Zuheros to Jaen

May 2, 2019

empty rail trail

Quiet and dark spot to camp beside Zuheros railway station, was able to watch sunset here

Contrasting experience today with the yesterday because for the first 50kms of rail trail no towns are close to the trail and only one restaurant railway station is open and that was only 7kms into the ride at Luque. Near by was a civil war era bunker which was free to visit and explore underneath, just bring your torch.

For the rest of the morning it became warmer as the landscape became just olive trees and no towns in sight, crossing a few viaducts and changing municipal region where it suddenly felt different with now railway stations abounded rather than redevelopment as restaurants earlier on the rail trail. I also found that the rail trail climbs more in this section but still at a rail grade. Was glad to make it to the town of Martos by lunchtime to get some food having spent time climbing to get there.

crossed numerous bridges and some surfaces were bumpy and not developed on bridges

could ride on the side at times to find a smooth surface

only one tree species here, just Olives, hence the former train name

Raced the final 23kms to Jaen as it was now warm and was able to go through a couple of tunnels. Just before Jaen meet a French couple cycle touring whose daughter lives in Swan Hill, close to home in Australia, such a small world sometimes.

Contacted my warmshower host Andres who was located 5kms out of Jaen in the suburbs so made my way out there. Despite the language barrier Andres was able to share with me route ideas, totally changing my route towards Albacete.

Today's ride: 82 km (51 miles)
Total: 839 km (521 miles)

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