Bike tour 2022: Órgiva - O Sel Ling Buddhist meditation centre

Thursday, Nov 24: climb to Buddhist retreat and meditation centre O Sel Ling (18.4 km - 1,130 m D+)
After three days of mandatory storm-wind rest in Camping Órgiva, it was finally windless in open skies this morning. I was able to set off upstairs to my winter stop: the O Sel Ling meditation centre. That means the 'place of bright light' in Tibetan.

It promised to be tough, +1,100 altimeters over just 18 km, that's non-stop climbing. Fortunately, I was allowed to leave all my camping and bike repair equipment at the campsite. That saves about ten kilograms after all.

The hairpin bends over the first 12 asphalted kilometres were very sustaining. I stopped only occasionally for a snapshot. Between Órgiva and Soportujar I saw a cave that must have once been inhabited, because the top was sooty black.

Opposite the 'Ermita del Padre Eterno' I had to turn left onto a gravel road. Only six more kilometres, but that's where the harder work began.

For the first 2 kilometres to a fork, I could still stay on my bike for the most part. After that it was over. It got so steep that for the last four kilometres I had to push my bike all the way. Some stretches I had to stop every 10 paces to rest my arms and shoulders. Those were taking it harder than my legs.

It took me more than an hour on that section. It was a bit like a calvary walk, walking - stopping - walking - stopping. Only there was no cross waiting for me upstairs, but a lovely bed. A man has to give something for being able to sleep in a bed during the winter months, haha.