The Douro Valley is absolutely breathtaking, but today had a few unexpected turns. Riding through the endless vineyards of Portugal has been a dream, but Day 49 wasn’t just about the scenery. From finishing yesterday’s climb to Peso da Régua from Amarante to Lamego, I experienced the best and worst of solo travel – including a very unsettling encounter by the roadside that I’d been warned about but didn’t think I’d actually see.
Despite the “loser” on the road, I managed to find a beautiful hidden campsite under some cherry trees, charged up my gear, and treated myself to some local wine and those interesting Portuguese beans (Lupini!).
Watch my last vlog here: https://youtu.be/UCDOT2n0120?is=WxHh7JMhbmvB151W
My BioLink: https://helsonwheels.bio.link
Timestamps:
[00:00] Morning update: Tent life and the tire status
[02:06] Cycling through the heart of the Douro vineyards
[05:03] Gear management: Finding power on the road
[05:18] A very creepy roadside encounter
[06:10] Beer, ice cream, and charging stops
[07:02] Stealth camping under cherry trees (avoiding mouse holes!)
[07:29] Trying Portuguese wine and lupini beans
#SoloCycling #Portugal #DouroValley #Bikepacking #SoloTravel #CyclingLife #HiddenCamping
16 Comments
It’s a shame that one "loser" tried to ruin such a beautiful day, but the views in the Douro Valley are just too good to stay mad for long! 🍷 Looking forward to reaching Lamego tomorrow. Have any of you had similar strange encounters while solo traveling? Let me know in the comments! 👇
ive been told that the best way to service hydraulic brakes is nto do it in the red hot sun and while pumping the brake lever just simply hit the front forks with a sledge hammer and when doing the back brake hit the side of the frame next to the brake with a sledge hammer,chris
Good luck 🚲👍
You dealt with the 'loser' very well, they don't always expect confrontation, even if it is mildly verbal – I hope he is suitable ashamed and embarrassed.
The yellow beans you are having is lupin beans. They are very popular in Portugal and are very common as a snack in local pubs.
Given that you cycle long distances each day, do you have a food/drink strategy for how often you eat to sustain your energy levels?
Well-handled, Sparky! I'm on my way south (aimed at Compostella) from the Loire on my loaded bike, but sidelined by knee bursitis! Drat. Catching up with your vids in the meantime. You're certainly eating and drinking better than I am on tour!!! I must take your example. Tailwinds to you!!
That downhill run looked fun. Worth the climb. I don’t get hassling single female cyclists, is it macho culture? Did you get harassed on your trip across North Africa?
Hmmm… didn't that sign say water NOT suitable for human consumption 😅?
I guess I am slow. What was he doing, littering or being a supple sausage?
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the 10k subs is sooo close!
Big Cork production in Portugal. In the south you can see a lot of trees with spongy bark
Did you just wild camp on someone's (derelict) property?
I was in Alentejo two weeks ago, going from Elvas to Monsaraz down to Tavira. Couldn't believe how quiet the roads were. Literally one vehicle every 5 minutes. And the roads are wide and Tarmaced. And bc there's so little traffic, there's very few potholes. Perfect cycling country. Bring water bc there's also very few cafés.
The mouse, Helen, did it chew through the footprint and the base of your tent to get inside?