June 26, 2025
Day 3: Espinho to Praia de Mira
Easy flat day with only 150m of ascent
route details and data https://strava.app.link/UxOBVFvxwUb
I did not sleep particularly well but at least the air-conditioning was top quality, a key measure for me as I love it it chilly.
What we had a short and extremely flat day, there was a ferry to be taken at the 45 km point and we need to get there by 12:25to avoid having to wait two hours over the lunchtime break. in order not to be pressed for time we wanted to leave by 9 o’clock, but as I wheeled my bike out of the garage discovered that I had a puncture due to a piece of metal embedded in the tire. Unfortunately, having taken 1 1/2 hours to fit the new tires a couple of weeks ago I knew this would be a big challenge, but luckily our support driver and general all round star. Steve took it in his stride and in 10 minutes, had the tire sorted out. with a bit of a delay we were slightly concerned that based upon our average speed in the first couple of days we might struggle to get there in time, but as it happened the flatter terrain, a bit of a tail wind all meant we made extremely good progress. An attractive forest cycle trail for about 10 km and fairly big empty quiet roads with a shoulder or a dedicated cycle path alongside sand dunes and lagoons.
we took it in turn at the front and were able to hit 30 km cruising speed for many miles. This meant we were able to stop at the petrol station for a cold drink at about 30 K mark, and then realised that if we really pushed it, we would be able to get the earlier ferry at 11:40. We decided not to as we were not in a huge rush. It was good because in fact it left 10 minutes early and we would not have got there in time.
The little village at the ferry had a couple of cafés and we had a great coffee and pastel de nata break
The 10 minute ferry across the Astro dropped us in a slightly industrial port area. We continued another 10 km until we found a strip of quite attractive tourist development and eventually a café restaurant where we were able to get lunch. Plenty of time to enjoy ourselves as we had in the 18 km to the final destination.
That was easily knocked off in an hour, and we arrived at about 1520. Very nice little boutique hotel right opposite a lovely beach. Lovely warm sunny weather but the sea very rough and quite dangerous looking.
several of us had a drink in the bar downstairs and then I come upstairs to sort out my mess, washing and have a nap. First one of the week amazingly.
dinner was five of us having an extremely nice paella
Tomorrow we have a ride with a reasonable amount of Hill climbs.
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Today's ride: 73 km (45 miles)
Total: 243 km (151 miles)
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