Mother Nature turned the thermostat down, turned up the fan, and raised the ground level. This resulted in a day where proper clothing was difficult to achieve. We were very warm on the climbs and somewhat cool in the descents - even wearing extra clothing items like arm warmers, knee warmers, secret shirts, and wind vests. Today's route had quite a bit of climbing and the last climb took us to the highest point of this adventure: Alto de Valdelavia at 1448 meters. After this pass, the wind was wicked and whipped us in many directions, but was consistently coming from the left side. Tough day even though it was short.
Last look at the monastery as we leave town - with morning sun behind it.
There is a steep climb as soon as we leave town and it began on a rough road. We wondered if this is what the descent would be like, but we were pleasantly surprised when the rough road converged onto a newly paved surface for the remainder of the climb (and descent).
Looking back towards a portion of the first climb.
We stopped to visit the iglesia in Las Novas and the doors were open. The interior was very different from what we have normally seen and the acoustics were really nice. A lady in the church told me in Spanish that Chuck sang beautifully. I agree.
The rest of the ride into Ávila is a gentle downhill which should be quick and easy, right? No! The crosswind was horrendous, as well as bitter cold, and it made the going slow and precarious. We think we hit a whirlwind at one point as it slapped Chuck on one side and me on the other and the bike did some really weird movements. We didn't escape the wind until we rode into town where the buildings provided barriers. We were happy to see our hotel as we rode on cobbled roads into the walled old town.
We rushed to get settled so we would have plenty of time to visit the Cathedral and to walk the old city wall before happy hour with the group.
The cathedral was across the street from our hotel.
The main altar with two tiers of stain glass windows above. The architectural feat of the 14th century was creating these windows in such tall walls allowing the light to flow into the altar area.
kath vowlesLooking at Chuck's plate it looks like he polished off a whole one on his own, but after that tough ride it wouldn't surprise me🤣. Reply to this comment 11 months ago
It was a tougher ride today than expected due to Mother Nature's interference, but we persevered and had a good time. The scenery was ever changing and beautiful.
