March 29, 2023
Sagres
Pedalled into Sagres yesterday around 4 and my lost bag was here at Sagres Sun Stay, waiting, as though there had not been the preceeding 6 days of drama.
SO pleased to have my gear back. Suddenly this ride is back to manageable. Just have to swap out my new purchases for my old stuff, and all is good.
Also a relief to not have to shop anymore.
Excited to have my aero bars back as I was getting sore wrists/hands from not having an alternate position for my hands. Also having my worn-in shorts will be grand, everyone knows you shouldn't try anything new on race day!
Monday turned into a bit of a horror ride. Rear tyre valve was leaking and with no pump (it's in the lost bag) I had to get to a bike shop quickly, and I had more purchases to make. Finally left Faro around 1 pm after landing @7-30.
After a few confusing turns I got onto my route out of town, and got the phone call to say my bag was in AMS, after hiding out in SFO for 5 days.
I only had 60km to ride and it was rather hot and I ran out of water. Arrived at my Portimao hostel just on dark and feeling completely wrecked from my 19 hour day.
Tuesday was a much better day, riding along some cliff top paths with lovely views down to the famed beaches of Portugal's Algarve coast.
I think I have tracks and streets sorted now. Tracks can turn unrideable without warning - either overgrown or Grade 5 rock garden down a cliff - but are mostly ride-able. Streets can look like tracks but remain ride-able.
Progress might be slow through Portugal as I may only average 10 km/ hr on the tracks of EDT. Will be scenic though!
I booked a second night at this hostel to allow time to arrange posting the duffle bag back to AMS.
I'm feeling ready to start the trail proper and hoping that the past week's level of drama does not continue!
Bring on the eat-sleep-pedal routine.
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