IV BIKE RIDE VALENCIA-CUENCA IN REGIONAL TRAIN DEFENSE 1-4 October 2012

This year takes place the quite possibly be the last route Valencia-Cuenca in defense of the of the regional train, because the threat of the government privatizes RENFE (national railway company) is increasingly clear for 2013.
Because of the deliberate abandonment of the infrastructure and network of the regional train (and the commitment to high speed, which communicates only large cities and "Requena." That also is not accessible to all citizens), their quality has dropped and therefore its travelers. So they are no longer profitable and want to eliminate these utilities.


The route consists of four stages:

-Thursday 1, at 9:30 AM meeting point in Valencia North Station (train) departure at 10:30 to Buñol, estimated arrival 15 hours. 50 km (altitude 347 meters).

-Friday 2, to Buñol exit at 10 AM, Utiel estimated arrival 17:30. 62 km (altitude 373 meters).

-Saturday 3, Utiel exit at 10 AM, Estimated,arrival to Carboneras de  Guadazaon at 18 hours. 82 Km

-Sunday 4, Exit from Carboneras at 10 AM, arrival Cuenca estimated at 13 hours. 18 hours concentration in defense of of the regional train. The bikes will be collected in a van and reunite with their owners in Valencia. 18:53 train back to Valencia to arrive at 21:50 in San Isidro (station subway / train) in Valencia.


We hope that the weather permits this bike ride, because at the moment, does not look very good.

The stages are somewhat hard (it is advisable to be somewhat in shape) but not hurry to arrive there.
There will be a support van to carry backpacks and for emergencies.
They sleep in the sports centers of the towns for free (bring a sleeping bag, insulating mat, etc..).
The tour will be on bike paths and ciclables roads.
Anyone can be incorporated into a stage, or leave the day you want. There are railway station at each stage.
Please confirm attendance, limited (by capacity of the van).
Link of the organization (in spanish).

poster taken from they're  web site

IV MARCHA EN BICI VALENCIA-CUENCA EN DEFENSA DEL TREN REGIONAL 1-4 de Octubre de 2012-10-31

Este año se celebra la que muy posiblemente sea la última ruta Valencia-Cuenca en defensa del tren regional, ya que la amenaza de que el gobierno privatice RENFE es cada vez mas clara para 2013.

Debido al deliberado abandono de las red e infraestructura del tren regional (y la apuesta por la alta velocidad, que solo comunica grandes ciudades y "Requena". Que además no es accesible a todos los ciudadanos), su calidad ha bajado y por tanto sus viajeros. Por eso ya no son rentables y se quieren eliminar estos servicios públicos.

La ruta consiste en 4 etapas:

-Jueves 1, a las 9:30 AM concentración en la Estación del Norte de Valencia (tren) salida a Buñol a las 10:30, llegada estimada 15 horas.  50 Km. (desnivel 347 metros).

-Viernes 2, salida de Buñol a las 10 AM, llegada estimada a Utiel 17:30 horas. 62 Km. (desnivel 373 metros).

-Sábado 3, salida de Utiel a las 10 AM, llegada Estimada a Carboneras de Guadazaon a las 18 horas. 82 Km.

-Domingo 4, Salida de Carboneras a las 10 AM,  llegada estimada a Cuenca a las 13 horas. 18 horas concentración en defensa del tren regional. Las bicis serán recogidas en una furgoneta y se reencontraran con sus dueños en Valencia. 18:53 tren de vuelta a Valencia que llegará a las 21:50 en San Isidro (estación metro/tren) en Valencia.

Esperemos que el clima permita esta marcha en bici, porque de momento, no pinta muy bueno.

Las etapas son algo duras (es recomendable estar algo en forma) aunque no hay prisa por llegar.

Habrá una furgoneta de apoyo, para llevar las mochilas y para emergencias.

Se dormirá en los polideportivos de los pueblos de forma gratuita (llevar saco de dormir, aislante, etc.).

El recorrido será por carriles bici y carreteras secundarias ciclables.

Cualquier persona se puede incorporar a una etapa, o abandonarla el día que quiera. Hay estación de tren en cada etapa.

Confirmar asistencia, plazas limitadas (por capacidad de la furgoneta).

Link de la organización.

cartel oficial sacado de su web

COMO LLEGAR A LA TOMATINA

Las formas más comunes de llegar a Buñol, son:

En tren, desde Valencia hasta Buñol cuesta 3.45 Euros (5.15 Euros si compramos ida y vuelta el mismo día). Hay descuentos varios para verlos consultar la Web de Cercanías RENFE. Son 4 zonas (lo buenos de las zonas es que con el mismo billete se puede hacer trasbordo, por ejemplo desde Sagunto que es zona 4 se puede ir a Valencia, cambiar de tren y llegar a Buñol).

La estación principal es Valencia Estació del Nord (norte), desde allí hay que coger el metro a Valencia-Sant Isidro (va incluido en el precio del tren) y allí hacer trasbordo al tren. Estos son los horarios desde Sant Isidre  

En Autobús, desde la Estación de Autobuses de Valencia, con la compañía Autocares Buñol (estos son los horarios), también hay un servicio especial de ida y vuelta a la Tomatina por 16 Euros.

Para ir en vehículo propio, consultar google maps, hay señalizadas zonas para aparcar.

foto de antes de la Tomatina hecha por mi

foto de despues de la Tomatina hecha por mi

LA TOMATINA (history):

The history of the Tomatina began last Wednesday of August 1945 when a group of young people who witnessed the parade of Giants and Bigheads, they wanted to make a place to go in. In doing so, they fall one of the participants, who in anger, began to hit everything he could find. By a twist of life found a vegetable stand and the angry crowd began a battle of tomatoes, until the police managed to stop it.

The following year, the youth repeated the altercation voluntarily (carrying tomatoes from home). Although the police broke up over the next few years this new tradition, these young men had just made history.

In the early 50's the "party" was banned, which did not dissuade the participants (who came to be arrested). Finally the people claim for the party, which is again allowed, becoming more numerous and more frantic.

The party were re-banned until 1957, which became a symbolic burial of the tomato. A demonstration in which the residents carried a coffin with a giant tomato inside. The parade was accompanied by music bands that played funeral marches, and was a total success.
That gender as the Tomatina again be allowed, and instituted as an official holiday.

The party began to be popular in Spain thanks to a report of Informe Semanal
(Research program and current of Spanish Television) in 1983.

Since then the Tomatina increasingly grows more and more becoming declared International Tourist Interest Festival in 2002.

Burial of tomato Picture, taken from the website of the Tomatina

LA TOMATINA (historia):

La historia de la Tomatina, comenzó el ultimo miércoles de Agosto del año 1945, cuando un grupo de jóvenes que presenciaban el desfile de Gigantes y Cabezudos, querían hacerse hueco para llegar. Al hacerlo, hicieron caer a uno de los participantes, que llevado por la ira, comenzo a golpear todo lo que encontraba. Por azares de la vida encontró un puesto de verduras y la multitud enfurecida comenzo una batalla de tomates, hasta que las fuerzas del orden consiguieron ponerle fin.

El año siguiente, los jóvenes repitieron el altercado de forma voluntaria (llevando tomates de su casa). Aunque la policía disolvió durante los siguientes años esta nueva tradición, aquellos jóvenes acababan de hacer historia.

En los principios de los años 50 la “fiesta” fue prohibida, cosa que no disuadió a los participantes (que llegaron a ser detenidos). Finalmente el pueblo reclamo la fiesta, que se volvió a permitir, volviéndose más numerosa y más frenética.

La fiesta volvió a prohibirse hasta el año 1957, en el que se hizo un simbólico entierro del tomate. Una manifestación en la que los vecinos portaron un ataúd con un tomate gigante dentro. El desfile fue acompañado por bandas musicales, que tocaron marchas fúnebres, y fue un éxito total.

Eso genero que la Tomatina volviera a ser permitida e instaurada como fiesta oficial.

La fiesta comenzo a ser popular en España gracias a un reportaje de Informe Semanal

(Programa de investigación y actualidad de televisión española) en el año 1983.

Desde ese año la Tomatina cada vez crece mas y más, llegando a ser declarada Fiesta de interés Turístico Internacional en 2002.

Foto del entierro del tomate, sacada de la Web oficial de la Tomatina

ADVENTURE TOUR (the day before the Tomatina Buñol, August 28)

If someone wants to come on Tuesday 28 August, I have planned a route of about 10 km.

The route starts at the train station of Buñol, about 12 hours, followed by a visit to the castle, the route is medium-low difficulty,  we'll walk to the Cueva del Turche (lake formed by a plummeting natural where we can take a swim) by mountain roads to reach the hostel of Actio in Alborache, where we will do an adventure activity Climbing in  climbing wall, hanging bridge Tirolina (flying fox?) and Archery (the activities depend on the number of participants). And whoever who want can also swim in the pool. At the end, we will walk to Alborache (which is at 1 kilometer or so) where we'll catch the bus to Buñol. Where the route ends.

To join you have to confirm until 1 week before to my mail differentguides@gmail.com or my phone (0034) 622 456 890 (0034) 622 456 890  My name is David. Because it is necessary to confirm the hostel.During the tour I will explain history, curiosities and landmarks (including information on the party area and places to eat).

The finish time depends on the number of participants (more participants more adventurous activities, and therefore end up later.

According to many participants we are, the price will vary between 15 and 20 euros, including the route, adventure activity, the pool, the bus back (and once in Buñol backpack you can leave your in my home until the next dayif you want) .
How you arrive depends on each one, the food must be brought from home, but if someone wants, you can talk to the hostel and there you pay, will be paid before starting the route, and not wait for someone who is late from the departure time.

The route will be in English and Spanish, participants will be between 10 and 20 to make the adventure activity.

No one who is drunk or with clear effects of having used drugs, can participate. And it requires respect with the other participants (who did not have it, will leave the route).

Recommendations for the route:
Wear sneakers or hiking boots (no flip flops), swimsuit (and a towel if you want), sun hat (and sunglasses), sunscreen (because even look for shade, there are not too many in Buñol), sandwich or similar (You can also wear it for dinner, although there are quite cheap prices), comfortable clothing, backpack (it is more comfortable and easier to leave in my home at night, or to take it away), water (we will find sources, but there are not potable water is from the mountain).

picture of the hostel where we will make the adventure activity made by me

RUTA DE AVENTURA (el dia antes de la Tomatina de Buñol 28 de Agosto)

Si alguien quiere venir el martes 28 de Agosto, yo tengo planificada una ruta de unos 10 kilómetros.
La ruta comienza en la estación de tren de Buñol, sobre las 12, sigue con una visita al castillo, ruta de dificultad media baja, a pie hasta la Cueva del Turche (lago formado por un desplome natural, donde nos podemos dar un baño) por carreteras en la montaña, hasta llegar al albergue de Actio en Alborache, donde haremos una actividad de aventura de Escalada en Rocodromo, Tirolina, Puente Tibetano y Tiro con Arco (las actividades dependerán del numero de participantes). Y quien quiera  también podrá darse un baño en la piscina. Al finalizar, iremos andando hasta Alborache (que esta a 1 kilómetro mas o menos) donde cojeremos el autobús a Buñol. Donde finaliza la ruta.

Para apuntarse hay q confirmar hasta 1 semana antes en mi mail differentguides@gmail.com o mi telefono (0034)622456890 me llamo David. Ya que es necesario confirmar al albergue.Durante el recorrido explicare historia, curiosidades y sitios de interés (incluyendo indicaciones sobre la zona de fiesta y sitios para comer).

La hora de finalización dependerá del numero de participantes (a más participantes mas actividades de aventura, y por tanto mas tarde acabaremos).

Según cuantos seamos, el precio variara entre 15 y 20 euros, incluye la ruta, la actividad de aventura, la piscina, el autobús de vuelta (y una vez en Buñol podréis dejar mochila en mi casa hasta el día siguiente, si queréis).
La forma de llegar, depende de cada uno, la comida se tiene que traer de casa, aunque si alguien quiere, se puede hablar con el albergue y se paga allí, se pagara antes de comenzar la ruta, y no se esperara a quien se retrase de la hora de salida.

La ruta será en Español e Ingles, los participantes tendrán q ser entre 10 y 20 para poder hacer la actividad de aventura.

Nadie que este borracho o con claros efectos de haber consumido drogas, podrá participar. Y se exige respeto con el resto de participantes (quien no lo tenga, abandonara la ruta)

Recomendaciones para la ruta:
Llevar zapatillas o botas de montaña(nada de chanclas), bañador (y toalla si queréis), gorra para el sol (y gafas de sol), crema solar (porque aunque buscaremos sombras, no hay demasiadas en Buñol), bocadillo o similar (también podéis llevarlo para cenar, aunque hay precios bastante baratos), ropa cómoda, mochila (es mas cómoda y más fácil para dejarla en mi casa por la noche, o llevársela), agua (encontraremos fuentes, pero no son potables, es agua de montaña).

foto de la ruta hecha por Ewe Polska

LA TOMATINA Buñol (Valencia) what to do

People who go to the Tomatina, mainly choice between two options:

-The first option is to go the previous Tuesday, to know Buñol and its surroundings, and then spend the night partying in the open air pubs (in the St. Louis Park) or go to the disco-mobile with DJs (in the opposite zone, in the park Planell) in Buñol that night is known as "the Empalmá" because the town is full of people eager to party and the music is not over till the next morning.

At 9 am (approximately) is distributed wine and scones in the Town Hall Square
10 starts on the Bat-Soap (a kind of greasy pole, topped with a ham) the team who get it, win it. Meanwhile neighbors and firefighters Spraying water cooling the atmosphere.
More or less at 11 is given the starting signal of the Tomatina until have finished passing all the trucks.

If someone wants to book a place to sleep, do it early. In the Web of the Tomatina, there are suggestions, I can also advise you whether if you contact to me.

-The second option (which is more stressful), is to go on Wednesday (keep in mind that you must walk about 2 miles at least to reach the area of La Tomatina and the trains will be full. So come with time).

If someone wants to come on Tuesday 28 August, I have planned a route of about 10 km.

The route starts at the train station of Buñol, about 12 hours, followed by a visit to the castle, the route is medium-low difficulty,  we'll walk to the Cueva del Turche (lake formed by a plummeting natural where we can take a swim) by mountain roads to reach the hostel of Actio in Alborache, where we will do an adventure activity Climbing in  climbing wall, hanging bridge Tirolina (flying fox?) and Archery (the activities depend on the number of participants). And whoever who want can also swim in the pool. At the end, we will walk to Alborache (which is at 1 kilometer or so) where we'll catch the bus to Buñol. Where the route ends.

To join you have to confirm until 1 week before to my mail differentguides@gmail.com or my phone (0034) 622 456 890 (0034) 622 456 890  My name is David. Because it is necessary to confirm the hostel.During the tour I will explain history, curiosities and landmarks (including information on the party area and places to eat).

The finish time depends on the number of participants (more participants more adventurous activities, and therefore end up later.

According to many participants we are, the price will vary between 15 and 20 euros, including the route, adventure activity, the pool, the bus back (and once in Buñol backpack you can leave your in my home until the next dayif you want) .
How you arrive depends on each one, the food must be brought from home, but if someone wants, you can talk to the hostel and there you pay, will be paid before starting the route, and not wait for someone who is late from the departure time.

The route will be in English and Spanish, participants will be between 10 and 20 to make the adventure activity.

No one who is drunk or with clear effects of having used drugs, can participate. And it requires respect with the other participants (who did not have it, will leave the route).

Recommendations for the route:
Wear sneakers or hiking boots (no flip flops), swimsuit (and a towel if you want), sun hat (and sunglasses), sunscreen (because even look for shade, there are not too many in Buñol), sandwich or similar (You can also wear it for dinner, although there are quite cheap prices), comfortable clothing, backpack (it is more comfortable and easier to leave in my home at night, or to take it away), water (we will find sources, but there are not potable water is from the mountain).

Recommendations for the Tomatina:
Comfortable old clothes that you don't mind throwing (because that's what will happens certain), old sneakers (if you don't do this sure that will end up in the rubbish) or sandals that are attached to the ankle (because otherwise you will lose it in 5 minutes), goggles are useful (because the acid of the tomato in the eyes is very disturbing), only cameras that can withstand water (you can buy a disposable).
For girls it is safer to use  swimsuit than the bikini (although this is forbidden there are some subnormal people trying to remove it), an airtight bag to keep valuables without getting wet.

Picture of the cave Turche made by me