Well, yesterday’s prediction was correct- lots of hills! The good news is that the day’s rest allowed Vincent to get back on his bike today. He was suffering, but was OK when his knee was warm. The result was that he didn’t want to stop, and would cycle back and forth when we took breaks. At lunch, rather than stopping, he and Anthony headed off to Vila Real, and the rest of us took a bit more time. They found a great hotel (see pictures), and we also ended up having an excellent meal – with the first vegetables since entering Spain.Today was probably the one with the most hills (over 2500m of elevation), but we’re all in pretty good shape by now! It was also the hottest day, with temperatures in the high twenties – reaching 33 in the afternoon! The countryside offered some magnificent views, although we had about 40kms more views than originally planned – due to the N15 being closed, and compounded by some navigational cock-ups! Check out the photographs here for the magnificent Portuguese vistas. There were also three sections of cobblestones, each one about 300m long – just like Paris-Roubais!
When we finally got to Vila Real, we joined Anthony and Vincent at a road-side café for several beers (5?), before heading for our luxury hotel 300m away. After refreshing showers, we drove into town and found a very nice restaurant – the result being that we all greatly enjoyed the evening.
There was no WiFi at yesterday’s hotel (more like a pension), but this evening I have not only WiFi, but a glass of Glenmorangie to keep me company! Coach found some cabbage leaves for Vincent’s knee (old wife’s remedy), and tomorrow the six of us will be riding into Porto.Coach Marc is a little disappointed that he won’t be there for the group picture, but he has to go and collect the bike bags from the transport company on the outskirts of Porto. Anyway, more tomorrow...
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