Day 7. Teruel to Mora de Rubielos

The hardest part of today's ride was getting to the rail trail! Earlier I've said that the Ojos Negros trail is not well signposted. Perhaps the worst instance is getting into and out of Teruel. We asked for directions at the hotel, and with the assistance of Google Maps and the GPS I found a road route that would get is to the rail trail. This road route was not the easiest. First through busy Teruel on the road and then a steepish rolling section, climbing the whole way with a cross/headwind. So by the time we got to the rail trail there were already some tired legs. Then a real problem. There was a 2m high wire fence with a locked gate between us and the trail! It later turns out that we should have used a service road that we had ridden past less than a kilometer back, but it was not signposted as leading to the via verde.

Nothing for it, we unloaded the bikes and lifted them, the panniers and the less capable climbers over the gate! It took a while and I am sure it looked strange to the passing traffic but what else was there to do?

The top of the hill

Sarrion, one of the pretty villages that we passed.

OK, so now on the rail trail! It was steadily uphill but not difficult riding to the pass at Puerto de Escandon at 1223m, then downhill for the next 20km! Along the way a few small villages and a commanding view out over the valley. Tunnels and viaducts added to the variety. After riding with the group to the top of the hill I put on a bit of speed and the group were strung out by the time we arrived at La Casa de la Estacion at Rubielos de Mora. It turns out that Keith had a serious mechanical (rear derailleur self destructed), Jeff and Gerda stopped for photos, lunch etc.

Our host Carlos welcomed us and I sat down with a couple of beers to await the others. I also had mechanical issues to sort out: a tube had ripped out the valve, due to rims being drilled too big and a VERY loose fit tyre. This problem came back to haunt me again the next day.

But meanwhile we talked to Carlos, met his family and their two dogs, did some washing and generally had a relaxing time. The homecooked meals for lunch and dinner were excellent and we were made to feel quite at home.