LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 35 We'd ride for an hour or two and stop for a pastry and coffee or fresh, amazing orange juice. The chosen café would likely be a small local hangout. Possibly in an ancient village with cobblestone streets and alleys. Probably up a "slight ramp", Fiona-speak for "a darn steep hill." With our energy stores replenished, we'd continue to more amazing trails and roads to- wards more delicious foods for lunch. Along the way, we'd stop for photos or to see the sights. There were churches, mosques, castles, wells, farms, villages, and amazing views in every direction. Wildlife abounds as well as we were always on the lookout for animals — lizards, snakes, birds, rabbits, turtles, goats, sheep, horses, cows, and more. What we did not find was the Iberian Lynx or any biting flies or insects. Lunch was generally a tosta, a Portuguese version of a ham and cheese panini. Since Donna is gluten free, Fiona would supply a special loaf of bread each day so dietary needs were met. More coffee, juice, and cakes, and our rides continued. Past more castles, windmills, stone walls, "projects" (another Fiona-speak for ruins or fixer uppers), and along reservoirs, rivers, and the bright blue Atlantic Ocean. Although our sights contin- ually changed, the amazing aroma of orange blossoms and lemon trees was always present. And a quick snack of a loquat — a fruit similar to a blend of an apricot and a cherry — or an orange picked from a tree over- hanging the road was always delicious. The other con- stant was the sun. Nary a cloud to be seen the entire time that we were there. Come midafternoon, we'd find ourselves back in Alte recovering with cold beer or ice cream. A little down- time, a much-needed shower and off to a fantastic din- ner. Every dinner was amazing. From food cart pizza to local haunts and stylish restaurants, we ate like kings and queens. Always local foods and good free flowing wine. The day would end, only to hit the refresh button to do it all again for seven awesome days. And then it was over. Our time riding was complete. There is a magic that comes with riding a bicycle. It's kind of like walking in that you see, hear, smell, and actually experience your surroundings, but with greater speed so you get more of that same experience. You can stop at will to explore your discov- eries and just as easily accelerate to the next point of interest. You experience feelings and sensations that you just can't get when you are in a car. A car covers distances too fast to get a feel for where you are. And at speed, you just miss so much of what there is to see. We came, we saw, we rode bikes. We met won- derful people and had the best time possible. I'll be going back for sure. t

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