Day 55 12/9/16
33miles around Madrid Average speed 8mph top speed 28 mph
A great day but for different reasons today.
Plaza del Toros
Arch and traffic
Fountain
Cycling into town a guy overtook me and I him. We stopped to take photos and said hi.Then caught up with each other at lights and started chatting. I have a new friend, the Kieron Putts from Wensleydale who’s doing a similar route to myself but at a much quicker pace. We spent the day drinking, chatting and cycling, not quite in that order. He checked into his hostel and we went off road in a nearby park with pine trees and great views. We got on really well had a lot to chat about!
Park
Brian and Kieron
Had a great ride through the park behind the palace and then a couple of beers. I went back to campsite the long way! Thanks again satnav. Then I fell asleep in tent with feet hanging out enough that when it rained it woke me up in time for a shower and then out on the town wearing jeans for a change. I even splashed on a sachet of after shave. I took the train into town, had a few beers, some dancing to Blues Brothers “Shake your tail feather”, and meeting lots more people, then a taxi home for €20 at 5 am.
Bar
Barrel in bar
Bar
Big night out
First big night out and felt great to be in party mode. The Hat hostel where Kieron stayed was very flash and only €18 but I’m still not sure about dormitory life, I don’t think it’s for me.