Distance 37.6 miles

Ascent 843 metres Descent 805 metres

Arrived in Logrono before the cafes in the main square were open. We tracked one down for breakfast before visiting the Cathedral.

We followed Christophe’s directions and found our way out of the city comfortably. As we left we were taken on a track through a park with a mild upward slope. We made heavy weather of it and we’re overtaken by a runner. Total humiliation.

We had planned the route to avoid the afternoon heat but hadn’t taken into account the road surface today. A lot of rough tracks and vertical slopes that were unrideable and we had to push. Even the young men in Lycra were looking exhausted.

It was mildly satisfying to see the looks on their faces every time we turned up in the same town and on occasion before them.

Our main reason for celebrating tonight is that we have air conditioning in our room. It might not be environmentally friendly but it is so, so good.

An early night again as we aim to beat the 35 degree heat tomorrow. Level 8 cyclists have to look after themselves.

The Hostal owner is getting up especially early to release our bikes and then going back to bed. Dire warnings if we are late. Would he confiscate our bikes? What would we do then?

Have a lie in of course.