A hilly hard ride but not chased by man eating dogs.
64.6 miles at 11.9mph, with 4,277 ft of climbing.
Casa Serpa is a charming place to stay but the breakfast was somewhat meagre:
It had a plunge pool:
Found our way out of town easily, which was a first. Signposting is hopeless.
South on the N265. It was sunny with light winds, perfect cycling conditions.
Lots of storks nest on top of power one poles:
The villages are all very similar; single storey and simple, thick walls and Roman tiled rooves.
They also seem to be inhabited by old people, the men sitting on the streets watching the world go by. Many houses seem deserted.
After some 30 miles of rolling hills with olive trees and sheep a sweeping fast descent to Mertola:
We had a good lunch:
Then off for the next 30 plus miles and a very steep climb out of town.
The countryside changed to resemble a warm dry version of Dartmoor, very little cultivation or animals.
Also the roads were at first very quiet.
It became a bit of a slog up and down rolling hills. Then suddenly tons of traffic but fortunately we were near Castro Verde.
We are staying in a 3 star hotel the Vila Verde.
Opposite is a building straight out of India. The helpful receptionist said no one knew how or why it was built.
A welcome shower and off for an excellent supper:
I think this will be the only cycle tour that I’ll finish heavier than when I started.
Rain tomorrow !
jlinwoodblog 