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Travel StoriesTo The Southern Tip Of Europe
Heading North In The Rain
Ride Date 28 Sep 2025
By Andy Gray
Day 16 - El Pedroso to Arenas de San Pedro 251 miles.
Wet, wet, wet and cold!
Heard the rain during the night but when I looked outside at 8:30 it wasn’t actually raining. Got everything packed on the bike and left at 9:45. I had a backroads route planned but due to the weather I also had a direct route planned.
Upon leaving the bungalow and seeing the low cloud over the hills I decided on the direct route as it looks like I’m not going to see much today. And I have a long day planned tomorrow.
The first part of the routes were the same and took me via small roads from El Pedroso (spelt it correctly today) to Llerena via Cazalla de la Sierra, Alanis and Guadalcanal. It was wet but the rain was only light and the temperature was 15/16C - half what it was yesterday! For a while the rain even stopped and there was a rainbow plus some blue sky and a hint of sunshine.
Took about 1h15m to get to the motorway and once I started to head north the rain got heavy. Temperature had increased to 17/18C but I gradually got colder and colder despite wearing my wind shirt, normal riding jacket and a waterproof jacket over the top. Think it was the windchill and rain at 75mph for two hours.
Just before I needed to leave the motorway, the rain stopped so I pulled into a petrol station/restaurant and got a toasted bacon and cheese sandwich which helped. And had a walk around to warm up.
The last 20 miles were on smaller roads climbing up to Arenas de San Pedro at the start of the cloud covered Sierra de Gredos. Just west of Madrid with a long ride planned for tomorrow in the forests around Segovia which is north of Madrid.
Yesterday I left Andalucia and entered Extremadura. Today I briefly went into Castilla-La Mancha before ending up in Castile and Leon.
Not many photos as there wasn’t much to see from the motorway.
Alanis castle.
Another autonomous community visited.
Choices for dinner, Google Translate helps. Poached egg and Iberian ham.
Followed by wild boar with Thai salsa. I hope!
All those olive groves are good with beer.
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A long Ride to Gien
Big miles already on Andy's first day on the road. He's just getting settled into the ride and making his way south through France.
Smiling In The Rain
It's a soggy wet day through France for Andy, but that won't dampen his spirits. He stumbles upon 2CVs and climbing walls, straight roads and twisties.
Into The Pyrenees
With improving weather Andy is still heading south. It's all terribly positive, even the diversions are opportunities to explore. The Pyrenees continue to impress.
An Easy Day Around The Pyrenees
Andy is taking it easy today. Just a casual bimble around The Pyrenees, across mountains and valleys, you know, the sort of easy ride we all do on a lazy day. Ever more delightful images too.
Stuck In The Cols - Painful!
Andy is enjoying all the mountain passes on the French side of The Pyrenees - until he's "Route Barre" from getting back to the campsite. He's got the sniffles too.
Poor Poorly Andy
The sun is shining, the air is warm, the surroundings are lovely. Andy is rather under the weather himself, it's not the best couple of days.
Andy's Local Ride
Feeling a little better Andy's having an easy day exploring The Pyrenees. Scenery aplenty while dodging some rain.
Back On The Road And Heading South Again
Having mostly recovered Andy's back on the road making big miles through ever more stunning scenery. A few notes then pictures aplenty that'll make you wish you were there.
More Wonders, Weird Food
It's another day filled with fabulous things for Andy. Knights and bends in the road, mountains and flat bits, and a posh hotel with a sunset.
The Omnipresence Of Olive Groves
Andy's definition of a shorter ride is only 250 miles... sheesh. This time between the fabulous scenery and glorious weather it's olive groves as far as the eye can see.
To The Most Southern Tip Of Europe
Andy reaches the final destination of this trip. "You can see Africa from 'ere".
Good Weather, Good Scenery, Bad Surfaces
It's time for Andy to start the return leg of his big trip. It's all sunshine and hot weather, the views are still good too. The roads... well they're not quite as good. You can't have everything can you.
Heading North In The Rain
It's wet, it's cold and Andy is just getting on with the business of travelling. There's not a lot to see, just a few notes from the day - and a beer.
Reader's Comments
nab301 said :-
Almost too much choice on the menu !..
Nigel.
13/03/2026 12:58:16 UTC
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Travel StoriesTo The Southern Tip Of Europe