Moved on to the Sierra Espunia, a huge lump of rock growing up from almost sea level to 1800 metres, the roads are steep and the off road trails are fantastic. (click any picture for a bigger version)

Way back then when it actually got proper cold in winter they had ice houses on the high slopes where they packed snow then used mules to carry it down so the locals could have ice for their mead and tonic. Now four wheel drive turbo mules had not been invented then so the trails had to be of a steady decline, but still had to reach the bottom. This left a legacy of ribbons of amazing singletrack switchbacking down the mountain. Its almost like being in a man made mtb park except they are much better and deserted.

The 1000 plus metre descents can take 4 miles to reach the bottom, and a rarely steep enough that you can't use them to climb back up for another route. Again its so dry and dusty here its criminal, IT HASNT RAINED SINCE CHRISTMAS DAY here.

Fantastic place and I'm struggling to tear myself away from it.   Some more pics, even the roads are mental try 14 haipins in 2 km of perfect tarmac, stop for an orange for refreshment, growing everywhere and ripe, desperately tring to get pictures of myself.

Sat here in Portman outside the bar with a grande Cerveca going down nicely. its 5pm local time and mike the barman has wireless internet which i'm gladly using. The phone posts worked well, and look forward to using them from the Transwales hey Troy.

Did my first 100 miler of the year on monday, i think, I've lost all track off the days already. first case of comedy cycling tan too, Oh well. i loveeee my litespeed, did 18mph avg solo which is no way all my doing this bike is so much fun on the wicked fast hairpin descents. saw some sights whilst riding, 3 girls singing in a quite rocky valley x-factor  stylee at the top of their voices, they didnt heart the stealth approach of me, so a stopped and listened and they nearly died when i burst into applause. loads of mad dogs about, had to do some serious sprinting  when i met two pups on the road in a remote area, the mother gave chase big style, what is it with me and dogs lately, beginning to think i smell of anniseed.  also saw white legged roadies with big camelbacks...........Oh no that was me, sorry. To pacify Clare who's worried i will get mashed or killed, I'm carrying loads of junk, passport, first aid and contact details where ever i go, alaong with all the usual camera and phone, food crap.

Saw tons of club riders, about 30 of them all going the other way at about 2pm, does nobody work round here. Also saw a solo UK girlie going the other way, in full Trek mtb gear, resisted the big urge to turn round and go after her though. could tell she was a brit, infact we are easy to spot as we have our skin on show, its 18 degs and full Shorcio sun, yet the Spannish riders have full winter riding gear on. They point and stare at us brits, they think we are mad.

Yesterday did another 60 miles down to another coastal spot called mazzaron, down the fastst road i've ever been on. me and jason Crombie hit 61 mph there a few years ago, only managed 53 on my own after getting baulked by a car.

today i'm chilling a bit, did some local mountainbiking, found some great trails in wooded coastal area called Casablance which is sooooo dry and dusty.

Got carried away in the local bar witha brit lad called terry who does photography last night, late one and a few nightcap Jd's at 2am, well it is a holiday.

Right.....heres and offer for you, check out ryan air for flights to Murcia, book one and text me and I'll pick you up at the airport, a few days of sun and fun, go on live dangerously.

Sierra Espunna for some big mther ferker hills tomorrow.  Congratulations to Nige and Sarah on the birth of their baby girl too.