17 October 2019: Ronda —Southern Loop Ride w/out gear (32 miles-501 total)

Our route in tile. Essentially the red road south to Atajate, then west across the river and back north to Ronda. Looks easier that it was.

We were all a little tired after yesterday, so the start was an hour later than usual. The tights, jackets, etc. came off as soon as we departed Ronda. We cycled magnificent terrain, many long ups and downs, often 2-4 miles at a time. Michael read that the local mountain range is the 2nd highest in Spain, bested only by the Pyrenees.

Our route was south along a main highway, then west across a large canyon, then back north and east to Ronda. We all have welcomed the opportunity to explore roads that would be miserable if carrying our touring gear.

Early this morning we booked lodging for the next two nights. As the weekend is approaching, we have found it better to have an advance booking, often in apartments or complete houses instead of hotels. Either way, we try to locate in town centers. The distances are relatively small, so we hope to arrive, leave our gear, and then explore further until the lodging is available.

I'll let the photos tell today's story.

Ronda, South entry.

No sexist comments permitted. The streets have been amazingly clean of debris and broken glass. People doing the clean-up appear cheerful, a pleasant change from my USA experience and in many other countries.

Just a few miles down the road in Atajate, another woman street cleaner. She directed us to the local cafe for lunch. Very cheerful.

Ronda from the river valley/canyon immediately south.

Michael with Atajate in the background. Robin had a tire issue, a mis-adjusted brake rubbed a cut in the sidewall, so we were waiting while Robin and Michael made repairs. Then lunch.

 Atajate. Billed as the smallest village in the Malaga province.

Atajate Panaderia/Bakery. I love the tile signage.

Clear enough?

Atajate Church. Other churches in this area had similar red trim moulding.

Atajate Street Pattern.

Beginning another climb, here leaving Atajate

Michael

Robin

Enjoy these magnifiicent views:

Missed this—too early. The following weekend, they will be re-enacting a battle that took place here between Napoleon's French forces and a Spanish force.

Uphill transitioning to steep uphill

Who lives here? We saw many farms like this, and what appeared to be vacation/retirement homes, scattered in remote locations.

Last thriving village before returning to Ronda.

My new friend, the almond gleaner. He was using this long stick to dislodge and gather remaining almonds.

I stopped, we exchanged words and gestures, and he insisted, handing me five large almonds.

Shouldn't everyone be this cheerful?

Getting on with what seemed to be a long day in the saddle, back to Ronda. The finish for the last few miles was identical to yesterday, a long gradual climb to the Ronda city limits, then descent through the cobbled streedts, dodging cars, trucks, and pedestrians.