Tarifa – Gibraltar – Murcia – Valencia – Barcelona – Montpellier
Tarifa is said to be the southernmost point on the European mainland. From here I want to pedal along the Mediterranean Sea to Montpellier. The destination is chosen so that I can return to my working life after a three-week break.
In Tarifa, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean merge, there is a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The distance to the African continent is only 14 kilometres. But for me, I’m heading in the opposite direction with ideal weather conditions and a slight tailwind towards Gibraltar. I’m glad that there’s no left-hand traffic, so I just add to my day an additional round in Gibraltar. To get to this city state, you cross the airstrip via Winston Churchill Avenue, which is closed when a plane takes off or lands. This is the only airport in the world whose runway crosses a four-lane road at the same level. Passers-by have to wait 10 minutes each time, up to 8 times a day. I am spared the wait, however, and have free passage. The next highlight awaits me on the famous Rock of Gibraltar. On the top, there is not only a fantastic view, but a special attraction are the free-living Barbary macaques. After this short detour to „Great Britain“, I am back in Andalusia. Along the beautiful stretches of coast with the fresh sea breeze, I go up and down again and again. In Malaga, Mister Picasso himself welcomes me to the Plaza de la Merced. From the vantage point below the city castle, I get a glimpse of the bullring, where bullfights are still held even if extremely controversial. The area around Almeira is called the „mar del plastico“ (plastic sea) and is considered the world’s largest cultivation area with greenhouses under foil. I vacillate somewhere between fascination and thoughtfulness. In the evening, I buy vegetables directly from the region and because I find shelter in a flat with a kitchen, I enjoy a fine vegetable pan for dinner.
The coast continues to inspire me. There are already many people sunbathing on the beach and even swimming in the sea, even though it’s only March. Whew, I’m not really a water person…all the happier that the wheels are running like clockwork and I feel completely comfortable on and with my carbon donkey, alias FLOW.
The tourist town of Benidorm is very busy. I wonder how it is possible to live here in the high season. Next, I set my sights on the metropolis of Valencia. The third largest city in Spain, I like it straight away and there are a lot of different attractions. I could easily spend a few more days here… I will probably see this city again as a tourist.
But what I don’t put on my waiting list is the typical Spanish rice dish, which I enjoy for dinner tonight, because the city at the mouth of the Turia is the home of paella. Day after day, along the sea, further and further north. The tourist resorts and beautiful beaches seem countless. Pedalling and pedalling again, now also through wonderfully smelling orange plantations.
Basically, I can rely incredibly well on the Google map navigation system, which even recommends a special route for cyclists. But the entrance to Barcelona is quite challenging. I can’t find the right way straight away. Suddenly I’m even on the motorway, make it back onto the cycle path and at some point, the Arc de Triomf presents itself in front of me. Unlike other triumphal arches, this one has no military character. I like the outer sides, each with two angels. Now I drive under the arch and it already feels a bit triumphant to me. Hello, but I’m still an estimated 400 kilometres by bike from the stage finish. „Never mind, it’s these FLOW moments that are simply great.
As my last overnight stay in Spain, I choose the birthplace of Salvador Dali. Here in Figueres there is a super museum with works by this famous artist. Now it’s full speed ahead to France…that was at least my wishful thinking. Fortunately, I haven’t used up all my reserves yet, because the headwind is really brutal at the moment. In the lowest gear at 13 km/h, you don’t really make much progress. I’m glad for every change of direction, no matter how minimal, which deviates somewhat from the frontal wind. Finally, I reach the village of Rivesaltes before nightfall and along the beautiful vineyards. But today was a very hard day in my direction of travel. After more vineyards and crossing beautiful nature reserves directly on the coast, my route leads inland to Montpellier at Palavas-les-Flots. After 21 days, the counter reads 1722 kilometres.
Voilà, that’s it for stage 7 :-))
