Zahara — Puerto de las Palomas loop - Escaping the Rain--In Spain

November 26, 2021

Zahara — Puerto de las Palomas loop

We had a fantastic ride today!

I had been wondering if I’d made a mistake booking us 3 nights in Grazalema (nonrefundable, of course) as we shivered. It must be warm here sometime, they have a very nice outdoor public swimming pool, and as I mentioned in an earlier post, we are far from the only tourists here. But the past two days have been c-c-cold!

Today, however, was the day. No forecast of rain, there was even some sun, and no appreciable wind. Perfect, since this was one of the rides I was most looking forward to when I planned this trip. I didn’t take my good camera so relied on my iPhone today.

The ride started with a descent through town, then a little climb, then an 8 km descent. I wore all my layers so I look like a giant lemon, but I didn’t get chilled.

Al on the descent. He didn’t wear as much as I did to start out so he did get a little cold, I think.

There’s water in the reservoir! When we first saw the south end of it, it was dry but this looks more like the blue shape on the map. That’s Zahara in the saddle (middle left third of the photo).

Taking a short break on the climb to Zahara and looking back at the reservoir.

Approaching Zahara. Al has finally warmed up enough to take off his jacket, but not his toque. By this point, I’d had two delayering stops.

Another white town off in the distance. Olvera, perhaps.

Starting on the Puerto de las Palomas climb. These markers were every km along the route (on the 0.4s for whatever reason). These are the first like this we’ve seen in Andalucía.

This time, Al layered up for the descent before his commemorative photo.

We are up high! We are also wondering what the black and white signs mean since we’ve been seeing a lot of them.

Descending with almost all my layers on again. I didn’t bother with the softshell pants as it would be a short descent to the end of the ride.

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Today's ride: 36 km (22 miles)
Total: 1,122 km (697 miles)

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Scott AndersonCongratulations! I’m so glad you were able to make this ride. It’s one I’d love to take again myself.
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2 years ago

Jacquie GaudetTo Scott AndersonYeah, I’d like to do it again someday too!
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2 years ago

Rachael AndersonThat’s great that the weather cooperated. Congratulations!
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2 years ago

David MathersWell done you two! Looks like the perfect loop with lots of challenging climbs, great vistas and fun downhills 👍
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2 years ago