This huge landmark was achieved just after leaving Fregenal and the heavens opened to celebrate the event. But before that they passed the 666 km marker of the N630 just outside Villafranca. They have followed the N630 from Salamanca, a distance of approximately 330 km before they finally left it to head for Zafra on the EX101. The road had been generally very good for them, being very lightly trafficked (often deserted apart from mad motorhome drivers) and in good condition.
The last part of the N630 was relatively flat but as soon as they joined the EX101 they could see the road rising as they started to ascend the Sierra de Aracena. There were many tough hills including one stretch of 17 km where the road climbed with barely any respite -even Henrietta struggled and the thought of doing it on a bicycle was horrendous.
If they had stopped in Fregenal, one of their options, they would have missed the rain but they decided to push on to Higuera, just 4 km further but through the 1,000 km barrier. At least they were able to have a hot shower when they arrived to compensate for the cold shower that they had on the way!
We were able to join them at their hotel and camped in the car park. In the time between Ian and Les arriving and us arriving, we had to sit out a massive thunderstorm when lightning flashed around us. We could not see out of the windscreen and rivers ran down the pavement. Fortunately, by that time Les and Ian were safe and dry in their hotel.
Stats for the day - 81 km and 4 hrs 19 min cycling.
If you have been impressed by Les and Ian's achievements so far, please donate to their charities at www.justgiving.com/teams/lesian
Photos: The 666 km marker of the N630; Ian feeling a little thirsty!; Passing the 1,000 km mark.
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