Gravel biking is quickly becoming one of the most popular outdoor activities, and it’s no wonder why! From its extreme versatility to its relative affordability, this sport has something to offer everyone, regardless of their riding experience. Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced veteran, you can find something to enjoy about gravel biking. With its unique blend of mountain biking and road riding, gravel biking gives you access to a wide variety of terrain, from smooth, easy trails to challenging off-road routes. Plus, it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to get started, as most of the gear needed is fairly affordable and easy to find. So, if you’re looking for an exciting new way to explore the outdoors, gravel biking might be the perfect option for you! In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about gravel biking, including its benefits, tips, and more. Table of Contents
What is gravel biking?Gravel biking is a cycling activity that involves riding on unpaved trails and gravel surfaces, including dirt roads and Byways (regional roads). While it can possibly be traced back to the ‘80s, it didn’t get its official title until 2012, when the term was introduced as a new category in the Adventure Cycling Association’s Bike Route Classification System. Today, gravel biking has become incredibly popular, with riders of varying experience levels enjoying the sport across the globe. Gravel biking is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy a wide variety of terrain types and settings, from scenic, smooth paths to challenging, rugged routes. While the activity is similar to mountain biking, with the difference being the type of surface being ridden on, gravel biking is equally as good on road rides and more.
Benefits of gravel bikingGravel biking offers a wide range of benefits, perfect for anyone looking to get more out of their outdoor adventures. Here are some of the biggest benefits to consider: Improved fitness and health - Cycling adventures on unpaved trails often involve climbing hills and pedaling up steep inclines, which are great for improving your cardiovascular health, stamina, and leg strength. Whether you’re tackling a short, easy trail or a long, challenging route, you’ll be able to improve your fitness and overall health, which can improve your quality of life. Mental health benefits - Riding gravel trails also has mental health benefits, providing an opportunity to relax and unwind from a busy, stressful life. Whether you decide to take a short, easy ride or a long, challenging route, you’ll be able to clear your head and think more clearly. Variety of terrain types - Riding gravel trails gives you access to a wide variety of terrain types and settings, including smooth paths, winding dirt roads, and challenging, rugged routes. This allows you to explore different terrain types and settings, giving you access to a wide range of outdoor experiences. Access to diverse communities - Another benefit of riding gravel trails is that they give you access to a diverse range of communities, including nearby cities and towns. By combining two of the most popular outdoor activities, you’ll be able to access a wide variety of communities. Gear and equipment needed for gravel bikingIt’s important to have the right gear and equipment for any type of cycling adventure, including gravel biking. To ensure you’re well-equipped for any gravel biking adventure, check out the following gear and equipment: Gravel Bike - You’ll need a bike that’s built for off-road riding, with wider tires for better traction and durability. If you don’t have a specific gravel bike, you can still ride on unpaved trails, just be sure to adjust your tire pressure to suit the terrain. Helmet - You should always wear a helmet when cycling, especially on off-road routes. It’s important to wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a fall or collision. Gloves - You’ll also want to wear gloves to protect your hands, especially when riding on rough, rocky surfaces. Shoes - You should also wear protective shoes to help shield your feet from rocks and other debris found on gravel trails, while affording all day long cycling comfort and support. First-aid kit - Always bring a first-aid kit on any cycling adventure, including gravel riding. It’s important to have the necessary tools on hand in the event of an injury. Hydration and nutrition - You should also bring plenty of hydration and nutrition, especially if you plan on going on a long trail. Bring plenty of water and food to fuel your ride. Getting started with gravel bikingIf you’re interested in getting started with gravel biking, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to decide what type of riding you’re most interested in. Are you looking for smooth, paved paths or extreme, challenging off-road routes? Next, you’ll want to decide what type of bike suits your riding style. Do you prefer a drop bar bike, or a straight bar bike? You’ll also want to decide what type of gear and equipment will work best for you. Are you interested in going with a carbon fiber bike frame, alloy or a steel frame? You may well have the perfect gravel bike at home gathering dust in your garage: a simple hardtail mountainbike or a hybrid trekking bike make perfect gravel bikes, without having to spend a fortune on an all-new dedicated gravel machine. Once you’ve made your choice and got your perfect bike, you’re ready to hit the trails!
Gravel biking tips for beginnersIf you’re new to the sport of gravel biking and aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Follow these tips to help you get started with the sport: Start with an easy trail - When you’re first getting started with gravel biking, it’s important to start with an easy trail or route. This will allow you to get used to the sport and feel comfortable riding. Build up your endurance - Cycling is a challenging sport, and it can help you improve your fitness, but only if you put in the work. To build up your endurance, try riding more often or increasing your ride distance. Invest in good gear - When it comes to riding gravel, you never know what type of terrain you’ll have to ride on. Be prepared for anything by investing in good gear, including a durable, reliable bike and protective gear, such as gloves, helmets, and shoes. Gravel biking safety tipsWhile gravel biking is an exciting, fun sport, it’s important to follow safety precautions to help keep you out of harm’s way. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind if you’re participating in the sport: Stay hydrated - Cycling can be challenging and exhausting, which makes hydration incredibly important. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your ride to help keep you hydrated and energized. Wear protective gear - Cycling is a challenging sport, and it’s important to wear protective gear at all times. Always wear a helmet and gloves to protect your head and hands in the event of a fall or collision. Know your limits - It’s important to know your limits when it comes to riding gravel. Stay away from challenging terrain, and always follow the 10% rule when deciding whether or not a trail is right for you. Ride with a partner - It’s important to ride with a partner, especially if you’re new to the sport. Riding with a partner can help keep you safe and encourage you to push yourself.
Gravel biking routes and mapsWhen riding gravel trails, you’ll likely come across many different routes. Some routes are short, easy paths, while others are long, challenging routes. While you can choose the route you want to take, it’s important to take note of the distance so you know how long your ride will be. Another helpful tool to have on hand when riding gravel trails is a map, be it printed or digital. A map is helpful when riding with a group or with friends, helping you all stay on track and reach your destination. If you’re interested in riding gravel trails near you, you can use sites like Trailforks, Routzz or Ride with GPS, which allow you to search nearby trails and review different routes.
Gravel biking eventsAs you become more involved with the gravel biking community, you’ll likely come across various events, such as local rides and races. Participation in these events is a fun and exciting way to get to know other gravel bikers, as well as to challenge yourself and improve your riding skills. Plus, you’ll often have the opportunity to ride unique routes and visit new places. When you’re planning to attend a gravel biking event for the first time, make sure to do your research so you know what to expect. This includes knowing the route ahead of time, what gear you need, and anything else you should keep in mind. Additionally, make sure to ride safely and follow any rules and guidelines set by the event organizers.
Gravel biking communityGravel biking is a fairly new sport, but you'll find a ton of information and gear online. You’ll likely come across small, and enthusiastic, communities of people who love sharing their experiences with others. With that said, you may find it challenging to find people with whom you can ride when you’re just getting started. This is why it’s important to get involved with the community as soon as possible. One of the best out there is Bikepacking.com. Joining online groups, participating in local events, and attending gravel biking workshops are just a few ways to meet other people who share your interests and ride style. Once you’ve connected with this supportive community, you’ll have access to new gear, tips, and information that can help you along your gravel biking journey.
Gravel biking resources for beginnersIf you’re new to the sport of gravel biking and are interested in trying it out, but aren’t sure where to start, there are a few resources and tips you can keep in mind - without going out and buying an expensive new bike! First and foremost, it’s important to make sure your bike is ready for gravel riding. This means replacing the standard road tires with wider, more durable tires (here's where a mountain or hybrid bike makes a better fit that a narrow framed road bike!). Additionally, you may want to consider purchasing a wider handlebar to give you extra control and comfort. Once your bike is set up for gravel riding, it’s time to purchase a few essentials that are necessary for riding on gravel. This includes a bike repair kit, tire repair kit, and some basic tools. It’s also helpful to wear appropriate gear, such as a helmet and gloves, to protect yourself from potential hazards.
SummaryWhether you’re new to off road riding or an experienced veteran, you can find something to enjoy about gravel biking. With its unique blend of mountain biking and road riding, gravel biking gives you access to a wide variety of terrain, from smooth, easy trails to challenging off-road routes. Here are two of my favourite routes to inspire you: Camino de Santiago in Spain and Rota Vicentina in Portugal.
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Azores teas are a unique and sought-after product that have been gaining in popularity in recent years. The Azores, a group of nine volcanic islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, are home to some of the best tea-growing conditions in the world. With its subtropical climate, rich volcanic soil, and abundant rainfall, the Azores provide the ideal environment for producing high-quality tea. Table of Contents
About Azores TeasThe two main varieties of Azores tea are black tea and green tea. You will see references to Orange Pekoe Black tea and Hysson Green tea. This can be a little confusing, but I'll get into the differences below: Black teaBlack tea is a type of tea that is fully fermented and has a strong, robust flavor. It is the most oxidized of all the tea types and is the basis for many popular tea blends, including English Breakfast and Earl Grey. Azores black tea is known for its smooth, robust flavor and is a popular choice for those who enjoy a strong, full-bodied tea. In the Azores, most of the black tea produced has the label "Orange Pekoe". This is a grading system for black tea leaves, indicating the size of the leaves. Orange Pekoe tea is made from high-quality leaves and is known for its full-bodied flavor, bright color, and brisk taste. It is commonly used as the base for blends such as Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea. Green teaGreen tea is a lighter and more delicate tea that is known for its health benefits. It is a type of tea that is also made from Camellia Sinensis leaves, but with minimal oxidation. This results in a tea that is lighter in color and has a more delicate flavor compared to black tea. Unlike black tea, green tea is not fermented, which helps to preserve its natural flavor and health benefits. Azores green tea is prized for its bright, fresh flavor and is a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle tea experience. In the Azores, you will see the reference "Hysson" - this is a type of green tea from China with long, twisted leaves picked in early spring. It is considered a high-quality tea due to its delicate processing and milder, slightly sweeter flavor - witout the bitter or adstingent taste some green teas can have. Hyson tea is also known for its health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants. Whether for its taste or health benefits, Hyson tea is a popular choice among tea lovers. What's so Special about the Azores Teas?While Azores teas are made from Camellia sinensis, the same plant used to produce tea in other parts of the world, the conditions in the Azores create a distinct flavor that sets these teas apart from others. What truly make Azores teas a unique and highly prized product, enjoyed by tea lovers around the world, are four main reasons:
Azores Tea ProducersGorreana Tea Factory is one of the oldest and most well-known tea producers in the Azores. Founded in 1883, it is located on the island of Sao Miguel and is known for producing high-quality black teas using traditional methods. The tea is grown on the slopes of the Gorreana mountain and is harvested by hand. The factory is open to visitors and offers guided tours, as well as tastings of its teas. Porto Formoso Tea Factory, located on the island of Sao Miguel, is another well-known tea producer in the Azores. The factory is known for its commitment to producing high-quality teas using only the finest ingredients. The tea plants are grown on the slopes of the Porto Formoso mountain and are harvested by hand. The factory offers a range of teas, including black tea, green tea, and herbal blends. Visitors can take a guided tour of the factory and learn about the production process, as well as sample its teas. Both Gorreana and Porto Formoso tea factories are popular tourist destinations in the Azores, and offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of tea production in the region. Whether you are a tea aficionado or simply looking for a unique and interesting experience, a visit to one of these tea factories is a must. The popularity of Azores teas has led to the growth of a thriving tea industry in the region. This industry not only provides jobs and economic benefits for the local community, but also helps to preserve the local culture and traditions of the Azores. In addition, the tea industry has also helped to raise awareness of the Azores as a tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in learning more about this beautiful and unique region. Like Tea? You'll Love the Azores!If you're a tea lover and are looking for a new and unique tea experience, Azores teas are definitely worth trying. Whether you prefer black tea, green tea, or herbal blends, there is a type of Azores tea that is sure to suit your tastes. So why not head down to your local tea shop and pick up a package of Azores tea today? If you are feeling adventurous,, consider exploring the islands and taking home some Azores tea, as a wonderfully unique souvenir! If you’ve spent any time exploring the world of cuisine, you probably know that there are few places on earth with as much variety in their food as Portugal. A small country with a big history, this region is home to some of the most amazing dishes from almost every culture and subculture you could imagine. Whether it’s veggie, beef, pork, fish or chicken, there are so many different types of dishes in Portuguese cuisine that we had to narrow our list down to just ten of the very best ones. Even if you’re not a fan of fish or red meat, these dishes will open your eyes (and your mouth) to a whole new world of tastes and textures. If you love exploring new flavors and cuisines, then read on for our list of the top 10 best dishes from Portugal you must try! Table of Contents
Green broth - Kale Soup (Caldo Verde)I think Portugal is the soup capital of the world. All Portuguese eat soup every day! It's just part of life. If you’re a fan of veggie soups and stews, you’ll love this popular soup dish.
Caldo Verde has been a staple of the Portuguese diet for centuries. The hearty kale soup It became a staple of the national diet during the Great Plague of 1720. When food became scarce, people looked to this dish as a source of nutrients and vitamins to keep them going. This traditional dish is made from a variety of green vegetables and herbs but, mainly, shredded kale, potatoes, mint, parsley, leeks, and cabbage. The vegetables are cooked in water with a touch of salt and pepper, garlic and a little olive oil, until they’re soft and tender. The result is DELICIOUS! Codfish Casserole (Bacalhau Ă BrĂ¡s)If you’re a fan of codfish and chips, you’re in for a treat. This traditional Portuguese dish is made from salted codfish shredded and baked in a rich, creamy sauce. The dried cod is first soaked for 24+ hours in water to reconstitute it. It´s then prepared like fresh fish and baked until golden brown.
It's then shredded and served with a rich, creamy sauce made from eggs, milk and a pinch of pepper with a topping of fresh coriander, chopped hard-boiled eggs and a generous helping of Portuguese piri-piri sauce. The salty codfish is accompanied by a crunchy layer of fried potato slices. Combined with a generous helping of piri-piri sauce, this dish is perfect for lunch or dinner. Fish Stew (Caldeirada de Peixe)This traditional Portuguese fish stew is a hearty, heavy dish made from a variety of fish and seafood. Although there are many different recipes for this dish, it’s common for the stew to include a mixture of fish such as squid, clams, fresh mussels, and shrimp.
This fish stew is cooked with potatoes, carrots, onions and parsley in a rich, creamy sauce that gives the dish a unique flavor and texture. Fish Stew is often served with a drizzle of olive oil or sprinkled with a generous helping of paprika. Cod Ă¡ Lagareiro (Salted Cod a Lagareiro style)If you love seafood and are looking for something a little different, this Portuguese dish is one you won’t want to miss. Bacalhaou Ă¡ Lagareiro Style is a traditional Portuguese dish that’s both simple and delicious.
In this dish, the cod is boiled in water, shredded, mixed with bread and then drizzled with olive oil. It’s then served with slices of toasted bread and a generous sprinkling of chopped parsley and paprika. This is a great dish to serve as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a meal on its own. It’s simple to make, rich in flavor and full of nutrients. The cod is high in protein and low in calories. AçordaA wonderful hearty, potato-free meal, you’ll love this traditional Portuguese fish and bread stew. This stew is made with a variety of fish, such as codfish, shrimps, clams, and mussels and pieces of bread that are slowly cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce.
This is a great dish to make if you’re looking for something quick, simple, and hearty. Açorda is often eaten as a light meal or a snack, or served as an appetizer at dinner parties and barbecues. This dish is so popular in Portugal that it’s considered a National Dish. You can find it served at almost any restaurant or bar in Portugal. Portuguese Piri-Piri ChickenIf you love spicy food, you’ll go crazy for this Portuguese take on a classic dish. The Portuguese Piri-piri Chicken is a popular dish served in many Portuguese-owned restaurants and bars all over the world.
This is a spicy chicken dish made with a variety of spices, including paprika, piri piri and garlic. It’s often served with a side of vegetables, rice or potatoes, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. The Portuguese Piri-Piri Chicken is a quick, easy and cheap dish to make for yourself, family or friends. It’s also a great dish to serve at parties and barbecues. FrancesinhaThis one is a wildcard, but if you love sandwiches and want to try a dish that’s as different and delicious as it is decadent and indulgent, the Francesinha is a must-try. This sandwich is so popular in Portugal that it even has its own festival, which celebrates this sandwich and the people who love it.
The Francesinha is made from a variety of meat and seafood, melted cheese, and a special sauce. It’s then baked in a sandwich press to create a delicious and unique texture. Monkfish RiceIf you’re looking for a fish dish that’s a little different, we think you’ll love the Monkfish Rice. This is a delicious firm scale-less fish often served in rice dishes that are typically enjoyed for family lunches or dinners.
The Monkfish Rice is made from a mixture of monkfish, seafood, and a generous helping of rice. It’s then sloly stewed in a rich tomato sauce, flaboured with bay leaves, white white and a pinch of pepper. This is a simple, hearty and healthy dish that’s quick and easy to make. It’s a great dish to try if you’re new to Portuguese cuisine or if you’re looking for a new type of fish dish to add to your weekly menu. Pastel de NataPortugal’s most famous treat from the bakery! If you’re a fan of desserts, you won’t want to miss out on this unique little tart. The Pastel de Nata is a traditional Portuguese dessert that’s loved around the world.
This little tart is made from a thick layer of flaky pastry and a rich, creamy filling made from eggs, sugar, and cinnamon. It’s often served with a drizzle of honey and sprinkling of cinnamon. The Pastel de Nata is a delicious pastry that’s rich in flavor and absolutely delicious! It’s a great treat to end a meal with or to share with friends or family over mid-morning coffee. So much to try, so little timeWell, there you have it! Our list of the top 10 best dishes from Portugal you must try. If you love spicy food, seafood, and rich, creamy sauces, then you definitely won’t want to miss out on these amazing dishes. If you love exploring new cuisines and want to try something new and different, then why not plan a trip to Portugal? This amazing country offers visitors a taste of history, culture, and cuisine in every bite. Cycling in hot weather can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to it. It is important to take precautions to ensure you stay safe and healthy when cycling in hot weather. There are ways to make your cycling experience much more pleasant even during the hottest months of the year! Keep reading for our top seven tips for how you can keep cool when cycling in hot weather... Table of ContentsPlan your routeBefore you head out for your ride, you might want to make sure you know the route you are planning to take. This can be especially important if the weather is extremely hot. Consider bike touring routes that take you closer to the coast, or that ensure you can cool off in a swimming pool or river at the end of the day's ride. Make sure that you plan a route that will allow you to find cooler and more shaded areas to ride in. You want to make sure you plan to cycle in an area that will be comfortable to ride during your chosen dates. If you’re not sure where you can find cycling routes that are cooler, we offer some suggested bike touring routes in Spain and Portugal. There are tons of different maps out there that can help point you in the right direction. Find a route that tells you areas that are the most suitable for cycling in the heat, and what the best months are for that specific destination. Dress for hot weatherWhen riding a bike, it's important to always dress for the weather conditions. If it's warm, then you will find it easier to change into more comfortable and breathable clothes. Wearing clothes that are too thick or heavy can increase your body temperature and make you feel even hotter than you are. You’ll also be more likely to sweat in heavier clothing, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous in the heat. When dressing for hot weather, you want to wear light and loose-fitting clothing. I prefer cotton over synthetic material for very hot cycling conditions. More on that later on. You also want to wear clothing that has a high level of breathability, which will allow your body to release some of the built-up heat. It can be a good idea to wear fabrics that are designed to wick away sweat and moisture from your body, as this will keep you feeling cooler and drier overall. Ride at the right time of dayYou may feel too hot for comfort during the heat of the day in a place with extreme heat. If you can, try to ride during the early morning or late afternoon hours. This will give you a chance to avoid riding in the heat of the day and it will help keep you a bit cooler. If you have to ride in the heat of the day, it will be beneficial to find shade as often as you can. That might be a shady forest, an old barn or a shaded part of towns and villages you are cycling through. Avoid cycling at peak heat and sunlight hours. There is a common misconception that the hottest time occurs during midday, while the coldest time occurs at midnight. The hottest time of the day usually occurs between 3 pm and 4:30 pm, 3-5 hours after noon (when the sun is at its highest point in the sky), when the radiant heat absorbed by the sun is radiated back out from road surfaces and rocks and the like. Keep hydratedWhen cycling in hot weather, it’s very important to remember to stay hydrated. You may even feel like you have a lower need for water when compared to riding in cooler weather. However, this is not the case. In fact, you may require more that twice as much water as normal when cycling in hot weather. You might need to carry additional water with you when cycling in hot weather to avoid dehydration, this is especially ture if you are covering long sections, far from towns or villages, as can happen alongparts of the Camino de Santiago. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water before, during, and particularly after your ride.
Drinking smaller quantities more frequently at shorter intervals is more effective than drinking large amounts infrequently. On very hot days, you will loose more salts through increased sweating, so you must also replenish electrolytes, and often the fastest way to do so is with a good isotonic product. I prefer adding isotonics to a separate water bottle, either as a powder or tablets. So if you do choose to carry a sports drink, do make sure to drink plenty of plain water as well! Don’t be afraid to take a breakIf you are cycling in hot weather, you may find that you need to take breaks more often than you do when cycling in cooler weather. This is completely normal and you should never feel ashamed or embarrassed to take breaks when you need to! If you are feeling really hot and dehydrated, you might want to consider taking a break more often than usual and even hold off finishing the ride util later in the day when the temperature has dropped. There is no shame in stopping for water, food, or to take a break from the heat. If you don’t take breaks when you need to, you could end up passing out and getting seriously hurt. This happens to the best. Taking breaks when you need to can help you avoid passing out from dehydration or overheating. It can also allow you to start your ride fresh and energized. Pack for the heatIf you plan to cycle in a place that experience really hot weather, then you pack accordingly, with supplies that can help you stay cool. There are a number of things you can pack in your bag to keep you cool and comfortable when cycling in hot weather, I personally favour cotton over synthetic material for very hot cycling conditions, as it allows sweat and water to evaporate more slowly, prolonging the cooling. You can check out our brief article on packing for the the Camino, which offers a good outline of what to pack for a bike tour with all weather conditions. When cycling, you will likely sweat and may even become dehydrated. If you don’t carry a water bottle with you, you may not get the hydration you need and you may start to become overheated. You can also pack a snack or two in your bag, consider fresh rather that dried fruit for very hot rides. Eating can help to keep your energy and hydration levels up, and it can also help to keep you cool. Certain foods, such as watermelon and fruits and veggies that hold a lot of water will help hydrate you and help cool you off. Hot days are also great excuses to treat yourself to some gelato - I certainly do! It's also best to lay off the alcohol during the day, and save up for a post-ride glass of crisp white or green wine, a G&T or an ice cold beer as a reward for you efforts! ConclusionWhile hot weather can be challenging and uncomfortable, it doesn’t have to end your cycling season. With the right precautions, you can easily stay safe and healthy when cycling in hot weather. The most important thing you can do when cycling in hot weather is to remember to stay hydrated. You can also wear light and loose-fitting clothing, ride in the morning or late afternoon hours, and find shade as often as possible. Stay cool and comfortable by packing your bag with supplies that can help you stay cool, and don’t be afraid to take a break when you need to. The Rota Vicentina is one of the most enjoyable cycling routes in western Europe. It combines country roads, small towns and wild Atlantic seascapes with outstanding Portuguese food and hospitality. Matt Halfmann recently cycled from Setubal to Sagres along the Rota Vicentina and shared his experience in his own words. Day one, Portugal. Arrived Lisbon. Special thanks to the charming young couple, originally from São Tome, without whom obtaining a train ticket from the vending machine might’ve taken a bit of time. Perfect weather. Today’s mission, acclimate to my rental bicycle, which will take from here to Sagres over the next five days. Portugal day 2: Nice cycle out to Wine country, lunch in Azeitao. Then cycled (mostly) up, along and down the Arrabida ridge. Great views of the sandy point across the bay that is tomorrow’s starting point. Realized I would need to find something to do other than biking, eating and drinking, so per Dan Chartrand I sought out the local book seller (not always easy to find). Dinner, a Setubal specialty choco fritos (fried cuttlefish and chips). No idea the cultural significance of the multicolored dolphin statues or the pigeon boy mural, but made for a nice after dinner walk. Portugal Day 3: Started by catching the ferry from Setubal to Troia. 40 mile cycle initially flat through dunes and rice fields with a nice stop to dip the feet in the Atlantic at the lovely beach Praia Comporta, then rolling hills through vineyards and cork trees and finishing with grueling last leg uphill to Santiago da Cacem. Stretched my legs with a hike up narrow cobblestone streets to the medieval castle. Sorry Pop, no cannons sighted. Portugal Day 4: Everything I’d hope for in the cycling trip and more all in one day. Started with a quick ride up to the Roman ruins of Mirobriga, circa 1-4th century AD. Then an enjoyable , mostly coasting ride downhill to the ocean through rolling hills passing by pastures with Burmese herding goats, big bulls, horses and even a couple windmills. The last stretch, an idyllic unpaved road leading to Portugal’s equivalent to a lobster on the rocks facing Nubble light, that being arroz linguierao (rice with razor clams in a tomato sauce) and (more of course) fried cuttlefish facing Ilha Do Pessegueiro. Next a short but amazing ride along the coast, then onward to the next destination, Vila Nova de Milfontes. But wait, to top it off, tonight‘s accommodations include a shared kitchen stocked with free beer, wine and a cordials bar as well as, get this, homemade chocolate cake in my room Day 5: Forgetting to charge the GPS helped to make the decision to “not” for today as a “biking optional” day, so now what to do? Breakfast (sorry generally trying to not show photos of food but both meals were spectacular). A mix of exploring beaches (a half dozen nestled between the cliffs nearby with all save one offering easy access stairs, paths etc), streets, alleys, hidden gems such as the Italian artist who came to Portugal for a short stay, 25 years ago and is still here, a short paddle board session (thankfully no pictures). Then retreated to a shaded perch here at the casa to feign reading and totally enjoy an uncharacteristic moment of peace, stillness and pure amusement watching the small birds deftly maneuver the white plaster canyons topped with terracotta tile. Dinner, bream seasoned with salt and grilled over charcoal, amazing food and setting, and yes, the first realization I am on the WEST coast of Portugal, the sun will set over the sea and that might be worth checking out. How I met chef Hugo Nascimento (Yes Ray, this is a best effort at a concise version). Today, another great cycle, country roads, beaches, cliffs etc (pics to follow) GPS works great until reaching the destination, Odeceixe. Going in circles, long uphill walk over cobblestones, found sign for hotel, where’s lobby, ok #113, another uphill climb, but the sign say Naperon, not Casa Moinha. Staff acknowledges yea, check in here but not till 4pm (it’s 230). I plunk down in lobby with book and water, and soon nice guy says, I can check you in, cool Nice lady confirms room is ready. I go to room, start googling restaurant options. One is too fancy, naperon, big time chef Hugo Nascimento, but pic looks a lot like the guy who checked me in, and his nice colleague, yup, his wife. Suffice it to say, I had the surprise four moments à la carte menu at Naperon, with the chef himself chatting and presenting, spectacular! Portugal Day 6: Fairly long cycle from Odeceixe to Sagres (60km), however all paved road. Pic of bike fully loaded. Kudos to the bike and the travel company, not one hitch the entire trip. More auto traffic, occasionally heavy, but the good news was the two long uphill climbs were gradual, “pedal-able”, and busier sections actually had narrow, but welcome breakdown/bike lanes. More rolling hills, vineyards citrus trees, windmills! (No bird carcasses at their bases, perhaps Portuguese birds are smarter, or at least smarter than those who post such “news” ). Much as I wanted to stay ahead of the potential of rain (as it turns out clouds, no rain) I was very conscious this would be the last day of something I’d waited so long for, so took the time to enjoy, occasionally laugh or hoot to myself when out of earshot and “take it all in”. Arrived in good time, made the trek to the SW tip, then rewarded myself with a local delicacy, a very messy burger, beer and fries at 3 Little Birds (yup named after the Bob Marley song). Portugal, Day 7, Lagos: Hands-down the memorable moment was a group kayak trip thru caves, then catching big swells out to and around Ponta da Piedade. In addition more cliff walks, beaches, old city labyrinth streets, amazing cobblestones everywhere, great food etc. First impression Lagos is bigger, busier, more construction, more touristy (played golf with 3 Scotsmen) less what I thought I was looking for, but as I was walking back after a great meal on my last night, I had a strong feeling, glad I was able to spend three days here, I like this place. All text and photos © Matt Halfmann Have you got an interesting bicycle touring story to share? Don't be shy! We would love to hear from you too! You can share you bike touring tales right here.
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