Sagres to Lagos

Last day of riding …

…we just have to get to Lagos.

Firstly another lovely sunrise, an early walk along the headland and a nice breakfast outside.

We departed via the busy N125 but we found the rural road we had taken to the lighthouse at São Vicente yesterday (minus the gravel section …) which made good riding until Vila do Bispo; and then a short time further along on the N125, we got another detour through lovely rural countryside but boy (!) those climbs were tough (and the brakes got well tested on the descents).

More riding on the M125 - but it had big verges which was good - and then another service road took us into Lagos. Entered via a lovely long avenue of umbrella pines; and past acres and acres of solar panels! And loved this:

Henry the Navigator (15th century) lived in Lagos and because of its superb natural harbour, Lagos became famous for its seafaring tradition and explorations.

Found the town somewhat overwhelming but that might be more a reflection of my physical tiredness (definitely pleased this is the last day on the bike!); there is a lot going on here and there is a lot of people (tourists).

We enjoyed our picnic lunch in the shade of a park and then explored but it was difficult to cycle as there were so many people, riverside stalls and one-way streets - so we resorted to pushing bikes and walking.

It is very Moorish/Mediterranean: palms, beaches and waterways busy with tourist rentals and cruises (Lagos lies at the mouth of Bensafrim River as it enters the Atlantic Ocean), riverside stalls selling all manner of nik-naks.

The jacarandahs are in bloom. It is hot but with a nice sea breeze.

The centro is within old city walls and lovely.

But awash with tourists. Crazy busy. The city has a population of 31,000 - which almost doubles in summer with the influx of tourists.

We pushed our bikes back to our accommodation to check in via the usual assortment of narrow cobbled streets. Our accommodation is a RESORT - it is immense; I think I may have trouble finding my way around! View from our balcony: 

Next job was to pack up the bikes: removed pedals, packed up pumps, saddle bags, etc., (and took photos) ready for the courier to collect.

POSTSCRIPT: Somewhat belatedly, I must give a 'shout-out' to Cycling Rentals (and our contact Deirdre Knowlton) who did an outstanding job with the bike rental - delivery and pickup. All worked like a charm and the bikes were excellent.

Drinks by the pool; a swim for MF!

Went to a restaurant just down the road for dinner. 

What a scream. It was like being on holiday in another country - the place was full of Brits! Great musos though: singer and guitarist. Fantastic night listening, singing along, watching the goings on (especially the waiter with his poker face as he weaved between tables, chairs and people whilst carrying food and glasses - hilarious!). A GREAT NIGHT! (Happy birthday to me!).

Cycled 37 kms; climbed 412 m (oh my aching legs!). 

This stuff really ‘saved my bacon’!