My mental space is solid, my body has adjusted to the bike and the temperature has dropped to a reasonable 18 degrees Celcius. I am in the groove. 

Today I greet the rising sun on my bike. How lovely to watch the sky go from pink to orange to blue. The old saying “red sky at morning – sailors take warning” flits through my head, but it’s too pretty to give that much credence at the moment. I feel great and the road moves smoothly under my wheels as the day comes to life.

It’s olive trees and cute pueblos as I climb. The cool temperature is refreshing and my body feels strong and capable again. I hadn’t realized just how draining the heat has been. This groove is working for me. 

first hill climb on the way to Montefrio.

I am on my way to Montefrio, another lovely town in the mountains. Google maps has told me the shortest way to get there, and a section of “road”  isn’t on my paper map. I sense it may be the mountain biking route… but I’m pretending it isn’t because I’m lured in by the shorter route. I decide to go with optimism.

This is where I will eat my words for the last time about this bike. I LOVE this bike! I need this bike! She does everything I’ve asked her to do (so far) and yes – there is an 8km section of mountain bike terrain that we need to cross for this “short route”. The older couple I’ve just gotten directions from are skeptical that my bike will make it. Optimism here we go!

the first few km of the route are like this!
I am laughing! Of course I end up mountain biking with this load! Nancy Kim you would be proud!

And the route is delightful – I do walk in one area – but it’s mostly decent road. The valley is lovely and I find myself grinning from ear to ear. Despite checking my tires every few minutes to ensure they are holding up I’m happy, I’m free and giddy and the route is working out.  It’s the groove baby…. I’m in the groove. 

These are the tires that are getting me through! Praise them!

I arrive Montefrio in good time, better than expected. It does indeed have a stunning view and my lunch of Habas, huevos y jamon is fabulous. I’ve got some wild hair about wanting to ride instead of linger. I feel a desire to push to Granada. That will be 90 km and wasn’t my plan…. but I’m open to the idea. This groove weilds an energy of its own.

Looking out over Montefrio – stunning!
This is fuel! Delicious, drenched with fresh olive oil. Rico sabor!

I bike…. and I bike…. and the kilometers flow under my wheels. I stop for breaks in small parks, I write and read a little to give my legs a break. Then the rain comes…. I’ve got 29 km to go. I pull out the rain gear and go. The showers are off and on and fairly light. It adds more fuel to my fire for getting to Granada. I checked the weather and this is moving in for a wet day tomorrow. I’m in the zone now. This is groovin. 

Check out how all these trees are leaning…. guess which way the wind blows??
Sweet bike trail next to the farm lands.
The sun on the mountains in the distance = glorious!

I arrive to Granada – a 90 km day with mountains, rain, dirt road and all.  I feel GREAT! I am glad to be here and I’m grateful for the Groove. 

I think there are stages for bike touring, at least for me.  Mine go: Doubt, Surrender, Groove.  I smile and laugh a little to myself. Let me remember this as I peddal my way on.