Day 11 - Mertola to Tavira, Faro

As we left Mértola this morning, the sounds of barking dogs and distant gunshots filled the air. It seems the hunting season is either in full swing or off to an enthusiastic start.

The morning was delightful as we followed the edge of the National Park, riding along long, straight, undulating roads. A few climbs warmed us up before we enjoyed a pleasant lunch stop. Right after lunch, we tackled a steady 9.5 km climb (not too harsh!) that rewarded us with an exhilarating descent all the way to the coast in Tavira. The ride was nothing short of spectacular. We regrouped at a café just outside Tavira, and together, all 24 of us cycled down to the beach. It was an emotional and unforgettable moment.

Tavira, situated on the coast, is approximately 39–40 km from Faro. Today, we covered an impressive 58 miles (89 km) with 4,900 feet (1,423 meters) of ascent. According to Garmin, we tackled 9 categorized climbs, most of them "easy," though a couple of Category 2, 3, and 4 climbs added some extra challenge!

In total, over the 11 days, we've achieved roughly 623 miles (1,000 km) and climbed an astonishing 44,600 feet (13,500 meters). I'll need to double-check the stats once I'm back home, but one thing's for sure—there were plenty of climbs along the way! 😁

Portugal is a stunning country with so much to discover beyond the typical tourist spots. Exploring it on a bike offers a unique perspective—you connect with people, savor local flavors, and immerse yourself in sights and scents you'd otherwise miss. Here are a few personal observations (just my take, so they might not resonate with everyone 😊). Of course, there’s much more to say, but blogs have their limits!

• Each region has its own charm, and the history is utterly fascinating (I personally loved the ancient boulders!).
• The local cuisine is delicious, and the famous Natas are a delight—especially when they're warm 🥮.
• Pork and cod are staples of Portuguese cuisine. Strangely, while I saw plenty of sheep 🐑, cows 🐄, and goats 🐐, pigs 🐖 seemed a bit elusive 🤔.
• Hidden-away restaurants thrive on their reputation for serving exceptional food. Trust me, these are worth the detour! 😋
• If your hotel bathtub has no plug, don’t be surprised—this seems to be a quirk in many places 🛁🤷‍♀️.
• The Portuguese people are incredibly warm and friendly, especially if you cheerfully shout "Bom Dia" while wobbling over cobblestones on your bike.
• Wild dogs, particularly in Northern Portugal, can be... less than pleasant to encounter.
• Cobbled streets may look charming, but they’ll rattle your bike, your teeth, and every bone in your body. They also force you to slow down—which might be the whole point!
• The well-tended olive groves and terraced vineyards are a testament to the care and dedication of the local people. They’re truly a sight to behold.

A heartfelt thank you to PT and all the wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this week. 💜

Frazer, as promised, here’s your shoutout! 😁 I really hope you book the C2M trip – it’s an incredible adventure and an unforgettable experience. Nigel, wishing you a smooth journey back to Australia. Bonnie, safe travels home to Canada. And to everyone else, have a safe trip back to the UK. Oh, and Francis – don’t forget to board the correct flight! 😂

The soundtrack of my last two days has been a mix of "I Want to Ride My Bicycle" by Queen and "Ride Like the Wind" by Christopher Cross. My singing voice may not be nice – okay, it’s downright terrible – but thankfully, most people didn’t have to endure it. So, no harm done! 😂

Thank you for following along on this journey – it’s been an absolute blast! I’m so grateful to everyone who took the time to comment and share kind words. It is much appreciated.

I’ve put together a photo album (in no particular order). Most of the photos were taken by the group because, let’s be honest, my photography skills leave a lot to be desired. But I hope you enjoy them nonetheless!

Tonight, I’m raising a well-deserved glass of wine 🍷🚴‍♀️ to celebrate an unforgettable journey. Tomorrow, I’ll head home with a quirky tan, a suitcase overflowing with laundry, and a bittersweet farewell to my trusty cycling shoes (RIP 😅). But what I’m truly taking back are the incredible memories and the excitement of the holiday season just around the corner. 🎉

Looking ahead, I’m already dreaming of my next adventure: Munich to Rome in May 2025! 🤞 Here’s hoping to see some of you on the road. Until then, stay safe, keep pedaling, and enjoy the ride! 😊🚴‍♀️ xx