Spain Bike/Drive/Buy - Day 0

Hanging out in the airport lounge at SFO waiting to board for Spain. I guess since it's in the title you guessed that. Airport lounges used to be great and they still are when not crowded but that is frequently becoming a problem. I wonder if there is another level of lounge. Guess I'm getting spoiled. I do have to say that if you travel much at all the lounge access makes a difference. Killing an hour in a lounge is a far better deal than paying for stuff in the terminal. Most lounges are ok, some are bad (Osaka!) but every now and then it's really a nice experience. People are figuring that out, hence, the overcrowding.

So enough of rich, old guy crap. Why are we going to Spain this time? What's the plan?

This trip will be a little different. I will be in Spain July 18 to August 9 and I have my bike ... BUT ... I and renting a car in Madrid. I will be doing mostly day trips this visit. I will also be closing on a property. I will stay in hotels and ride but will have to do stuff to get the sale completed. Before taking possession I will cycle the extended area. After that I will be based in my place fixing it up.

Buying a property, you say ... The Andalusia trip a year and a quarter ago took me through Alcala la Real. Even though it was cold and rainy the town stood out to me. Great character and lots to do but also perfect location. 1 hour to Granada by car or bus; 2 hours to the beach; 45 minutes to Granada airport and about 4 hours drive from Madrid airport.

Last April Kieran and I visited and inspected properties. My initial impressions were confirmed and I made an offer on a place in town. This visit is to close.

The plan is to drive near Alcala la Real and stay in towns and cycle out and backs from whatever hotel I am staying in When I need to sign something I will be an hour away. My understanding is it is quite hot so I plan to leave early and be back before checkout time.

I am using my Orucase for the second time which is baggage sized and weight. No charge other than a bag fee this trip and last trip. One problem with my Orucase is it does not fit my helmet and since my carryon (bonus... they checked it for free!) was very heavy and full my first stop will be a bike shop to buy one

I booked a rental car and originally I booked it for the day I left - Thursday. Realizing I actually arrived Friday afternoon I canceled and tried to rebook. Friday afternoon is a time there are no rental cars in Madrid! The only car at the airport was an EV. Since I just bought an EV I was game to learn about the Spanish EV infrastructure.

We are going to learn so much this trip!

Next stop Madrid!