About to go on my third Baker tour because, as leader Alan Baker remarked, some people are slow learners.  Night before unable to loosen one of my pedals, am rescued.   At Gatwick allen key on my lovely new multi-purpose tool kit is too short to loosen handlebars, am rescued again.   Wheel bike over disinfectant pad and out of sight then panic as remember tyres weren't deflated, am reassured.   A lot of noisy small children on flight, a steward looks as if he's about to have a nervous breakdown, commiserate with another steward who promptly gives me not one, but two bottles of wine.   Arrive at Don Gonzalo to find brake blocks are tight on rims, unable to adjust, frustrating has have applied for five cycle maintenance courses, none of which got off the ground, am rescued for the third time.   Sunday set off, confidence a bit shaky as came off earlier in the month, follow bikes instead of the map and so miss turning, this isn't good for confidence building but Monday is another day, there is enjoyment and expectation in the air then, with excellent timing, arrive at restaurant just as lunch is about to be served.   Tuesday's route sheet includes words which will become very familiar 'climb, descend and climb again'.   A participant from America asks just what are these essential navigational aids wheelie bins and bottle banks?   Wednesday feeling the heat and looking at map realise can miss a climb to summit saddle so chicken out and only clock up 70km.   The old men we encounter on our travels respond to a 'Buenos Dias' but the old women just look on with uncomprehending disapproval.   Thursday succeed in riding a climb of more than 1100m over 28km by stopping to drink, and apply lip salve, every 2 km, there is no shade and it is very hot, descend 1100m then climb again but this ascent is steep and my bike is not ridden but pushed, the main group cover 110km by 19:30, for two of us it is after 21:00 before we reach the hotel but still in time for dinner!   Friday sees us deeper into Las Alpujarras, 'Driving over Lemons' country, tough climbs are promised and one our road is closed.   A long detour, but not the climbs, is avoided by taking a rough track.   Saturday finds us in Lanjaron, a spa town renowned for its mineral water so it's not surprising that our rest day is a very wet one but a prolonged lunch is much enjoyed.   Sunday a short, hilly run among citrus trees and the others have a chance to catch up with me as I'm chatted up by 2 local cyclists, OK, I did start off well before everyone else.   Monday climb over 1000m and as there is a village in the vicinity reputed to be Europe's highest at 1476m that's where we go for lunch.   The afternoon was comparatively easy but as we weren't used to this, a stiff climb was expected to loom into view around every corner.    Tuesday promised tough climbs plus an unbroken 15km climb to Puerto de la Ragua at 2000m, give or take a metre or two.   The summit cafes were closed but spring water is available with which to celebrate.   Wednesday, a coach trip today!   But, after having being transported along a busy road, there is still a climb of 1300m over 20km.   Despite the A-team taking a longer tougher route, as is their wont, I'm still last at the summit but I did stop to pass the time of day with a Spanish cyclist....  Thursday and I'm due to leave a couple of days before the end of the trip, this was prearranged, so take a taxi to the airport, have hysterics, quietly, when Jose asks for my suitcases.   Jose had forgotten to bring my bag of bike lagging, it is brought to a service station by his wife, daughter and granddaughter who chaperone us while I have a Fanta and Jose a beer.   Don't subject him to my Spanish when we are on the main roads, he keeps shaking his head and muttering darkly about all the other drivers while I keep my foot on the brake.   Despite getting a wash at the airport still have three seats to myself on the plane.   Struggle with bike down some stairs at Gatwick but a lovely young man rushes to help me, probably remind him of his granny.   Despite all the climbs and kilometres covered I wasn't reduced to a shadow of my former self because the food was good and the wine, casera and cola cao flowed freely.

Great cycling in lovely country with very good company.

Eve Thornton