14 minute read
On Yer Bike
from Sentinella Magazine
i want to ride my bicycle i want to ride it where i like!
The city, the surroudings and the wilderness, Málaga has it all!
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The geography of Malaga province is rough in almost all its extension and is irrigated by numerous rivers and streams. The importance of the port of Malaga and the city’s own location in the most central part of southern Spain has enabled since ancient but still fulfill its original function, there can be significant traffic when crossing cities and no traffic at all when riding in between cities. -The State roads, as the A-7000 that heads from the city to the Montes de Málaga. These are the second main roads that connect major parts of the state (Andalusia) where the National or the Highways don’t reach. There is not much traffic on these roads but cars might drive fast sometimes. - The rural roads, as the MA-3111 that connects Málaga with the village of Olías as you can see in our “La Reina” route. These roads are perfect for cyclist as they connect small villages found on the valleys and mountains of the province and usually have no traffic. These villages are so small that sometimes you may find yourself riding alone for more than half an hour.
times opening roads towards the rest of the country through its valleys, resulting in small settlements in the foothills of the mountains. The connections between all those villages and cities helped to shape a vast secondary road network that is now well-maintained and in good condition. For example, the good state of repair of most of roads help to have a comfortable and safe descent except for some turns where there might be some dirt for the proximity of the country.
There are 3 main different types of roads for cyclists: - The National roads, as the N-340 that connects Málaga with Nerja and Granada province. These are the old main roads that these days have been replaced by highways You won’t need to ride 200 km to include within the same stage a variety of climbs, descents and flat sections, you could fit them all in 30, 60 or 90 km and still feel like the stage of your life. The variety of mountains is so big we could choose to enjoy defying climbs with a 14%-18% average gradient in relatively short distances while there are
others to be found below the 12% gradient but to a much longer distance. This means that the combinations available to create a cycling holiday are unlimited, allowing us for example to cross anytime from a steep climb on a natural park to an impressive descent overlooking the city and cool down on a road by the beach while seeing a beautiful sunset. Málaga and the Costa del Sol are synonymous of good weather. According to the State Meteorology Agency (AEMET), the city enjoys about 2905 hours of sunlight a year. The main reason lies on its latitude, the northern half of Spain is in a temperate zone while the southern half of Spain where Malaga lies is part of the sub-tropical zone. It tops at an unmatched number in the whole Spanish territory, with almost 3000 hours and 320 days of annual sunshine.
The weather is mediterranean, sunny and dry. Winter is generally temperate, with mild temperatures which don’t fall below 5 degrees, it never gets to freeze. Summers are moderate thanks to the sea proximity and stifling heats are very unlikely. The great number of sunshine hours combined with the winter mild temperature result in a privileged spring contributes to make Málaga an ideal destination for a cycling holidays. Whether you’re after a gentle seaside excursion alongside some of Spain’s most beautiful beaches or an adrenaline-fuelled trip up into Malaga’s mountains, there are routes to suit every kind of cyclist. Here are the spots you need to know about if you’re heading out on two wheels in southern Spain. EAST - Malaga is a superb starting point. Heading east out of the centre takes you past the city’s historic bullring and along the Paseo de Sancha, flanking Malaga’s most popular beach, the Playa Malagueta, then onto some of the most beautiful coastlines in europe. WEST - A longer ride of about 60km (including the return trip) takes you out to the former fishing village of Torremolinos – now one of the busiest tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol – and the beautiful whitewashed little towns of Benalmedena and Fuengirola. NORTH - Malaga province is famous for its coastline, but it’s also worth exploring inland. Some of the region’s most dramatic mountain biking is to be enjoyed in and around the El Torcal Natural Park, close to the enchanting town of Antequera. El Torcal´s Jurassic-era limestone is around 150 million years old and its karst landscape makes for one of the most unusual and fascinating sights in all of Spain. With many other stunning inland routes north of Malaga, there is no end to the landscapes viwes and scenery. Ride responsibly and be prepared for any eventuality.
To advertise in The Sentinella Malaga call 711 096 354 48 Golf tips from the “19th Hole!”
It’s been said before, “Golf is a simple game made difficult by those who play it!”
Double bogies can leave you frustrated and very annoyed, no matter what your handicap or playing ability is. We leave the green frustrated and often it wasn’t because we hit a poor shot or made a bad swing, but many times it started with a poor decision or overall indecision leading to a bad result. Avoid the double bogey and watch your scores come down. Here are a few tips that may go some way towards keeping some of those double bogies off your scorecard. No. 1 Keep the ball in play Sounds a little obvious, but if your ball is not on the course you are not going to score well on that particular hole. On the tee take a bit more time looking for the optimum point that you want your tee shot to end up. A tee box is just that, there are no rules as to where you can tee your ball other than within 2 club lengths from the front and between the markers. Don’t just go for the middle of the tee, think about the shape of your normal drive and use your position on the box to your advantage. If your normal shape is a fade left to right then don’t tee up on the left if there is a row of trees along the left of the fairway or other hazards along your ball flight. No. 2 Avoid 3 putts Another score killer – 3 putts Often golfers miss the green with their approach shot leaving some tricky chips. Maybe you end up 30 feet short of the hole, you now have a long putt to save par. Keep your expectations in check, and be happy with a lag putt that leaves you within 10 feet. When get the chance to practice work on 2 lengths: 30-40 feet putts and 3-10 feet putts. No 3. Hit the ball solid. The more frequently you can hit the ball solid, the less likely of having the devastating shot that falls short into a water hazard or simply waste a shot on a longer par 4 or a par 5. The best golfers control the low point of the swing. If the ball is struck solid, you can be sure that the approach shot will be somewhere in the vicinity of the green, leaving a chip or pitch shot. Remember – it is almost impossible to distribute your weight evenly across both feet. Make your weight distribution 60/40 right to left (assuming you are right handed!). No 4. Make sure you get the ball back in play. If you are in the woods don’t try the ambitious shot through or over the trees, best to punch it out and take your punishment once. In a fairway bunker? They are put there to punish you for a poorly thought out or executed shot. Just get out, don’t think that you can hit a 5 iron that 150 yard plus shot onto the green. No 5. Aim for the centre of the green. Stop aiming at flags from further than 75 yards out. The golfer aiming for flags is going to hit too many shots on the short side and take par out of play and bring double bogey into play. Aiming for the center of the green and leaving a 20-30 foot putt over time will help you shoot lower scores and eliminate the double bogey. You might be surprised how often the professionals are aiming towards a safe landing area and not going right at the pin placement. Be smart, keep the ball in a quality location, without getting carried away on your pin seeking.
Written by Squadron Leader Shackleton
Signal Kray Fish
The Signal (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is instantly recognisable as it will appear smooth from head to tail, with very little evidence of spines. Some dotted indentations can be observed on the claws.
Its large claws give it away instantly and identify it as nothing like the native White Clawed Crayfish. On a Signal, the claws are as long as the main body from the base of the tail to the nose (rostrum). Colour variations are wider than the native species, but the underside of the claws are almost always a reddish brown. Perhaps the greatest giveaway to the Signal’s identity is the small patch of colour – the ‘signal’ – which appears on the hinge of each claw. It will be white or pale blue. The lesser known of the two invasive species is the Turkish Crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) which is also referred to as the Narrow Clawed Crayfish. It too was “accidentally” introduced into the UK where it quickly established colonies in the south east of England where its main population still exists.
Wicked home improvement ideas...
Please mention the Sentinella when replying to ads! Marjoram.. the wonder herb!
1) PAIN RELIEVER Marjoram essential oil addresses many types of pain, working hard to alleviate it in the most natural way possible without the harsh side effects of commercial medicine. Marjoram essential oil may help reduce pain associated with inflammation, over taxed muscles, headaches, toothaches, fevers, and colds. 2) REDUCES SPASMS Marjoram oil is considered an antispasmodic, in that it helps control or calm spasms of any nature. Whether its spasms in the respiratory system or muscular spasms after vigorous exercise, marjoram essential oil helps get things under control. Marjoram essential oil is also great for pulled muscles and cramps. 3) ANTISEPTIC It’s a good idea to keep a bottle of marjoram oil in your first aid kit or medicine cabinet as it serves as a wonderful antiseptic. This healing oil helps protect wounds from infection, particularly from sepsis. Marjoram oil is also a great way to prevent your wounds from developing tetanus. 4) ANTIVIRAL Another reason to keep a bottle of marjoram essential oil in your medicine cabinet? Its antiviral properties! Marjoram oil may protect you from developing such ailments as the flu and the common cold.
52 To advertise in The Sentinella Malaga call 711 096 354 Top Tens useless but interesting factoids! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
10 The opposite sides of dice will always add up to seven. 9 In China, rich people hire body doubles to serve their prison sentences 8 There’s a trademark on the world’s darkest shade of black, called vantablack 7 And the official name of the police officer in Monopoly is Officer Edgar Mallory 6 Dr. Seuss invented the word “nerd” in his 1950 book If I Ran The Zoo. 5 Every continent except Antarctica has a city called Rome. 4 The Hawaiian language only has twelve consonants and five vowels. 3 There is a greater chance for you to die on the way to get lottery tickets than win 2 Ernest Wright’s 1939 novel Gadsby does not contain the letter “e.” 1 Only 2 percent of the population has green eyes.
Horoscopes
by Juanita Banana of Banana Moon Yoga Therapy, Studio, Travel & Retreats... ARIES: March 21- April 20
The end of summer and the holidays can demotivate you this September as you lose speed and ambition but, by the start of the fourth week, your enthusiasm returns. Be wary of financial decisions around the15th .
TAURUS: April 21- May 21
At the beginning of September you may need to clarify a sentimental or professional decision but, no matter how busy or hectic things are, stick with your dreams, communicate your desires and expectations, and those around you will encourage and support.
GEMINI: May 22- June 21
The first half of September sees you driven and energised to return to a project. Listen to the thoughts of others who wish only to support you. The second half of the month offers opportunities for more relaxation and pampering.
CANCER: June 22- July 22
You like to be in control but unexpected events will change plans with results you are both happy and comfortable with. You give priority to your professional life but expect some added spice in your romantic relationships.
LEO: July 23- August 23
Relaxed and boosted after the summer, it is time to be positive, to make plans and move forward. Make the most of meetings, socially and at work, and allow yourself to receive support and strength from those around you.
VIRGO: August 24- September 22
You are offered professional opportunities and personal success which, by the 21 st , will be clarified. You shine at everything embarked upon and can afford to be ambitious. You also find a welcome balance in relationships this month.
LIBRA: September 23- October 22
You still need to relax Libra although, by midSeptember, your morale improves and you find energy to try new ideas and experiments. There are choices you cannot escape but have the support of loved ones to whom you should communicate any fears and uncertainties.
SCORPIO: October 23- November 21
Love is at the heart of your priorities this month. If indecisive or worried but are happy, go for it! As an unexpected opportunity comes along, you are advised to talk it over with someone you trust.
SAGITTARIUS: November 22- December 21
At the start of September’s second week, you receive good news which, with will and commitment, gives a boost to all sectors of life and living. Trust in yourself and in delivering that which you set out to complete.
CAPRICORN: December 22- January 20
You may have to fight a bit harder this month, making work and finances a priority. You have innovative ideas but should take one step at a time to see them successfully through.
AQUARIUS: January 21- February 19
As things get tough, push aside your stubbornness and independence and allow people to help – they are there for you – don’t give up! From mid-month things improve, your talents are showcased and you feel rejuvenated.
PISCES: February 20- March 20
A great month for Pisces as you move forward with confidence and serenity. You have opportunities in your personal and professional lives, and energy to stand up to anyone who wants to influence you against your judgement. Make the most of this favourable time.
