After The Storm

Last night we found a pizza place almost next door to our hotel which claimed to open at 6:30.  We weren't falling for that, but we went at 7:15... fully expecting it to be closed.   It was open AND it was serving food!!!  We had excellent pizzas washed down with house wine and were back in front of DMax by 8:30.

This morning, we made an early start and at 8:30 I slung my leg over the crossbar and sent the usual message to the engine room requesting thrust...no response.  It turns out that yesterday's  50 mile grind into the wind had taken its toll and the legs had gone on strike.  After some fairly tough negotiations with their shop steward, the legs agreed to start but insisted on working to rule.

Luckily the day had relatively little climbing and a gentle tailwind helped where it could and we slowly covered the 46 miles to Valencia.  Along the way we started to see the impact of last year's floods.  This started as just some washed away surfaces on minor back roads, then a newly replaced bridge but then, approaching the outskirts of the city, our route beside the river was simply gone.  We picked our way round major construction work and over a makeshift pedestrian bridge and eventually made it into the city centre.  We have secured the promise of a couple of bike boxes, consumed the most expensive beer and tapas of the trip and checked into our madly expensive hotel (200 euros since you ask).

All that is left is to drink beer until it leaks from our ears and reflect on a successful trip and the final conclusion to previously unfinished business.  806 miles ridden, one and a bit Everests climbed and not a single puncture.

Thanks for listening.