Day 6: Jerez to Cádiz
Jerez to Cádiz 60kms
Our final day on the road was pretty easy. The last 10 kms was along the beach front on a cycle path. Our paradores hotel is at the end of the peninsula, with wow factor views.
I have already tried out the large pool, as opposed to the 15m pool or the 10m spa pool. Tomorrow I might swim in the sea, from a sandy beach, with all the plebs, as we will be joining them. But today we are enjoying the luxury of this hotel. I'm thinking champagne and room service. I am not sure that Ray is thinking the same.
We definitely have to celebrate climbing all those hills, not falling off the bikes, not getting lost and not arguing (well maybe not the last bit). Anyway we made it and live to ride another day.
Pics
Jerez is probably one of the most sprawling places we saw during our tour. Maybe we just didn't see the true sizes of other cities. Plenty of motorcyclists preparing themselves for the upcoming Moto GP event by roaring up and down the streets, often on one wheel. Note the grapes in the foreground, probably for making sherry, one of the staples of the district
We came across a few wind turbines during the trip, but they were everywhere on this leg. Judging by the headwind we were riding into at times, it is with good reason.
This is part of the inner harbour. For whatever reason, there are quite a ferw abandoned buildings like this, all of them substantial costly structures, but the water has taken over and they are probably partially under water when the tide comes in fully. (this area is part of the tidal wetlands). We rode along a thin strip of land that separated the inner from the outer harbour.
Here is that thin strip of land along with Ray's arse. The land is a natural formation (as is the arse), but they obviously have had to strengthen the sand to prevent erosion and make sure the train line doesn't fall into the water.
A great long and sandy beach greeted us once we entered the town proper. It goes on for two or three klms.
We've made it! The pool from our hotel room. Our third Paradores stay. The Paradors are owned by the government and are a way to make old landmark and historical buildings pay their way (started up in the 30's). This was the only one that is not an historical building but a modern building, designed to be a classic. We had a couple of nice afternoons in the huge waterfront cafe, drinking cava. (champagne)
Ride Notes
- Another varied route. On the day we rode there was a strong wind which turned, at times to a cross head wind to a cross tail wind
- The cycling gods can be cruel, as a pleasant part of the ride which should have been really relaxing and enjoyable, was pedalled into a 40 klm/hr headwind
- Fortunately, the last half of the gravel section was done with a stiff tailwind
- It passed through some nice countryside
- There were eating options along the way