I started the day with a hearty buffet breakfast at the hotel before leaving Avila. The owner of the hotel said the weather looked promising even after the wet start. He couldn’t have been more wrong. Only five minutes in and it started to rain. Just a few spots but it looked like there would be more.
There were two large climbs planned for today, the first one much larger than the second. I settled into a rhythm and slowly crawled my way up the first. It wasn’t until I got to the top that the heavens opened. From the earlier warming I had put my waterproofs on but hadn’t bothered with the waterproof socks. My feet were sopping even though the downpour only lasted a couple of minutes.
I stopped at a café to change into my waterproof socks before continuing on, this time for the second climb. Would have taken more pictures of the views but because of the rain and low cloud it wasn’t the best day for photos.
I finally had a lovely descent down past El Escorial. This town looked like a nice place to visit, but I’d gained so much momentum down the hill, and put so much effort in to get up it, I just couldn’t bring myself to apply the brakes, so sailed on past. Note to self: Visit El Escorial next time you have the chance!
Another 30 or so kilometres and I was touching the outskirts of Madrid. It didn’t take me too long to take a wrong turn. Madrid seems like it was built for the car and a testing ground for motorways. It’s almost impossible to navigate through the city without being directed onto a motorway. They circle it, go through it, cross it, everywhere you turn there is another motorway.
I’ve been to Madrid before, by car. I didn’t like the place then and today was no different. It’s just too big. I’ve not experienced a city this big before. I like the country and the quiet, the sooner I could get out the better.
Another hours cycling and I’d reach Arganda, my destination for the day. I had been looking forward to camping but the campsite looked more like a graveyard for caravans. There were lots of motorhomes and caravans but no people. Rusty bikes lay on the floor, gates hanging off hinges. I decided that this wasn’t the place to be, got my driving license back off the man in the grotty house and left as quick as I could. Unfortunately this has meant I’ve had to fork out for another hotel and another evening meal.
On the whole I had a really good ride today. I like the variety of the landscape, keeps things interesting. I even enjoyed the rain, it kept me cool. I rode about 94 miles and could have carried on.