Vizela to Cavihla
A bleak start to the day today when we packed our bikes ready for the days riding, but after breakfast, just before we headed off, the sun came out in all its glory to aid our ride through the Duoro valley and past numerous port vineyards set in the most stunning of locations.
Heading through Satao, some opted for a massive pizza while others tasted the various pastry dishes that were on offer.
Then it was on to the pista a resistance of the day and some would say of the trip so far, with us heading to the highest town in Portugal, Sabugeiro! Set in a landscape that resembles pure eye watering beauty, filled with views that meant you could literally see forever we headed up the mountains where the temperature dropped a little (down to -1!) as there has been a cold snap in Europe, but the roads were sublime! This was strange for this time of year asa it is usually much warmer, but the cold snap had certainly bitten this beautiful part of Europe. Curve after curve of unadulterated tarmac followed and after each corner there was another and then another! This part of the day takes ages to navigate, not because it is so long but purely because it is so beautiful and with the numerous places to stop for a photo or to take in the amazing views it is so hard to be regimented and keep riding!
Our stop for the next two nights is the amazing Luna Hotel Serra da Estrela. A hotel set at the top of the world, where in winter it changed it use into a ski resort we settled in for the night and ate in the fabulous medieval restaurant where there is literally a delicacy from anywhere in the world. It certainly went down well, perhaps as much as the red wine from the Duoro region too!
The smiles and stories bandied around the table that evening was true bliss to listen to, and recount every curve on the most amazing roads! Everyone had something that they loved about the day (even if it was a little cool).
Rideout in Serra de Estrella As we were staying at our hotel for 2 nights, an amazing rideout was planned for those that wanted to see those fabulous corners and ride those smooth roads with views to die for. Several people ventured out to these roads and had an amazing time, while others chose a more relaxed day and treated themselves to a swim and spa at a hotel nearby.