Thomas woke heavily hung-over due to bedbug, ant bites and food poisoning. Unbeknown to him today’s ride was going to be the toughest, although not the furthest, passing over Spains Sierra Nevada and Toledo mountains, consisting of a 323 mile ride to Spain’s Guadalupe. The temperature rose to 39’C and the surrounding fields were desert like. With his full protective bike kit on (helmet, gloves, long socks, off road enduro boots and a goretek armoured jacket and trousers) he found the riding exhausting whilst twisting around the farmers lanes for the entire journey. Thomas lifted his helmet lid for some cooler flowing air only to be blasted by a jet of hotter air comparing it to a hair dryer on its highest setting. Thomas closed the lid and decided the air was actually cooler inside his helmet. Even though Thomas’ suit vents were all in the open position, the inner layer was soaked with sweat finding it hard to constantly replenish is dehydrating body causing severe headaches (or was this due to the food poisoning and bite he had received). In the morning, before Thomas departed Albufeira, he had removed his bike cover and in astonishment, discovered a nest of tiny ants which had relocated their home onto his bike. The ants had were coming out of any possible part of the bike. He thought back to the night before where he had shovelled the gravel using his feet under the stand to make the bike more upright and prevent it toppling over because of it being top heavy and suspected he had disturbed their nest, hence the attack. Either that or the ants enjoyed eating the remains of the squashed bugs. The ants were washed off; however two hundred miles down the road, he stopped for water only to find the ants reappeared. He continued. The exhausting ride was rewarded with the final twenty miles of beautiful unspoilt scenery overlooking the lush green mountains of Guadalupe. He arrived at his almost vacant campsite. Thomas welcomed the peacefulness of the campsite and glad of the tree shading tent pitches. Exhausted from the days ride, Thomas strung up his hammock, stripped off and slept beneath the stars whilst listening to the unusual noises made by the frogs, crickets and birds, almost like being on a Carribean island. He hoped the Albufeiran hitch hiking ants had enjoyed the ride and were happy with their new home.