16 October 2019: Ronda —Norther Loop Ride w/out gear (46 miles-469 total)

October 17, 2019

Morning started off cool at 47F, but warming to low-70s by late afternoon. We started a little later than usual on a counterclockwise northern route out of Ronda. What a difference for all of us without a load. The narrow roads were busy for the first 5 miles, but then traffic thinned. We all enjoyed a great day of cycling through interesting towns and countryside offering great views.

On the return, I was leading, following road signs to Ronda. I turned at the sign posting Ronda, 12 km, but they called me back to follow and alternative. ,maps.me directed us to a dubious field crossing. John led, riding/waking/carrying his bike across a field, fording a creek without a bridge (just stepping stones), and then through mud. Robin started after John, then retreated. Michael, Robin and I tried several alternatives, but I could see no clear path and opted to follow the original road sign directly into Ronda. Michael followed, while Robin sought a way to link-up with John.

The good news is that we all can use maps.me to get to our destination if we lose the group. John arrived first, with a muddy bike and a few body scars. Michael and I were next, riding up the main road and through the streets of Ronda to our apartment. About 15-20 minutes later Robin arrived.

After a short rest and showers, John and I walked to the Dia supermarket, purchased enough to go with existing groceries, and I fixed dinner—salad,; pasta w/onion, broccoli, and meatballs; and baguette. Dessert was dark chocolate ice cream bars. Not too bad.

Our route is mostly highlighted in yellow, clockwise from Ronda to Setenil de las Bodegas, (the ravine city), Torre-Alhaquime (lunch stop), then back south to the site of a Roman settlement (Puerto Cabanas), then back to Ronda via either fields/stream fording or the highway.

Low budget Archway. Colored plastic plates glued to plywood.

Typical White Village. We had no idea that Setenil, the village in the ravine, was just around the corner. We first saw a number of big tour busses and wondered why they were parked beside the road.

Michael. Typical early morning riding.

Dog of the Day #1

Setenil. My first view, from the bottom of the ravine.

Setenil. Opening into restaurants and shops.

Not just for tourists, people live here and have vacation homes.

Bike Parking. One car blocking the end and only one entrance and exit. They just need bike racks.

Laundry Day. Pretty much every day is laundry day for us.

Dogs of the Day #2 & #3. Pack Buddies.

Setenil Church. Transept below.

Intricate wood-timbered roof, now used as the Tourist Information office.

Dog of the Day #4

Dog of the Day #5

Vacationing Italian Couple

Setenil. From the exiting road at the top.

Torre Alhaquime, our lunch stop, is the lower village to the right.

Torre Alhaquime

Torre Alhaquime. Entering round-about. Many art tile displays throughout this village.

Complimentary tapas with our drinks.

My mystery lunch. Relleno limo. Tuned out to consist of thin slices of ham, cheese center, breaded and deep fried. The vegetable salad consisted of marinated onion, bell pepper, carrot, and tiny flecks fofo meat.

Tiramissu. Made in-house. I ordered this.

Très Chocolate. Also made in-house. Michael and John ordered this.

John, our most fluent Spanish speaker, failed symbols.

Memorial to the Reconstitution in Spain. Spain remained neutral in WW1, many became rich, but that did not trickle down to the populace. Agriculture did not reform, the rich became richer (agriculture and manufacturers), and many in the countryside relocated seeking work, with many emigrating.