PORTUGAL
As the sun rose over Lisbon, I set off on a cycling journey that marked both an end and a new beginning. Bidding farewell to Portugal, my adventure began in the heart of Lisbon, weaving through its charming streets before I found myself coasting along the picturesque shoreline towards an adventure…
Flat Tyre Before I Even Began…
The serene coastal views were both invigorating and bittersweet, a perfect backdrop for reflection as I pedaled away from a chapter of my life. However, my smooth ride took a turn in Cascais, where my front tyre said “nope” and released all the air it had inside. Just a minor setback, but nothing I couldn’t handle.
Praça do Comércio
Forgotten Lighter
As daylight began to fade, I realized another oversight – I had forgotten a lighter to fire up my mobile stove. Determined not to let this dampen my spirits, I hurried on towards Ericeira, where restaurants are. My urgency, however, led me down a treacherous, unpaved route suggested by god damn Google Maps. The road was rough and challenging, a test of both my endurance and my spirit. I managed to get out alive, yet it took do long that instead of a shortcut, it took me over an hour to get over 4km distance!
25 April Bridge
Kebab Saved the Day!
Despite the unexpected hurdles, I pressed on and, with the last of my energy, reached the last open kebab shop in Ericeira just before it closed. No card payment they said (thinking I would not be able to order and they could have a peace, but little did they know I also possessed cash!). So I got my meal and with that enough energy to find a spot for my first camping, somewhere in the middle of nowhere, in the farm field.
Setting off from Ericeira, the sun was shining, the waves were crashing, and I was in high spirits, ready to smash the route ahead. Little did I know, the universe had some rather thrilling surprises in store for me.
View of Nazaré
Thrilling Surprice!
Halfway through my trip, I decided to take a well-deserved lunch break. I found a bus stop spot by the side of the road, perfect for munching on a snickers bar, but just as I was finishing up, I noticed that a great number of police were storming towards me. I was wondering what could have happened? Well, no time to spare I thought, so as soon as I finished my break, I hopped back on my bike. As soon as I started pedaling, a policeman on a motorbike came roaring up beside me, shouting for me to get off the road. Startled, I swerved to the side just in time to witness a blur of colors and helmets zoom past me – a peloton race! Tens of cyclists, riding at breakneck speeds, whizzed by in a spectacle of sheer athletic prowess and near-death experiences. My lunch break had nearly turned into a much grimmer story!
No Man’s Land
Anyone missing an AirPod?
With my heart still racing (and not from the pedaling), I resumed my journey, keeping a wary eye out for any more surprise races. The rest of the trip was relatively uneventful until I spotted a curious little object lying on the side of the road – an AirPod. It sat there, looking forlorn and out of place amidst the wildflowers and gravel. I couldn’t help but wonder: was it lost by a fellow cyclist? Or perhaps dropped by one of those racing demons who nearly flattened me? So, if anyone out there is missing an AirPod, let me know!
There’s something undeniably magical about cycling along the coast, where the endless horizon meets the azure sea, and every turn reveals a new breathtaking vista. Leaving Peniche, the road ahead was a mix of winding coastal paths and long, straight stretches that seemed to go on forever, reminiscent of the vast, open roads of Australia. These segments, stretching tens of kilometers, brought back memories of my rides down under, where the horizon seemed infinite and the road, eternal. As evening approached, I found the perfect spot to set up camp in a secluded forest. There, surrounded by the whispering trees and the soft glow of the stars, I enjoyed a peaceful night with no one else around. It was a serene end to a day of intense riding, a moment of solitude and reflection amidst nature’s embrace.
Beach as Far as You Can See
A Little Hiccup
The next morning, I set off towards Aveiro, however, a minor logistical hiccup awaited me. The first ferry that could take me over the peninsula wouldn’t depart until midday, and waiting around didn’t fit with my plans. So, I decided to cycle around it, adding an extra 40 kilometers to my route…and here I thought I would have an easy day! Leaving Aveiro behind, the ride to Porto was nothing short of spectacular. The route featured wooden paths that ran parallel to the coast, offering stunning views of the ocean.
City of Porto
Don’t buy Decathlon tubes…
I started my journey from Porto, refreshed and with high spirit. The weather was perfect, the road inviting, but like a bad horror movie, the suspense was short-lived. While heading for my lunch, nearly 500m from the stop, my tire began its slow and inevitable deflation. As I watched my tire go limp for no particular reason, I couldn’t help but think of all the times I read “avoid cheap tubes.” Ah, the folly of “youth”. If only I could get Decathlon (they usually do good stuff, but not tubes!) to see the humor in it. Perhaps they could market their tubes as a new fitness challenge: “Want stronger legs? Try our tubes that deflate randomly! Surprise!”
As I pedaled along, lamenting my deflating tube, a group of cyclists effortlessly surpassed me. Their pace and determined expressions sparked a challenge, that I was ready to take on. Without hesitation, I pushed myself to join them. Despite the initial pain to keep up, their energy pulled me along, transforming a frustrating setback into an unexpected and exhilarating ride. For a while, I was part of their pack, pushing my limits and rediscovering the joy of cycling.
Viana do Castelo
Farewell, Portugal…
As I wrapped up my journey through Portugal, it was with a bittersweet blend of sadness and joy that I bid farewell to this beautiful country. For the past year and a half, Portugal has been my home, my playground, and my classroom, providing me with endless opportunities to grow and see life from a new perspective. The ride here has been a wild mix of sunny days, refreshing winds, and breathtaking sights that I’ll carry with me forever – assuming I survive the next chapter of my adventures. From the stunning coastal roads to the rolling hills, each journey on my bike has been a testament to the beauty and diversity of this incredible land. Let’s just say, Portugal’s charm almost made up for the moments I nearly became roadkill.
Day 1: Lisbon -> Ericeira
Day 2: Ericeira -> Nazare
Day 3: Nazare -> Aveiro
Day 4: Aveiro -> Porto
Day 5: Porto -> Vila Nova