Brutal pedalling to Valverde de Los Arroyas

Last night's hotel had obviously modelled itself on Fawlty Towers with one lady at reception confiscating passports, then serving at the bar, then very grumpily taking food orders and finally throwing plates at us. As a result dinner was very late and I didn't feel my best this morning.

There was an amber wind warning for 65 km per hour gusts and after an inadequate breakfast, I was really reluctant to get going. I gave myself a good talking to and set off with the group hoping that it would at least remain dry.

The scenery was stunning with a spectacular descent and vultures circling overhead.

We then formed a reasonably effective paceline and the sun appeared, resulting in a group strip.

Coffee stop was in Burgo de Osma with a 12th century cathedral.

Then the wind became utterly brutal, the climbing was horrible enough into a headwind..

But the descents were worse - 6mph and weaving all over the fortunately traffic free roads. 

Not surprisingly the very late lunch was moved to a restaurant and Andy the guide advised that conditions were too dangerous to continue. I took his advice and happily tucked into a garlicky yummy lunch with red wine.

A few of the group decided to continue which made the logistics very challenging for the guides, but Evan and I happily climbed into Rusty's little Ka and then had time to explore the beautiful, restored village.

The Vuelta passed through the village..

There is even a football pitch for the 100 inhabitants

The cyclists eventually arrived at 7.30 pm  soaking wet, I was so glad I had decided to quit.

Unfortunately we are subject to Spanish eating habits again, it's 9.10 and food has only just been ordered - no good at all for endurance cycling and knackered bodies. I am so tired after 4 hours of exhausting battling against the wind and just want to go to bed. 

Tomorrow we are staying in a bigger town, so Rusty's mission is to find a restaurant where we can eat early!