Up the Hills to Oviedo

Thursday 28th June

After a makeshift breakfast on the site at Lluarca, we were packed and on our way by 9.30, heading east & picking our way along the old coast road. It proved to be bloody hard going IMO, dropping into coastal inlets & then up and out of them again. 

First stop for coffee:

There was very little respite from the repetitive nature of the terrain all the way to Aviles, though there were some great views along the way:

I’m not ashamed to say that by lunchtime, at around 45 miles, my legs were shot. I actually felt hungry! Not a good sign. So, we did what the Spanish do and went to McDonald’s in Aviles for lunch. 

The Chicken burger, etc, hit the spot, but didn’t completely fix the legs. The ride south, after lunch was laboured in my part, though the other guys seemed well enough. A long & steady climb about 15 miles before Oviedo just about did for the legs for the day, so by the time we threaded our way into the city centre and got to the Hotel Blue Longoria Plaza, I’d had enough. 

Kevin would be a late arrival at the hotel, because he’d found a broken spoke as we entered the city & was sorting new wheels at a bike shop. 

It was about 8.30 by the time we were all together again at a nearby bar. Then we we moved on for food, briefly glimpsing some of the city’s architecture. 

A big day ahead for some tomorrow. The Angliru climb. One of the most infamous climbs in pro cycling. A vicious lump with several sections around 20%. 

Not for me I’m afraid. I’m having a leisurely ride to the next campsite near Gijón. They’ll join me later......maybe.