May 1, 2023: Zamora to Ricobayo de Alba

May 1, 2023

Rolling hills through the poppies

Heart

Comment

Hostal Atila, € 45 with breakfast

I had been told that breakfast started at 8 am due to its being a holiday Monday but when I got down to the breakfast restaurant a few minutes before 'opening' it was already packed with patrons. There was room in another section which was nice, so I had another breakfast of assorted meats, cheeses, sweets and fruit.

The same helpful desk clerk from yesterday was there to check me out and open the gate to my bike, so I loaded up and rolled away. Back toward the Plaza Mayor, then down to the river's edge as I approached the Roman Bridge in the early morning soft sunlight. And the air smelled fresh and morning-y. Signs of a great day of cycling to come!

If you look very carefully you will spot the stork on to of the bell tower on the church. They are huge and their nests are perched on any high point in this part of the world. -- Zamora, Spain

I couldn't help but take one more photo of the Roman Bridge, this time at my favourite time of day - early morning light. I'm hoping that my pannier covers are this visible on the road so any traffice approaching from the rear can see them/me. -- Zamora, Spain

The bridge was so beautiful that more photos were warranted and then away I went, soon pulling away from the river and heading up and out of the river valley. Not a tough climb, but certainly enough of a workout that I needed to remove my coat though it was only 9 C (soon to be 25 C). I would love to have continued alongside the river, but the roads did not agree with me and simply did not follow the river for the next bunch of distance.

A few times the road did descend down to the river which meant I went from flat plains of cultivated fields to rolling sections of trees fully of singing and twittering birds. Did I already say how great the cycling was this morning? Of course, the descents into the valleys meant a climb out the other side, but it seems that my skiing is helping my legs after all. My sit bones still need some settling in, but I'm getting there!

Though this is an uninspiring photo, it shows two things - 1. the road ahead that winds up the upcoming hill, and 2. the field of poppies. Today I spotted them everywhere growing like a weed. -- Zamora Province, Spain

Another amazing feature from the outskirts of Zamora and everywhere along my route were the bright red poppies. Sometimes a couple, sometimes a few more, and sometimes a whole field of them where they had not been tilled in a while. They grow wild here like we have dandelions in the summer and snow banks in the winter. The poppies were bright red, cheery and waving in the light breeze. A great morning's ride.

I was on the lookout for a spot where poppies were close to the side of the road which would allow me to catch how prevalent they are in this area. They are everywhere the way we have dandelions at home. -- Zamora Province, Spain

I used to keep my digital watch strapped to my handlebars so I could keep watch on... well, what else, but the time of day. That watch has gone missing in the last year so to check time I need to check my tablet (I don't bring a phone on tour, since my tablet does all that I need - other than provide a quick means of checking the time) which I just don't bother to do. Moreover, I haven't been obsessing over how far I have gone or have not gone. I only obsess over ensuring that I am on track so I get to where I want to go. All this to say, that when I got to the wee tiny village of Muelas del Pan and noticed a cafe, I had no idea what time it was or how far I had come. I had simply decided it was time for a capp (or some semblance of one).

Once I sat down and checked, I found that it was only 11 am and I had only 3,5 km to go to my hostal. Darn - it was such a great day I could easily have gone on for some hours longer. I relaxed and sat for a while before continuing down into the valley to cross the river and climb the other side into Ricobayo de Alba and immediately to the door of my hostal. This village is tiny, though at least there is something around unlike the surroundings of the castle a couple of days ago.

I hadn't been keeping track of the time or distance but when I came to this tiny village and saw the cafe over to my right, I decided to head over for a morning sip. I asked for a croissant but they had nothing but loaves of bread which didn't appeal to me. -- Muelas del Pan, Spain

My room was not quite ready so I sat in the bar section to read and catch up on news and to see how back home was expecting a deluge of rain. At least it will melt the last of the snow and rinse everything off, I suppose.

After checking in I went back down to the restaurant to have lunch but was told that due to the long weekend, every table was reserved so I would have to sit in the bar section. Not quite as fancy but the same food, so no biggie for me. I ordered churrasco and vino tinto (again?! Remember... 'great day') but that will be it for a while for the wine.

This tiny village has very little but it does have a few accommodations and a few restaurants/bars. Where I am staying has both so I was able to stay and eat at the same place. This photo is taken from my window looking across to another food spot. -- Ricobayo de Alba, Spain

I ordered churrasco and a glass of vino tinto and ended up with a pail of wine. It was way too much for me. Though the beef was tasty, it was tougher than if I'd been chewing on my bike's tires. Actually, my tires might have been more tender! -- Ricobayo de Alba, Spain

The worst problem with cycling a bunch then having a heavy meal AND vino tinto is the resulting tiredness I get. Yup, you guessed it. Nap time for most of the afternoon. Mind you, that ensures I am out of the sun for the hottest part of the day and can now go and wander around in the softer light and cooler evening.

Today's ride: 35 km (22 miles)
Total: 148 km (92 miles)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	4
Comment on this entry	Comment	0