46.9 miles, 1,170 metres climbed and 1,600 metres of descent. (I realise I am mixing imperial and metric measures but that’s how my Garmin records things)
Clear blue skies all day with temperature of 26C.
We were bussed from Porto to our start point at the dam at Paradela. The bikes had ben transferred from Porto and were all ready and set up just leaving us to add our kit and do a test ride. We were on the bikes just after 11:15 – a later than usual start.
The reservoir behind the dam was almost totally dry – the result of 2 years of drought and extraction for hydroelectricity, according to a local walking group member.
The climbing started immediately we crossed the dam and continued, more or less, for the next 20 miles. The majority of the day’s climbing was completed in this first part of the day.
The scenery was dramatic with a little flora and fauna.
After lunch Sandra suffered a rear tyre puncture which delayed us a little.
We then enjoyed a long descent followed by 7 miles along a smooth cycle path – a disused railway line – which ended on the outskirts of Mondim.
The old station
There was a final sting in the tail with a cobbled climb up to our hotel.
Sounds like an eventful day with plenty of interest along the route. Looking forward to the next instalments. X
The weather looks good for you Peter, how many are there in the group? Look forward to today’s report.
Take care of yourself. x x
Hi Jacqueline & Geoff, there are 24 of us in the group, 6 of whom I know from previous tours.
Hello Peter,
I wish you a lot of fun on this cycling tour through Portugal. The sun will be with you. I will follow you a little bit every day.
The animal photographed is, in my opinion, either a doe or a young deer.
Bruno
Hi Peter,
It is great to follow your blog and share the adventure with you without all the hard work! The scenery looks amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Sue and Terry xx
Hi Peter,
Well done so far young man, love the pictures and your food menu’s sound good too.
Descending sounds just my cup of tea but the amount of climbing you have completed make my legs ache just reading your blog!
Best wishes, Graham