Roz and I visited Spain and Portugal back in 2013.
It was one of the most enjoyable cycling journeys I've ever had, and today, we
both look back with fond memories. So much so, that we returned two years later
to walk, north to south, nearly half the distance of Portugal. It's been our favourite country
since our first visit in 2012, just ahead of Italy (despite its motorists;
though that's a story for another day).
Approaching
Angliru’s ‘unremarkable apron’;
yet an unforgettable climb.
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The Nutshell: Tracing the footsteps of the Tour de
France and Spain’s Vuelta a España through the Pyrénées, Mark reveals many of
cycling’s memorable moments, and some that the sport would rather forget. And
there is a treacherous ‘goat track’ to the west, near Oviedo, that he’s
determined to conquer after two previous failed attempts.
Travelling more than 5000 kilometres
around the Iberian Peninsula, there would be the usual obstructions along the
way; heavy traffic, dangerous roads, navigation difficulties, mechanical
problems, sweltering heat, overindulgent wine tasting, foreign language snafus,
and the attrition of riding day after day. But what starts out as a cycling
adventure becomes so much more.
The
cross at the Cabo de Finisterre. In Roman times,
the cape was believed to have
been the end of the world.
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Once over the border into Portugal,
they are enthralled by the country’s history; events like the ‘Age of
Discoveries’, the 1755 earthquake, the Carnation Revolution and the humble
beginnings of Fado. As for the present, there’s nothing better than the food
and the distinctive way it’s presented.
The short journey by boat across the Rio Guardiana
towards Ayamonte, Spain, was a pleasant diversion
from my uncomfortable leather seat on
two wheels.
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Close to the summit of the Pico de
Veleta, albeit for the want of a road.
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Once
past the stark semi-desert heat of Almeria, Mark looks towards the few
remaining days of riding still ahead. There will more places to see along
Spain’s Mediterranean coast, and then, there’s ‘that’ day in Valencia. Approaching
the town of Solsona, where his cycling journey began, he thinks about the other
experiences that will become more enduring in the time to come. And of course,
he ponders where to next?
Well, that's what the story is about. It's for those who enjoy cycling, travel, history, and the odd outdated movie. Some of the the people we met along the way and the meals we ate might whet your appetite as well.
My Next Blog: my version of Sergio Leone's 'Once Upon a time in the West'.
(It's not exactly sure about cycling but it found its way into my book nonetheless. If you remember the movie, it should give you a laugh).
Homeward bound; the Pyrenees in the distance. |
My Next Blog: my version of Sergio Leone's 'Once Upon a time in the West'.
(It's not exactly sure about cycling but it found its way into my book nonetheless. If you remember the movie, it should give you a laugh).
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