Olvera to Algondonales

To be honest, after experiencing the Via Verde De La Sierra, Arcos De La Frontera, Cadiz I'd have been perfectly happy staring at blank featureless roadway for the rest of the trip while still feeling it had been worthwhile. Its day 6 I think and long incremental climbs of the past few days are starting to become more persistent aches. Faced with the option pushing to Ronda, or breaking the final leg in two segments I go for the softer option. A short, commute level spin to the next town. A lot decisions made along the road also leaned on where accommodation was available, and Algondonales had options. I'm on the other side of the mountain range that dominates the centre of Andalucia now and the lush greenery and patterns in agriculture are changing a little in character. We are much further inland and a lot more sheltered from the sea here.

Somewhere a few Kilometres from Algodonales an unfamiliar rattle begins. I've been carrying a few spare tools, some inner tubes and things but certainly not a spare bolt for the carrier. I've no idea why, but no matter what road you are on in the western world, you will eventually find some electrical cable somewhere in the ditch. I used the sharp end of a safety barrier on the roadside to cut a piece of cable to replace the bolt i've lost. 

Olvera is one of the Peublos Blancos, The white villages of Andalucia, with almost every building painted a fresh white. As I approach the next town it remains clearly visible in among the hilltops. 

Other than a tunnel which didn't offer much in the way of room for cyclists the going is straight forward enough between these two towns. I'm welcomed to Algodonales by a signpost celebrating one of its most celebrated industries. 

Algodonales is a small town carved into a sort of amphitheatre provided by the local mountains. It is wonderfully quite. The centre of the bowl is dominated by vegetable and fruit growing, the main street extends for a maybe two hundred metres and it comes alive socially at night. Families mingle and eat along a string of half bar, half eatery type establishments which are such an important part of the Spanish social scene. 

It is a small town. As evening draws in more and more tourists return from various outdoor activities in the area. I'm hearing English and Scottish accents outside the cafe's. One lovely feature is the guitar factory in this town. The workshop is open and you can go in and have a look around while the guitars are made. They play wonderfully. They also have a brewery selling 'La Farota'. 

This town is welcoming and I stay out pretty late checking out the local bars and local beers. Its small, peaceful, friendly and close to a lot of great natural features. For now, if you are looking for a sleepy Spanish village to go and hide out in, i think this one deserves serious consideration.

Next: Algodonales to Ronda