Ride Day 28 – Gijón to Ribadesella – 75km

I really may have to sack the route planner! This was the fourth day riding in a row and as the others were just over 50km and taking forever, it was expected that 75km would be quite a long day. However, the “system” showed around 795m of climbing. Take a look below – this one nearly killed us.

We took the photo below of Gijón from part way up the first hill after doing 10km on a proper cycle path in the woodlands -very nice.

The weather was perfect, it was around 22 degrees, the cow manure had given way to apple orchards, the ubiquitous blue gum plantations, corn and rural existence. The scenery is simply stunning. Early on we had a coffee at the most lovely looking restaurant which was doing a three course lunch including the usual bread, water, wine and coffee for €9.50 but it was too early, so we ploughed on. Duncan now refused to look at where we are on the hill as it depresses him, so we just peddle in the lowest gear, stopping every 5 km for a stand up and drink.

After another three hours we saw another good spot for lunch but Duncan wanted to keep going until over 45 km and until 1.30pm.

We did arrive in a small town but the quiet restaurants were closed and the only ones open were the loud bar types without set menus on a busy road, so on we trudged. We then turned into a beach area. It was just glorious as you can see below. La Isla, near El Barrigon. However, they had no proper restaurants, so we stopped at a rather run down cafe for some basic food as we were starving by then. We could see the cloud coming off the mountain and then the heavens opened. We stayed for longer than we had planned, with the bikes sheltering under the awnings, as it bucketed down. Great timing for a change.

When rain was down to a drizzle we set off only to discover over the next hill, not a drop of rain had fallen.

Reached the rather disappointing and basic accommodation at 5.30. You just never know. You go on reviews and location and when not much is available in your price range, you just choose one. This would be the worst of the lot (hopefully) and not cheap. Now Julie is getting nervous about what is to come as the price goes up every day you are closer to San Sebastián. Unfortunately we have two nights here. Ho hum but glad for a rest.

Photo below taken by waitress at the restaurant in Gijón. Very funny as actually, Duncan took his camera out to take his usual photo of the wine bottle she had just poured for Julie. She just took the phone off him and said “smile” and took the photo!

We would like to say a big thank you to friends who send us regular emails of encouragement as this makes our day and it’s great to hear from people at home, we like to know what’s going on with everyone so keep it up.