We bit off more than we intended to chew today, settling a new elevation record under 95 degree skies. The day featured a successive of gruesome climbs with intermittent easier stretches, and fantastic scenery.
Halfway through the day’s ride we leave the Subbetica and approach the vast Iznajar reservoir, formed by the damming of the Genil.
Taking a longer route to Iznahar than we intended due to a map reading error, we went through Rute and covered thirty miles and 3,000’ of climbing before our first meal stop (we had only tea, juice and tostadas at the hotel). In Iznajar we ate from a store - cheese, bread and pears- while sitting on a bench overlooking the reservoir far below, entertained by a pair of stray mendicant cats. Iznajar lies in a stunning location high above the reservoir, surrounded by terrific views of the surrounding olive groves and distant ranges.
The hills contrasting against the reservoir here were so beautiful. They made me wish we were going south across that bridge instead. I’d love to see this viewpoint again.
Sabaki’s doppelgänger. (An explanatory note: Sabaki was the name of our calico cat at the time. I was a go player (the Japanese board game), and sabaki is a go term meaning light shape.)
We made reasonable time on the 25 miles to Montefrio, averaging 9.5 mph - impressive, given that we climbed another 3,000’ in the heat of the day. It began with a crushing climb upstream from Iznajar, was then generally downhill for the next five miles, followed by another switchback over the ridge south of town, finally followed by a gentle ride to the end.
Looking down on Algarinejo, in another gorgeous setting. I find riding through this country mesmerizing, watching the patterns of the hills, groves and shadows slowly change as you bike along.
Our hotel was about a half mile out of town at the end of a quiet road. Too exhausted to see the town, we loafed around the hotel until dinner time and dined at the hotel.
Note that the map must be incorrect because it doesn’t include the extra miles for the mapping error on the way to Rute.
