The breakfasts on tour can often be sumptuous and the Pousada Villa-Vicosa outdid themselves in fueling us for Monday's ride.
Just one of 3 tables of amazing bike fuel.
The guides had our bikes ready to roll at 9 AM for the 55K of rolling terrain leading to a final climb to the fortified (read hilltop!) town of Monsaraz.
Lots of sights and great companions to enjoy in the ride:
Fellow cyclist John from New Zealand was at the hotel to greet us with a beer - how nice is that?
The view from our window to the terrain below - we had just been biking there!
The courtyard in front of our hotel room window.
I'm looking out our room window - love the scale of buildings, especially doorways and windows!
An unusual relic in the pottery museum - made us appreciate our great bikes even more...
Made it! Evora!
We love the specimen trees spread across the landscape.
Yes, that is Monsarez on the distant hill. You earn your arrival today!
Guide Luis P. marked the road to remind us to visit this eerie menhir - speculation is that it was created in the Iron Age to mark a site for fertility rites. This menhir was found in recent years, laying down and broken in 2 pieces- now restored for us to ponder.
Climbing to Monseraz - I looked down at my odometer briefly to see I was going under 5 MPH at the steepest point! Makes me so glad to have good gears, as I was using the very lowest available near the top.
Made it!
Our hotel was so cool - cozy rooms in a very, very historic structure.
Check out that ceiling!
We enjoyed some time in Monseraz walking the same streets that existed in Roman times - it is one of the oldest Portugese settlements in the south.
Entering the fortifications - 16th century.
Amazing views.
Every tour needs a moment for "puppy therapy".
And, Peter had a chance to do some very nice artwork:
Dinners have been extraordinary and our experience in Monseraz was no exception - we were hosted by Isabelle who opened her restaurant just to serve our group. We loved her and the whole experience!
The group feasting - fun.
Isabelle and our guide Luis C. were a joy to watch - such a mutual admiration and love!
Yesterday (Tuesday 10/18 - I need to remind myself regularly of the day and date!) we set out for the medieval city of Evora, a UNESCO world heritage site and a two-day layover, which we love - no repacking Wednesday morning!
After a "double black diamond" downhill out of Monseraz we really enjoyed the 65K of rolling riding terrain. Every day we enjoy at least one coffe stop and lunch stop.
Fueling on double espresso - zoom!
Fun to see the bikes across the street from the coffee stop - the group is really super.
We stopped for a bit to visit Sao Pedro do Corval, a pottery town. The workshop we visited had active potters and glazers doing their craft. Couldn't resist purchasing a small cup and 2 small bowls :).
Another rolling ride with perfect temperatures and a welcome bit of overcast skies - the sun is still very powerful here in October.
Historic sites along the route.
Olive tree vineyards.
Peter stands next to a cork oak that has been harvested for its bark. At first they are deep red, then over time they regenerate the bark and are harvested again a minimum of 9 years later. We will be visiting a cork producer tomorrow to learn more of the industry and process.
As we have 2 nights in Evora I will wait and do a blog installment of just our time here. We saw some very intriguing sights on our way to dinner last night guided by Luis P. - will do a Rick Steves walking tour ourselves this afternoon and enjoy the rich history of Evora. Thanks for traveling along!
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