Benicasim Beach

Quite a funky little beach setting. Laidback esplanade, with a few shops open. The shoulder season is playing to our favour with many holiday makers still dreaming of what will be in the near future. For us, however, the beaches and restaurants are accessible without the hustle and bustle. Across from our tent, we meet a couple from Switzerland. They were really friendly and happy to show us through their home on wheels. The little motorhome included all facilities, however, it was the name that really drew my attention; the Hymercar ‘Ayers Rock’. Unusual for a European van. Not wanting to stay stagnant whilst travelling, the couple towed two e-Mountain Bikes and a Harley Davidson motorbike. They explained it was the best of both worlds, being able to leave the van and travel for days or a week on the Harley.

Noice

66Km-ish

Planning, again, went out the door today. An easy 40Km was expected with a stop at lunch time so Mandy could continue a Spanish lesson with her Peruvian Professor. It was an easy 40, mostly on the coast and on paved roads/esplanades. A southerly tailwind assisted us, like the gentle push of mother’s/father’s hand on the seesaw. This pushed our average speed up a little and made the first half of the day’s ride a dream.

“Why not?”…I say to Mandy. Yes, let’s keep going the next 20ish km. It can’t be that bad after all. Initially, the next 20km we were allowing an entire day to complete. The maps showed it as a track, possibly a walking track. In an adventurous spirit, we both agreed to push on and give it a go.

WOW! Coastlines to this point had been spectacular. Now take away the built environment, bring back the nature, throw in a rocky, gravelly, boulder road and you have bliss. The road indeed, we owned. So many small bays, so many coves, crumbling relics of lookout posts on each hill. It was breathtaking, in every sense.

With only one hill to climb, Murphy ensured it was a decent one. Many, many switchbacks, a massive grade. Both Mandy and I started in Granny Gear and that is where the bikes stayed. We did both need to push the bike up the last 50m.

What a sense of accomplishment.

Rail Trails

Rail trails, multi-sport tracks, are becoming popular all around the world. We rode many in Tasmania a few years ago, so when we find them, we use them. Old railway routes have the train lines removed and the ground levelled. Beautiful arches, old bridges, tunnels, carved mountain walls, slight gradients on hills are but some of the benefits of these.

It is wonderful to see this resource repurposed into something so valuable to the public. Free to use however they choose, fostering physical, mental and emotional fitness/wellbeing.

Peniscola

Climbing over the mountain brought us initial views of Peniscola. The Greek Isles come to mind. Clarity and colour of the Balearic Sea, boarded upon Evian qualities. As most fashionistas will tell you, beauty comes at a price. Peniscola is indeed one of the most beautiful places we have experienced. The price of admission was the road into town. Climbs and descents along the coast, rough and loose gravel roads, are our pennance to the divinity.

Food

Cycling instills hunger. Hunger can be remedied in these parts. The Spanish know how to eat. Seafood is fresh, restaurants are frequent, people are friendly. Calamari ‘Roman Style’, Pan with Balsamic Vinegar, Sal, olive oil make our Italian friends proud. They have trained us well. Oysters, cuttlefish, prawns, octopus basically anything you can think of is on the menu.

Mandy had a craving for Indian food. No problem and it was some of the best Indian we have ever eaten.

Moods

Delightfully flirtatious in the evening, boldly striking during the sunlight hours, the moods of Peniscola Castle strike you vividly. A day, a week, a month could pass you by, offering individual elements of emotionally charged moments.

Needless to say. We like it here.