I guess I needed to let the hot water run longer but a cool morning shower was not unwelcome. I exited Hostal Rio de Oro just as it was getting light and started up the main drag. A 6am bar was open a few blocks later and I stopped for a very nice grande cafe con leche.
I started riding for real about 7:15. I was a little nervous about this ride because I had done it before and it had not ended well. It was in April and the days were warn but much cooler than now in the mornings. The heat of the day was also nothing compared to now. I saw some towns on the route and assumed I would be able to get water along the way and headed out with none. I also didn't look very closely at the elevation. Long story short I was struggling after the big climb and about 5km out of Alcala I was panting at the side of the road with my head between my knees. Some passing asparagus pickers stopped and gave me some water which I guzzled and was then able to make it back into town.
As I left Alcala this time I had a litre of water and knew there was a 6am gas station cafe in La Rabita with a slight detour.
The first climb and longer descent to La Rabita excellent. The sun was coming out and I was throwing long shadows. I detoured to La Rabita where I forced myself to finish the water I brought. I had a cafe con leche at what was a surprisingly nice gas station cafe. I bought a cold 1.5L to go. One of the best hacks I have learned cycling in Spain is buy water in bars. Coffee and cold water was 2.80€. You don't need to lug around tons of water if there are open bars on your route.
After a little more downhill from La Rabita I turned one to a single track road where I began the big climb. 11km/550m at 5.5%. The climb went well. I got passed by 3 cyclist, 3 cars and passed (by) 5 maintenance guys cutting the vegation back from the road. At the very bottom the surface is a little rough but after you pass under the main road it is excellent. The scenery is amazing. I stopped to drink a few times and kept thinking this is easier than last time.
After I hit the top I could not believe how easy the ride was back into Alcala. I had struggled on every slight rise and now I was flying along. In no time I was back in town. Because I would have no place to leave the bike for a few hours. I left it in the car. A Fiat 500 can fit a bike if take off the front wheel and slide it in just right. Oh, and you can't have a passenger (unless they are small and flexible).
All in all an excellent ride that I thoroughly enjoyed.
A few hours later I got the keys to my new place. Then the real work began. This place was a functional hotel a few years ago and a lot of the stuff in it was remodeled a few years before that so it has everything in each bedroom. A lot of little things need attention. The first thing I noticed was one toilet was running quite badly and the shutoff valve didn't shut off so it was washing a lit of water. Replaced the shutoff and will address the running later.
There were a few beds that looked ok left behind so with some sheets I had a place to sleep. I stopped by an appliance store and bought a small refrigerator and washing machine to be delivered tomorrow. I filled the car with stuff from the home store. I drove the car to the front door and that was not easy with the narrow streets and one ways. I got as close as I could to the wall and cars were able to pass but I like leaving the car in the garage.
First night in the new place!
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