The idea to do this, first struck me about a year ago and keeps coming back to me on a regular basis, especially when I'm riding up said mountain. So, I am now actually going to do it and put my mind at rest, although my body may not entirely appreciate the jesture. October 5th 2008 is the date of the first 'Andalucian Cycling Experience Las Palomas Challenge'. This event started as a personal challenge to see how many times in one day (day light hours only) I, Ashley, could ride up to Puerto de Las Palomas, a category 1 climb in both the 'Vuelta de Andalucia' and 'Vuelta España'. It is on this climb that the local road bike club holds its annual time trial, with my fastest time being 47m 41s, however, this will be a totally different event with endurance being key.

The day involves riding a circular route of 40km with 950 metres of climbing per lap through the Grazalema Natural Park. Starting at the lakeside on the outskirts of Zahara de la Sierra we climb up to the Puerto de Las Palomas (Doves' Pass) some 12.3km up the road before descending into and through Grazalema village and back down to the lake. Well over half the route is downhill or flat, giving you a little respite before you start to climb for a second, third, fourth and fifth time.

Just a couple of things to mention; 1) I have only ever ridden up to Las Palomas as a time trial event, always trying to beat my Personal Best, 2) I have yet to ride Las Palomas more than once in any one day, 3) I have never ridden more than 150km in any one day.

So October the 5th holds many firsts on a bike for me and therefore I'm sure will always be a day to remember.

The plan is to refill the water bottles with energy drinks and to pick up some extra energy bars each lap and get the first two climbs in before mid-day. Lunch  will be a big carb hit of pasta and then back on the bike for the afternoon stint of two or three more laps.

I am hoping to make this an annual challenge open to anyone who wants to have a go. I will be riding my road bike, however, if your weapon of choice is a Hybrid or MTB then that's Ok too. If you would like to be one of the riders on the first 'Andalucian Cycling Experience Las Palomas Challenge' then please contact me either through the Grazalema Guide or the Andalucian Cycling Experience websites.

Challenge yourself and come and join me.

To read how I got on click here

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