55.0 miles, 1174 metres climbed and 1332 metres descended.
Clear blue skies again but temperature was higher at 29C
This morning’s briefing was at 9am where Dylan, the group leader, gave an overview of the route and then details of brew and lunch stops and any other significant information.
We were on the road by 9:15, making our way down the steep cobbled road we came up yesterday then on to the the old railway cycle path. This was 17 miles of smooth surface spoiled only by a series of offset barriers which interrupted the rhythm but it made a great start to the day.
The brew stop came at Amarante after which the climbing started. At the top of the first climb there was a nice rolling, twisting section through a wooded area of chestnut trees. Shortly afterwards we got our first view of the Douro River.
After a long descent into the valley lunch was taken at a riverside restaurant in Cinfaes. 41 miles done.
After lunch there was a series of long climbs and sweeping descents until we reached our hotel on the banks of the Douro.
A good day’s ride with none of the holdups of yesterday so we arrive at the hotel just before 4pm.
Rather green landscapes. It’s a bit like southwestern France.