Celebrating!

When it was all over, we enjoyed a few drinks on the Saturday evening. Where to next year?!?

Day 7 - Finished

A mountainous ride to finish - 540 miles covered in 7 days so nearly 80/day. Beautiful weather again and yet more stunning scenery. Portugal has been amazing. Now celebrating at the pool at our final hotel near Faro. 

Day 6: An amazing 82 mile Undulating Ride Through the Alantejo

Leaving the ruins of the Roman temple in Evora, we cycled across the Alantejo all day. The Alantejo makes up a third of Portugal and is made up of rolling hills with cork forests, vineyards, wheat fields and wild meadows. We had eagles circling above us and Alastair had a close encounter with an over-interested stork. The temperature reached 35 by the end of the day, and after a fast and furious ride we were more than ready for pasta, salad and local wine overlooking the river in Mertola. Another amazing day with disbelief that tomorrow is our last day. 

Days 4&5 - 190 miles from the Silver Coast to Evora

Leaving the coast, we've turned inland and had two tough days of 92 and 81 miles. The weather has gradually improved, leaving the coastal drizzle we cycled most of today in 30+ degrees through vast meadows of Spring wild flowers. Stunning! Passing pilgrims heading for the shrine at Fatima, watching circling buzzards and swooping storks, with just the sound of wheels turning and birdsong. Eating barbequed sardines washed down by red wine by the side of the road at 930am with any payment refused. The Portuguese have been warm, friendly and hospitable throughout the trip. The team is riding stronger day by day and we now feel a real unit. So 385 miles covered, 28500 calories burnt, 35 hours of hard peddling and some really sore bums. Spirits very high though!

Day 3 - More Photos

Day 3 - Headwind hits the Pink Pelaton

We had imagined this would be our easiest day, heading 60 miles south past the beaches of the Silver Coast. Unfortunately we cycled into am energy sapping headwind, and then a very poor forest track for 20 miles, full of pot holes. So instead of arriving in Figueiria da Foz at 2pm, we got in at 5:30. But morale is high and we're loving it!

Day 2 - Through Porto and a Wet Coastal Ride

85 miles and cycling till 7pm. Fast downhill to Porto passing through Guimares, but then the the rain came in and we couldn't see much of the beautiful beaches as we headed south. Now 25 miles south of Porto.

Day 1 - More Photos

6500 feet of climbing and 5500 calories burnt.

Day 1 - The Mountains of Northern Portugal

Very tough day climbing a major mountain range. Luckily we had stunning weather and views as far as the eye could see in dramatic rugged granite country. So although only 55 miles we agreed it was one of toughest days ever because of the steep gradients with full panniers, with three major climbs each taking 1-2 hours each. But we're all happy and very contented here at our hotel now.

A week to go

Training ride to the seaside today. 10kg of water in the panniers and a full top box, so fully loaded. Very flat though, averaging 16mph....nothing like the mountains next Sunday!

The Not so Magnificent Seven Ride for the First Time Together

With two weeks to go, we did a 53 mile ride in Sussex: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/301028899

All went well apart from the start - Jeroen finds the only pot hole:

but we then get going, and enjoy the beautiful weather all morning:

The First Bike Arrives in Portugal....Early

Planning is a Serious Business

Planning is a Serious Business
Starting as we mean to go on
The Bram, Forest Row

Portugal North to South in 7 Days - Our Planned Route

Here's our route through Portugal...