Sunday, May 4th, 2014
Route Map and Garmin Ride Statistics
Departure from festival town Barcelos on a relatively "quiet" Sunday morning was via the bridge that we had walked across the previous day looking for a bar. The firework barriers had been removed and traffic was now flowing in both directions (OK, this shot was one I prepared earlier).
By the time morning tea time arrived we had teamed up with Steve and Neil - Steve being one of the co-owners of Bike Adventures, and Neil being his "room mate" for this trip. Let's face it, it's not hard to find a cafe/bar by the sea to have a drink along mots of this coast.
Further down the coast was (yet) another fort, this one attracting what looked like a motor bike convention (plus a few cyclists).
And just around the bend was a "replica" galleon which we suspected was left over from a Hollywood movie and purchased on eBay.
Lunch was a difficult choice today - we past so many lovely looking, authentic seafood restaurants just opposite the local fish markets, all selling the "catch of the day BBQ'ed fresh, that it was hard to decide not to stop. Perhaps it was the view of the fish markets which put us off, or perhaps that we knew we would never leave once we sat down. But we moved on and eventually settled on a nice restaurant on the beach. OK, so lunch was a steak sandwich, but that's all we need (plus a pint of the local beer to wash it down).
Coincidentally, today's ride came into Port where we had spent a night en route, including passing the very restaurant that we had dinner, before crossing the river for a view from the other side.
In fact, we even crossed the river on the lower level of the famous iron bridge, apparently commissioned in the late 18th century by the then king, and designed by Gustave Eiffel of tower fame.
The final 30km or so after lunch were quite fast, and all along the side of the river or the coast. The hotel is excellent, and as well as a real Queen size bed to myself, I also have half a view back up the coast.
We had a few beers on the beach (pints again), but left once the cigarette smokers got to us. The search for dinner was strange, but we eventually met a couple from the tour who had already chosen a restaurant and we decided that was sufficient recommendation. By the time we ate, virtually the whole of the tour had arrived and chosen the same place - that's what "word of mouth" can do for a business.
Blog done, I think tonight is going to be my best sleep for a week.
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