December 22-29, 2016
Overview
In December, 2016, we decided to use our time off of work to head over to Southern Spain for a short bike tour. We didn’t do much research–just bought plane tickets, packed our cycling and camping gear, and took off for Barcelona. We intended to take the train to Murcia to visit our friend Pedro, then bike across Southern Spain to Cordoba or Sevilla, camping along the way, and finally take the train to Madrid to catch our flight home. The trip mostly went according to plan, except for two things. First, it turned out that there aren’t many places to camp in Spain–we ended up staying in a combination of Airbnbs, hotels, a cabin, a cave, and for just one night, our tent. Secondly, we hadn’t properly realized the weather or geography, and it turns out that Southern Spain has mountains that get cold and snowy in December. Although we weren’t completely prepared, we survived, and we had a great time figuring things out along the way.
Day 1: Murcia to Lorca Muy Bonita
We didn’t quite make it as far as we intended today. Renee needed new brake pads and Tim’s light broke, but the bike store was closed for siesta for 2.5 hours. The scenery was amazing, people were nice, and the food was cheap! We got to test our Spanish speaking skills. All in all, our first day of the tour was wonderful.
Mile 0 — This is where our journey began 
On the open road! 
Lots of farm fields 
Already in need of repairs
Day 2: Lorca Muy Bonita to Sierra Maria
Today we climbed up, up, up into the mountains and rented a cabin surrounded by snow covered peaks. We met three very friendly Spaniards and enjoyed a nice dinner with them.
Day 3: Sierra Maria to Baza
Today we descended through a valley and rented a cave to spend the night. So far we’ve biked through lots of small towns that are full of character. We’ve been enjoying the cathedrals, a few castles, Spanish coffee, and lots of empanadas.
Morning at the cabin 
We found a cat! 
Notice the hang-glider in the background! He zoomed right by us. 
Our cave! 
Day 4: Baza to Guadix
We were surrounded by snow covered peaks all day. Today was a hard day of riding… Lots of climbing and the roads were challenging.
Day 5: Guadix to Granada
Tonight we got to Granada and enjoyed free tapas with our beers and big-city spanish life.
Narrow streets! 
Day 6: Granada to Alcala La Real
Today we continued on to the little town of Alcala La Real. There is a really neat fortress in the hills above Alcala which we explored on foot.
An olive press! 
Wine barrels make perfect standing tables. 
Exploring this castle was a lot of fun 
Olives everywhere!
Day 7: Alcala La Real to Baena
Today we arrived in Baena, an olive oil town with a big olive pressing factory right near the city. The olive trees today and yesterday were endless and everywhere — like corn in Iowa!
How could we end the day better than this?
Day 8: Baena to Cordoba
Today was our last day on the trail. The landscape changed yet again, this time from olive trees to massive fields and rolling hills. We took several pleasant breaks as we slowly approached Cordoba, trying to postpone the end. Upon arriving in Cordoba, we met a group of people who also live in Columbia, MO — small world!
