the reservoir to watch the sunset (disappointing slightly) and hundreds of bats.

We're parked with Mula Castle in the background and we are three vehicles. A Swedish female, Spanish climbers and us. A nice number for a wild parking spot.

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[jumar]

 

[Orion]

Martin's watching football and I've been down to the reservoir to watch the sunset (disappointing slightly) and hundreds of bats.

We're parked with Mula Castle in the background and we are three vehicles. A Swedish female, Spanish climbers and us. A nice number for a wild parking spot.

View attachment 1011028View attachment 1011031View attachment 1011029View attachment 1011030

Great pictures. Looks an excellent spot to spend the evening and night.

Is swimming allowed in the reservoir?

 

[jumartoo]

Great pictures. Looks an excellent spot to spend the evening and night.

Is swimming allowed in the reservoir?

No swimming, sorry. There's fishing, with a licence.

 

[SMB]

Loving this thread . I arrived at Camping Sierra Espuña a few days ago and I have enjoyed meeting up with friends and re-aquainting myself with the great cycle rides and scenery. I have an e-mtb and come back sweating every day, probably from doing inclines I might think twice about on a standard bike and also using the lowest power setting to get the exercise required to help shift my excess belly fat (way too much right now). This is one of the few campsites we use instead of aires, we normally stay put on it for a couple of months and this year is no different, love it here, so many road and off-road routes.

 

[jumar]

Very mild morning... tad cloudy, administration day, a little replenishment of provisions, then off to park up for a couple of days in a location that provides good eMtb riding..
Been busy this morning ordering various bits and pieces to enable another 200w panel to be roof mounted.. don't tell gus-lopez it's a suprise and I know he doesn't read this stuff...but just by chance he sees this, I'll be in touch...

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