DAY 9 VALLADOLID – MEDINA DEL CAMPO

In the morning, to watch me stretching is not for the faint hearted & anyone into yoga should certainly look away. Still it gets me mobile. When I started my ride, nine days ago I was totally unfit. The plan was to ride into fitness. I can now report that this approach does work, the bad news is that at 68, it’s bloody hard work & unfavourably compares to SAS boot camp. Today, for the first time this ride, I raced myself up a hill & it felt really good!

I couldn’t quite face the servings offered at my accommodation so headed into Valladolid city proper for a second breakfast. This city is exceptionally pleasant & extremely cycle friendly.

Previously, Valladolid was unknown to me, yet is one of the most impressive places visited in Spain so far. Modern, vibrant, clean & designed around its residents with parks, river walks & attractive modern architecture.

According to Wickapedia : Valladolid is a city in northwest Spain. It’s known for medieval religious sites like the Spanish Gothic San Pablo Church, with a history dating from the 1400s, on San Pablo Plaza. Nearby is the Royal Palace, home of Spanish kings in the early 1600s. The National Sculpture Museum occupies a Gothic building. The Christopher Columbus Museum chronicles the life of the Italian explorer, who died in Valladolid in 1506.

I couldn’t do it justice this time round but will be one place to come back to.
The ride itself was either along the city cycle ways or on dirt roads through rolling countryside, passing by, but rarely entering the nearby small villages with only a church tower or dome to give them away.

The climate was certainly changing. Yesterday’s sunflower fields were now vineyards & expanses of wasteland. Stopping, for a photo or water, immediately attracted swarms of flies – better than mozzies I suppose.

Reaching Medina Del Campo, it’s a beautifully compact place with large square, about an acre of which is given to a children’s playground, then spacious areas for hanging out & outside dining. Then fine buildings.

Wickapedia notes: a town and municipality of Spain located in the autonomous community of Castile and León. Part of the Province of Valladolid, it is the centre of a farming area. Almost all the buildings of artistic interest date from the 16th century; examples are the country house known as Casa Blanca, the Palacio de Dueñas (Don Rodrigo de Dueñas Manor House) and the Hospital of Simón Ruiz. These buildings were promoted by rich merchant bankers who prospered thanks to the General Fair of the Spanish Kingdom held in Medina del Campo during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Museum of the Fairs was created to exhibit items connected to this open market, and it is a popular visitor attraction.