My partner opted out of travel this spring, but I had my heart set on a trip, and Much Better Adventures provided me with exactly what I was looking for: e-biking along the Atlantic Coast of Portugal on the legendary Rota Vicentina. It would be six days of off-road cycling alongside clifftops, beaches, through forests and fields. You can’t get that on a tour bus!
While the terrain could be challenging, the e-bikes made steep climbs a breeze.
I had been nervous about the trip since the morning I left Canada. It was my first solo trip, my first time in Portugal and my first time, since university, rooming with a stranger. My adventure began at 7am (2am Toronto time!) when I touched down in Lisbon. I opted to make my own way to the hotel and walk to the beach before others arrived. Sunshine and exercise wards off jet lag, right?
Much Better Adventures
One of our group had arrived at the hotel by the time I returned and I was greeted with a big hug. I knew right then these were my kind of people.
The others soon arrived with smiles and laughter in tow, immediately brightening the room. We sized our bikes shortly after and went for a ride before gathering for dinner. As I headed back to my room, I laughed, realising I had been up for over 30 hours without a thought of sleep, my smile refusing to fade.
I honestly can’t say what my favourite part of this trip was. Was it experiencing the huge waves crashing against the shore as we cycled along the cliff’s edge or was it cheering each other on as we navigated yet another body of water? It rained heavily the week before we arrived, providing loads of obstacles to test our skills and endurance. We traversed swollen creeks, large puddles (small lakes!) and slippery, muddy trails. One missed photo opportunity was all of us, with bare feet, enjoying a beer on the patio while our shoes and socks lay drying in the sun.
Our group were all experienced riders so we quickly settled into our comfort zones with Alex as our guide. We generally rode close enough to each other hear the chatter and laughter, unless distracted by a nesting stork or other not-to-be-missed photo opportunity.
One such time James and I continued riding while Alex stopped with the others.
We had been riding for a bit when we came to a fork in the road. We waited… and waited. Finally Alex appeared in the distance. “Did you enjoy the view along the way?” he asked. “Yeah, it was great,” we responded. “Perfect, you’ll see it again on the ride back. You missed the turn!” he laughed, and led us back from whence we came.
Off-road cycling often takes travellers to places cars, buses and trains can’t access. Our adventure did just that. The route offered us a vast array of landscapes and a multitude of surfaces to e-bike on; winding dirt roads, sandy beach trails and narrow walking paths.
Our group travelled as friends would; laughing, chatting, listening, learning and watching out for one another.
Who knew Portugal was the fourth largest rice producer in the EU? Not me - until our path took us through a huge rice field. My posted photos had friends asking if my trip had been extended in order to tick China off the bucket list!
Yep, this is me (below) in all my glory. Who wouldn’t be elated with a view like this; a path leading us along this wild Atlantic way; and what a great group of people to share my adventure with. Our group was small: four riders, our guide Alex and travel support Rodrigo. The local team were on the ball – exceptionally attentive, responsive and enthusiastic.
Travelling with a local crew has its rewards. We learned the region's history and traditions and benefitted from great food recommendations. We tasted wild asparagus along the trail and learned about cork harvesting while riding through the cork forest.
Off-road cycling takes travellers to places cars, buses and trains can’t access. Our route offered us a vast array of landscapes and a multitude of surfaces to e-bike on.
Our group was also introduced to medronho, a fruit liquer locally known as fire water. We tried it both at a distillery and at our morning coffee break where shot glasses had been left on the table. It’s served with coffee to ‘kick-start the day’ we were told, as a shot of medronho was served up with coffee and a pastry.
We met for breakfast and were on the road by 9am each day. Behind the scenes Alex and Rodi organised the day and prepped the bikes. I never felt rushed or impatient to get moving; Alex set a pace that worked for the group. There were stops for photos, unique finds and historical tidbits but the planned breaks were usually paired with refreshments and a killer view.
While cycling alongside the wild coastline, I recall thinking, "this is, without a doubt, a Much Better Adventure than I could have imagined," pun intended.
Seriously though, the coastline views were awe-inspiring. Some of the beaches we visited stretched on as far as the eye could see with no buildings in sight, others were nestled alongside small villages or framed by soaring cliffs.
The route often kept us on paths surrounded by nature and travelling in spring meant there was an abundance of wild flowers and very few tourists. While the weather was nothing less than perfect for our entire trip, evidence of the previous week’s downpours was all around us. While we can’t predict the weather when we book, we are guaranteed that every trip will be unique based on it. In our case it became a chant, "Can’t go over it, can’t go around it, gotta go through it – do it! Do it! Do it!" With laughter ensuing from everyone.
The coastline views were awe-inspiring. Some of the beaches stretched as far as the eye could see, others were nestled alongside small villages or framed by soaring cliffs...
Much Better AdventuresLooking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The accommodations, meals, route, and distances travelled each day were all on the mark. We cycled on bike paths and dirt trails; along-side cliffs and sandy beaches; through creeks, cork forests, and rice fields; we experienced a Portugal few visitors see.
Our group, including Alex and Rodi, travelled as friends would; laughing, chatting, listening, learning and watching out for one another.
While the terrain could be challenging, the e-bikes made steep climbs a breeze. I have many fond memories of my first solo adventure and high expectations for those that will follow.
Inspired? Check out our e-biking adventure along Portugal's Atlantic Coast.