Day 4 – Camino Interior
Today was one of the most beautiful rides I’ve ever done. As good as the one in Mazamet France. I hope to come back here to do more of it.
Once I got out of Villa Real the new mapping method put me on a packet dirt road nestled in the mountains that went through pine forests and smelled amazing. The weather was cloudy with a slight chill, perfect riding weather. I think the route was an old rail line as I saw small abandoned train stations along the way. Eventually, it turned into a dedicated bike path with asphalt which really increased my speed.
Stats…
48km ride in 2 hours and 45 minutes. Total time was 3 hours and 22 minutes as I had to walk a few very steep parts, and down one rocky segment. Plus I stopped for breakfast. Only around 500m elevation gain… I love old train lines as the gradient is so slow you never notice.
Highlights of the day?
- I saw a rabbit (I haven’t ever seen much wildlife in Portugal).
- On the bike path, I went by someone hauling two huge cows with big horns. And, then a Shepherd with a flock of sheep. The geography has changed.
- I ate some delicious lasagne, the chef was impressed I ordered two and came out to give me a fist bump lol.
- I can’t remember if I mentioned it, but sometimes I am riding or walking on what were Roman roads from 200/300bce. Although also a lot of medieval roads they built over the top with less quality.
Pictures…
Tomorrow…
Is a hard ride, I wanted to push myself a little. Komoot says it will be 81km with 960m of elevation gain. It estimates it will take me 6 hours and 15 minutes… I am excited as it looks like a ton of gravel riding which I love. But this mountain scares me… that might be a long walk…
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