Red Veleta Day.....

Granada is probably best known for being home to the Alhambra Palace & Gardens, but for skiers & cyclists, it's the starting point of for the accent of the Pico Veleta, through Sierra Nevada. Today, Wednesday, was originally planned as a rest day. Time to recover from the rigours thus far. That was until the Chain Gang's 'climbers' decided that instead of chilling out in Granada, they'd prefer to ride to the top of the Veleta. 2700 metres of climbing in 30 km!

So it was that Mel & Alex were up and on their way before I'd rolled out of my pit (8.30). Dave had a more relaxed take on things and considered that a 10am start would suffice, something to do the the quantity of red wine he consumed last night no doubt. He even had time to attempt a partial fix of his rapidly failing rear cassette.

Alex & Mel about half way up

Dave. About two thirds of the way up. Pico Veleta in the background

Phil & I did consider joining them, for a brief second, but then common sense prevailed and we decided to take the easy option. Leave at 11am and go up in the car with Steve. Come back early and have beer & tapas :-)

The bag exploded at 2250 metres...the crisps went pop later...

Steve & Phil on the tough climb to the top..

Looking down on Granada

I don't know what all the fuss about? It's a modest climb with average views really...........and I never noticed the lack of oxygen over 2500 metres, or the searing heat, the dehydration, or imminent heart failure!

Mel & Alex are in this shot.. Look closely, just to the left of centre. About 400m from the summit

Chapeau guys! Hope you're feeling okay tomorrow, cos Phil reckons he's going from the gun!

 

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