Rota Vicentina - Portugal
When we just had our new mountainbikes, we were of course very eager to try them out. From our first bike ride 10 years before, we remembered that the temperature in the south of Portugal was in fact perfect during November.
As this was our first "bike packing"adventure, we were looking for an offroad track which was categorised "moderate".
The Rota Vicentina goes from Santiago do Cacem to Sagres and is about 220 km long. The MTB track from Lisbon to Santiago is about 180 km and the Eurovelo 1 (Ecovia 1) from Sagres to Faro is about 170km. This last part is mostly on normal roads.
From Faro, you can take a train back to Lisbon.
The Rota Vicentina has 2 paths. The Historical Way is for hikers and mountainbikers, the Fishermans Way along the coastline is for hikers only.
While we had our camping stuff with us, we only used it one night as the accommodation along the way was so cheap that we could not resist the convenience.
Video on DILISTUFF YouTube channel
Lisbon to Setubal
From the airport, it's about 15 km cycling along the Rio Tejo to the centre of Lissabon where we booked a room for 1 night before we start on our trip. We have arranged with a Warmshowers host, not too far from the airport, to keep our boxes in storage for 3 weeks.
The scenario is as follows :
- We reassemble the bikes, mount the luggage and Linda cycles to the address of the Warmshowers host.
- 15 minutes later, Dirk sends the carton bike boxes by taxi to the warmshower host where Linda is waiting.
- Dirk gets on the bike and tries to also be there as fast as possible
For going back in 3 weeks time, we do the same in reverse.
When Linda left the airport, she was back in 30 seconds as there was an uncontrollable wobble of the front wheel. Checking the bike, all looked OK and when we tried the other bike, the same heavy wobble was also there.
Turns out that we had been attaching too much weight and volume on our Lauf suspension fork, causing this uncontrollable wobble.
After repacking and shifting volume and weight to the back of the bikes, we were able to improve the situation.
Really something we should have been testing out before.
The next day, after some last shopping and of course some mandatory "Pastéis de Nata", we're heading in the early afternoon to Belem where we will take the ferry across the Rio Tejo to Porto Brandão.
It's about 65 km to Setubal which is probably too far to do in the afternoon and we decide to make an early stop in Fonte de Tella where we stay in a cute beach hostel.
Most of the track is in loose sand and that means a lot of bike pushing.
Arriving at the Youth Hostel in Setubal, we're asking if we can park the bikes inside. Seems to be no problem that they are so dirty, they must be used to this.
Setubal to Santiago do Cacém
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We flew in our bicycles via Lisbon airport. Our bicycles were packed in carton bicycle boxes which we left with a Warmshowers host during the time of our trip. It's only 1 return taxi ride with the boxes from and to the airport.
In Lisbon, we went to a fado evening at Fabrica Braco de Prata, some 7 km's outside the city center. A place where you only find locals and the real fado. Traditional and vegetarian food and drinks at local prices. Check their website for programs.
Check out the youth hostels. They have comfortable rooms for 2 at budget prices.
Remember, when you go out eating, you pay extra for the bread, olives and pastes which they will put on the table. But it is really worth is and very cheap. Just don't be surprised if you see it as an add-on on the bill.
Best to make prior reservation for taking along your bikes on the train. Very convenient and ideal way to make your way back from Faro to Lisbon.
Worth staying a little bit longer: Lisbon & Faro
(Photographic impressions and tips via Menu)
