Salinas de Pisuerga to Puente Almuhey

I didn't get a lot of sleep due to the bells - it isn't called the "house of bells" for nothing. Sally slept like a log though. Sally also won on the breakfast front and got an omelette due to gluten free status. I had toast and dry cake. Luckily I had mixed up some oats with water last night so was at least able to get some cycling fuel even if not very exciting. Missing Ian's help with the red wine and had a bit of thick head this morning. Managed to get off about 10 with blue skies, though a bit of a nip in the air, probably due to the altitude.

Thought I might be able to get my spoke fixed in Cervera when I came across a workshop with bicycles hanging from the wall. Tried to interest them in my spoke but just got "mañana" as a reply. I guess that's Sunday in Spain for you. Found a small food store and bought cheese, ham, bananas, bread and water for less than €5. This is not an expensive area. My main course last night was only €9. Quick coffee and cake and on the road again by 11:15. It was now pretty hot.

Took the P210 over the Alto de La Varga (1413m). Beautiful road along lakes/reservoirs. Looks very much like Scotland. Gorse and heather both in bloom. Only the small villages give away that we're in Spain. The mountains still have snow in the shady spots. Picnic lunch just after Cardaño de Abajo.

The pretty stuff finally ran out in Guardo where there is a coal power station and a fair amount of light industry. They are building a massive viaduct across the valley which will divert traffic from the road we took out of town toward Cistierna. It's a long drag up hill to get out of town and hard work for tired legs, however once the descent starts into Puenta Almuhey there is little pedalling left to be done.

Hotel is OK. Room nice and clean. Currently trying to figure out what the deal might be for dinner.

Scotland or Spain?

Top of the climb