An easy day today, just cycling 25 miles west to Jerez. Like many parts of Spain, the old main road from Arcos to Jerez has been bypassed by a motorway: it’s now virtually unvehicled, and used by dozens of cyclists, joggers and dog-walkers. Depending on your political stance, you may see this as an incredible…
Author: Rob Ainsley
Spain -1: Olvera to Arcos de la Frontera
With strong headwinds and heavy showers forecast for the afternoon, I was keen to get an early start on the Vía Verde de la Sierra – arguably Europe’s most spectacular railtrail, which begins here (pic) in Olvera. I prepared myself with a cafe con leche from the bus station cafe, but desisted from adding a…
Spain -2: Seville to Olvera
A bus trip today to the small town of Olvera, in preparation for tomorrow’s ride along the Vía Verde de la Sierra railtrail. Many intercity and regional buses in Spain take bikes (pic). The driver made a token request to take the front wheel off and lower the saddle, but after yesterday’s shenanigans, I was…
Spain -3: Gatwick to Seville
Taking bikes on planes is not straightforward. It involves some very cumbersome and detailed disassembly (pic), and a similar amount of reassembly afterwards – far more than people generally think, and with the distinct possibility of serious loss and damage during the process. Once again, Brexit comes to mind. Anyway, to ensure plenty of bike-dismantling…
Church Stretton 2: A cycling writer’s work is never done
Final cycle route research round beautiful Church Stretton on a glorious sunny day. All I need for the article is a local pub to recommend, so my work isn’t quite yet done before the train home leaves later this afternoon.
Church Stretton 1: Ludlow and the alps
Gorgeous winter-spring day researching cycle routes round Church Stretton and the Shropshire hills.
Dundee 2: Out of this world
Today’s ride was out of this world. Not to Ceres the dwarf planet, though. To Ceres the village in Fife.
Dundee 1: Scone in Scone, and bad poets
More cycle route research, this time in Dundee, home of marmalade, Desperate Dan and bad poetry.
Ingleton 3: Like a limestone pavement
Final day of research in Yorkshire Dales. Glorious weather, and wonderful views all day, such as the Queen’s Arms about five miles from nowhere. I’ve never enjoyed a cycling day more.
Ingleton: Peak blinders
So. I was cycling round Ingleton, nestled between the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales 50 miles northwest of Leeds, exploring routes for a well-known bike magazine. If you wish you could make a living doing this, well, so do I. Surrounded by spectacular limestone landscapes, the village is a centre for groups walking…