Portugal’s ultimate cycling challenge: Climbing to the 1993m summit of Torre in Serra da Estrela!
After getting rained in for two days, the clouds finally cleared (mostly!) for the biggest climb of the trip so far. Climbing from 800m to the highest point in mainland Portugal at 2000m, this leg of the journey was all about fresh legs, grit, and some surprising Portuguese snow. From the 7% average gradients to meeting local legends like Francisco on the road, it was an epic push to the top before a freezing 30km descent into Seia.
🚲 PREVIOUS VLOG: https://youtu.be/kgucrIJsfEA?is=-6lvndfhHghp2sHW
🔗 ALL MY LINKS: https://helsonwheels.bio.link
Timestamps:
0:00 – Escaping the rain
1:18 – The climb begins (800m to 2000m)
2:45 – Finding Portuguese snow!
4:35 – Meeting a subscriber on the road
5:50 – Reaching the Summit: Torre 2000m
6:45 – The epic 30km descent
8:18 – Arriving in Seia & Channel Member Shoutout!
#bikepacking #biketouring #cyclingportugal #serradaestrela #torre2000 #portugalbybike #cycletouring #helsonwheels
11 Comments
2000m reached! 🏔️ Massive thanks to Francisco for the mid-climb motivation and to Tracy for the incredible support as a new channel member. The descent into Seia was pretty chilly, but dry, definitely glad I waited out that storm! Have you ever cycled in Serra da Estrela? Let me know in the comments! 👇🚲
did you know its dangerious if you rest on top of a hill and then cycle down it,chris
Congrats on reaching Portugal 's highest peak. Officially, it's the mainland's highest point at 1993 metres with a 7 metre tower at the top to make it exactly 2000 metres. Good job you had these extra layers to put on as it looked rather chilly up there and happy you made it down safely.
You certainly earned that long downhill run.
That was quite a climb! Chapeau! But the views look like it made it all worthwhile!……when they weren’t shrouded in mist!
What a great route!
Shame you had a close pass by that UK reg car with oncoming traffic, looked like a cyclist too😧
A very impressive climb, very very well done. I know that area very well and was there a few weeks ago…but always on a motorbike, I cannot imagine doing on a loaded bicycle.
its when you go red hot then its a problem,had to use different gmail my computer crashed,chris i am at Worcester library
6:42 That stupid overtake had to be a Brit, didn't it? You'd think they would know better gievn the fact they have a bike on their roof rack! 😆
Congratulations on climbing so high – it's always really satisfying to achieve something like that and then enjoy the descent afterwards!
Wowza, fab views
wow… it is amazing to see you doing great journey ……… respect