Angels

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Jeez, that was horrid.  Another day that won't get a chapter in my '100 favourite rides' book.  It may not have been my worst ever day on a bike but it was top (bottom?)  5.

It was a day to separate the men from the boys and I mostly rode in a cap, shorts and Start-rite sandals.  Even Neil had a satchel with his crayons in.

We had headwinds that varied between horrid and utterly hideous, rain that varied between heavy and biblical and some long boring roads and harsh surfaces.  At mile 40 (of 56) we encountered a road closure and determined that, rather than chancing it, we could take another route for similar mileage and possibly flatter terrain (the last 15 were chuffing lumpy on our intended route).  For 6 miles we made good progress and we're very pleased with ourselves....until we hit another road closure.  This one looked pretty serious and passing motorists confirmed we would not be able to get through.  The suggested detour would add another 10 miles and some serious climbing,.  We were knackered and it was pissing down.   

We decided we would just have to chance it and had set off past the cones onto the closed stretch of road when angels appeared.  They were much swarthier that I had imagined angels to be and moved around in a crappy old van rather than with wings but they offered to give us a lift to our destination.  After about 0.1 milliseconds of thought we bit their arms off.

They took us to the door of our hotel and refused all efforts to give them something for their troubles.  They will never read this but, anyway, we are very sorry about the wet seats in the back of the van!!!

Thus we are in Arcos de la Frontera in one piece on a day when that looked like a remote possibility for most of the way.  When we entered the hotel the receptionist took one look and threw a key at us, suggesting we return to do the check-in formalities 'later'.  Glimpsing my reflection in the mirror in our room I could see her point.

Tomorrow things get worse.  In the afternoon they are forecasting torrential rain and 50mph winds and this comfortably crosses the line that seperates heroes from idiots.  We have a cunning plan but you will have to tune-in tomorrow for details.

No photos taken today so here is a cute kitten to boost readership.






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