Narbon to Al Hoceima

A full day of cycling.

Started at 8am, waited for breakfast for a bit. Set off around half past.

This is a picture of my hotel.

It was like a palace. Don’t think I’ve ever had as much clean living space for so little money.

They also let me take my bike up to the room, so I got off in the morning without any delays.

Had my breakfast, next thing to do.

Visit the market

I had some dates I used to use for snacks along the way. That and peanuts. Peanuts are filling and pretty heavy duty. More like a mini meal on the move. Dates are lighter, a more sugary affair that will just give you a boost, if you stop for a drink or a breather.

Anyway, I guess these dates fell out. The first thing to do after setting off was to visit the market on the way out of town.

500g of dates cost 12diram, or £1.

After the market, it’s just the open road.

Conitions

For the day were favourable. The wind was behind me and the sun didn’t get up until later on in the afternoon. The hills were mostly at the end when I reached Al Hoceima. Here, there are some pretty serious inclines. I had a problem even walking up the hill to my apartment!

On the N16, the coastal road, you get a hill, a corner, then a hill in the opposite direction. Rather than hills corners then more hills, it’s a gentle up and down. Very nice.

Trip statistics

• Distance: 126.73km
• 18.65kph Ave speed
• Max temp 23°
• 1,310m Elevation gained
• 4,509 calories burned
• Time 6h 48m

Tonight

I stayed at an apartment. It was a choice between the cheap apartments or the Radisson which was £50 more.

I think next time I’ll upscale, the apartment is ok, but after the long journey, I would have preferred the luxury and efficiency of the hotel chain.

Today

Will be an easier day. Just 60 or so km.