Trainingslager Alcañices - day 3 to 4

Yesterday was the day of my first "climb criterium", up to El Pendón. This hill is not that high (app. about 1000m) but as I remember it was always a boring climb, garnished with some parts of 20% rise. If haven't been up for about 5 yrs, so I was wonding how it feels (5 yrs older) ;)

And I must say, it feels exactly the same... 3 km climb, and at the end you know every part of your lung and legs. But on the top the effort was worth it. You have an incredible scenic view over the  Portuguese border. I remember, about 6 or seven yrs ago, when I was also up there, I've had very bad weather conditions. It was raining all day long and pretty cold. When I reached the top, I heard the voice of a girl from the platform of the fire observing tower, if I wanted a cup of coffee. I climbed upside and two girls of the University of Salamanca invited me to a cup of coffee and Madalenas. They were investigating some weather phenomena's who occurred this summer.

Today is recovery day. We've made a short trip by car to Peña Mira. It is the highest Peak of Aliste and a pretty good biking area. I've been here several times an may be that I will do it this Year again. But riding, it will be a day trip, because it's about 40 km away from our village. But the scenic view is incredible and nature too. You find lots of game up here and they say these area has the strongest population of wolfs in Western Europe. Love it ...