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A beautiful day at a relaxing retreat hotel... A short 20 mile ride was planned but all the ascent comes in first 10 miles.  The reward is views from highest point in Algarve. We took a pre ride photo just in case we didn't make it back.. The first stretch was on cobblestone or what I lovingly call Portuguese chipseal. Marco and Ricardo led us on a back route to avoid a busy section of the road. Once we got to Monchique we started serious climb. We had rewards all along the way.  At 1200 feet ascent, I first saw the ocean... We kept riding, slow but steady up the grade... At 1900 feet ascent we were treated to another territorial view... At 2300 feet ascent, we were at the top.  Ricardo made it up before me, but seems he got a push assist... And Matt got a nice high 5 for making the grade... After a quick snack break, we headed down to the Velochique cafe... hoping to avoid any rain from darkening c

 We knew our first climb on this ride would be up out of the Guadiana River from our hotel.  With 60 miles and 5000 ft of climbing ahead of us, getting 4.5 miles of ascent during the cool morning was welcome. FYI: At the end of the ride my garmin indicated 5.33 hours of riding  with 4 hours ascending and 1.37 hours descending.   I was either grinding uphill or gliding downhill.  Not much time  for photos! What I loved about the ride was: - Each climb was rewarded with a sweeping downhill... except the last one up to the hotel where my reward was sangria.  - The territorial views with terraced orchards, and deep mountain valleys kept my mind on the beauty of this region instead of the % grade. We had a couple memorable stops along the way. First coffee stop was a truly local experience.   Felt like we were interrupting a town council meeting.   Plus the bathroom was in the owner's home.  Can't get more local than that. Caught great pictures of our guides during coffe

 Two options this morning,  city tour then hit the road or get a jump on today's route with 36 miles and 2150 feet ascents. I was 'lazy' and avoided riding that hotel hill again.   Started the day with a nice climb then fun descents.  We rolled that way most of the first 20+ miles.  Great views up top... Popped up at the top of a climb to an audible 'ooo ahhhhhh' view of the lake below.... Many loved the twisty turns on the way down... Riding into Silves a castle dominated the skyline.  Of course we need to ride up there! The castle surrounds were enjoyable... And many thanks to Riccardo for watching our bikes for us... Coming down steep cobblestone was tricky for me, but I learned the hard way that riding it was easier than walking my bike.  We had a quick snack break in Silves then back on the road again ... Leaving Silves it seemed every pole had an occupied stork nest.  Some trees even had m

Explore Alcoutim or head out for optional ride today.  With darkening skies we chose to explore. The Guadiana River divides Portugal from Spain.   It's also a different time zone across the river. A ferry takes us across to Spain to hike and explore... An ancient castle sits high above the Spanish village, so up we went... the 360 views were gorgeous.. On the walk down we discovered the zip line that takes us over the river and back near our Portugal hotel was open. Some of us said 'why?'  And others said 'Why Not? Back up at the launch hut we learned we'd travel 70 - 80km in 50 seconds. That's a little more than that last big descent over the river that we rode yesterday.  Second thoughts.. no time for those... Once that gate opens and I'm flying, it's magical.   While 50 seconds goes by fast  I also had time to enjoy the views from above the rive

Starting off on a long stretch of cobblestone was not my favorite warm up to a long ride.  However, it offered more peeks at the breathtaking water views. After a peaceful stretch followed by what my Garmin called climb 1/1, we stopped for a viewpoint break. Lots of great photo opportunities ... and too much fun.... Who knew we'd find windmills in Portugal? Along the way we saw gypsies with their horses and  farmer herding his goats down the road.  I'm thankful I did not bump into any... Then as we crested the hill the views of the Guadiana River Valley opened up... Paulo treated us at the top of the hill with fruits and sweets... We love you Paulo... and Ricardo and Marco too! Off  again to find lunch.... Lunch Was delicious and so were the views... Rolled into Alcoutim in time for poolside  relaxation before group  dinner.