Only two days of riding to go now before the Xmas break with Timo, Kath and Minou, so I was looking forward to the predicted sunshine and a pretty easy sixty kms.
I met a few people at the guesthouse – Ken from the US is an interesting guy. He and his wife are looking at emigrating to Portugal. Another guy was a bike tour leader but was here on holiday with his girlfriend. Down the hill and onto the path beside the river, I met Mario who is a local cyclist. We had a great chat for about 30 minutes. He told me some of the history about Lagos as well as some things to see. He’s a great guy, and meeting people like Mario along the way, adds a lot to my trip. Very nice of him to come and say hi.
If only I’d known more about Lagos earlier. I was heading in the other direction…
Today was full of built up areas interspersed with some nice quiet dirt roads and some fairly major road riding, but with loads of room.
It was also a significant day. It was only the second time I’d worn shorts since Wales and the first time I’d worn my trusty bike sandals since then too – they’re the best – albeit with socks too.
Not much else to say about the day. I stopped for a great lunch in Portimão, watched loads of people go past then got going again.
I had intended to camp tonight, but as the day continued, it got more windy and rain clouds started to roll in. So I stopped and checked accommodation in Albufeira. Good rooms were very cheap, so that’s what I opted for. I was looking forward to a good night’s sleep in my tent too.
I wasn’t sure about where I could stash the bike as the place was near the middle of town. They didn’t reply to my message, so ‘This Moment’ somehow made its (gender neutral ) way to my room.
Next, I needed a haircut and while I skipped the first place, I found one not to far away and got lopped.
I’d been dreaming of pizza for most of the day, so I found a nice Italian restaurant and ordered. What great people. There were more staff than customers tonight, so I had a great chat to them. Apparently, business picks up just a little over Xmas. The last three weeks have been really quiet for them though.
It’s funny, the places I’ve been to in the Algarve have been nice and friendly, but wandering around, I can see that they would cater for Brits and Northern Europeans after sun, beer and hamburgers. These places could easily be party towns, so I’m grateful I’m not here then.
In the centre of town was a live band and non stop pipes Xmas music. English Xmas carols on loudspeakers have been a feature in Spain and Portugal since I was in Leon, Spain.its all earworm material.
