Bicycle Touring Portugal
This week’s Travelsonabike2 bicycle touring on this day post comes from Portugal on the 15th of August 2009, some rough roads and some over-friendly ladies.
You can read the rest of the posts from my ride around Portugal in my book, Travelsonabike2 Portugal and Ireland. Available to buy from Amazon.
Saturday 15th-August-2012 Sao Martinho to Praia de Mira. 84 Miles.
Today’s ride was a welcome relief. It was mostly flat and no headwind, making it a much more comfortable ride. However, the day wasn’t without its challenges. I encountered the roughest road of the trip so far! It was a bone-rattling stretch, filled with potholes and cracks, stretching for what felt like an endless 5 miles. I’m pretty sure I lost a few fillings along the way!
The weather, however, was a blessing. A refreshing sea mist lingered throughout the day, keeping the temperature down. Ideal cycling conditions. It was a nice change from the usual heat.
But the most surprising part of the day came while I was riding along the N109. It took me back to my time on the N111 in Spain. As I cycled, I noticed several women standing by the side of the road, young and not-so-young alike. At first, I smiled and said hello, receiving friendly smiles in return. Then it hit me—they weren’t just being friendly; they were prostitutes, touting for business.
No wonder they kept smiling back—I’m sure they thought I was looking for more than just directions. It was certainly an eventful day on the road, filled with a mix of smooth sailing and unexpected encounters.
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