Roadtrip

Barcelona to Portugal

Melanie de WetLeave a comment

I left the Pyrenees mountains headed for Barcelona with the intention to ride south along the west coast before cutting across to Portugal. Two things changed my mind, namely the weather and the realisation that I wasn’t enjoying the hustle and bustle of the conurbations. I wanted to be back in the mountains.

I spent the night in Barcelona with the family that I met in Ordesa National Park – what a lovely evening! Josephine called a friend to get some advice about the best route for me to take to Porto. I was really chuffed that I made it to Mallos de Riglos (see photo below) before the rain kicked in. The rock faces up close were absolutely stunning!

My route from there took me via Pamplona, Logrona, Soria to Valladolid, where I spent Thursday night. Parts of the journey were fantastic and parts were on the motorway so nothing exciting. I was quite sad to have arrived in Valladolid so late because it looked like a fantastic city.

As I mentioned to my mom on Skype this morning, I’ve really liked the cities in Spain but I’ve found the smaller towns lack character or maybe they just look like they need a little love and attention. What is however fascinating are all the small hilltop towns or buildings dotted around the countryside. Some of them are abandoned but they did attract my attention.

My fondness for the Spanish cities is the opposite of what I found in the USA where I generally didn’t like the larger cities but loved the smaller cities and towns. It’s been an interesting observation.

Friday was a long day of riding. I started at 09:30 and finally stopped for the night at Casa do Outeiro at around 18:00. I had intended to stay in the Douro Valley but when I saw some fires I thought I’d keep going.

The Douro Valley is unbelievable! Unfortunately my photos don’t do it justice so please do yourself the favour and Google photos of the Valley. I saw an article on-line stating that the N-222 had been voted the best road in the world so this was where I was heading. The road was beautiful but it would not nearly make it to my No. 1. The road leading up to Pinhao however blew my mind. I was so overwhelmed that I needed to stop in Pinhao to catch my breath. Below are a few photos of the area.

Entering Portugal marked my 19th country by motorcycle, 18 of which have been on Trinity. I never imaged a year ago that I would be in this position. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. It’s been one hell of a year! Below marked my entity into Portugal.

Overall I have loved Portugal – the vibrant terracotta tiles, granite cobble streets, the amazing scenery, great roads and warm, wonderful people. It has been such a treat! Of particular note are the Sousa Guedes family who run the B&B where I stayed last night, Casa do Outeiro in Marco de Canaveses. More hospitable and lovelier people you cannot find. If you ever find yourself in this part of the world make sure you pay them a visit.

Tonight is sadly my last evening in Portugal. I’m staying in a town called Vila Nora de Cerveira which is just shy of the Spanish border. What a cute little vibrant town. Below are a few photos I took earlier. The last photo was a painting on the side of a municipal building. At about 4m high it is seriously impressive!

I may be leaving Portugal in the morning but it will be in my heart forever!

Broto to Barcelona

Melanie de WetLeave a comment

What an incredible last two days! I have moved between playful excitement and overwhelming owe – it has rendered me speechless most of the day.

Following my 18km hike on Sunday I returned to Broto. The 700m decent over the last 2km left my legs feeling like jelly, so I didn’t want to travel far. I was glad that I returned there – it’s such a cute village. I was also amazed that I could get a three course meal including a glass of wine for €15. Result!

From Broto I took the N-260 via Ainsa to Escalona. From there things really got interesting! West of Escalona there’s a 25km anti-clockwise route which is so much fun on the bike. The first 5km along the HU-631 is a narrow, winding road through an impressive gorge. It was stunning! I stopped along the way to have a little ‘Green & Blacks chocolate break’ and to take this video (see below).

At the end of the gorge there’s a small car park where you can leave your car (or bike) and head off on a hike. I decided to keep my hike short but what a pleasure it was. The first thing I passed was a little chapel built into the mountain. It made me smile as it reminded me of the Mesa Verde National Park – most certainly one of my favourite places I visited on my US trip last year. Below is a photo of the chapel.

My second stop was for a little nap next to the river. The water was cool, crisp and inviting, running in the deep canyon. It was so beautiful and peaceful I could have stayed there all day.

The 20km ride back to Escalona was a blast on the bike. The narrow, widening road through the gorge had opened up to a narrow, winding road along the mountain. It was a great opportunity to play on Trinity. It was exhilarating!

Below was my view as I approached Escalona.

From Escalona I was back on the N-260 heading east to Andorra. The scenery changed from alpine mountains to deep red rock faces, which reminded me of Zion National Park, to tree lined passes boasting autumn green, yellow and red leaves. For most of the ride I wished time would stand still.

At La Seu d’ Urgell I left the N-260 to head north to Andorra. What a stunning little country! I didn’t have much time so I only went as far as Andorra la Vella but my heart was pounding from excitement the whole way. Although I later noticed the other shops my eyes were drawn to the numerous car, bike, motorcycle and ski stores that lined the roads. I felt like a kid in a candy store. This is definitely a place to come and ‘play’, particularly as petrol is under a € per litre (sadly I had filled Trinity up in Spain)!

From Andorra I was back on the N-260, now heading for Barcelona via Berga. From Berga to Barcelona I travelled on the motorway, so nothing exciting to report. However, below are a couple of photos that I took along my ride on the N-260. The final photo was taken on the C16 just north of Baga. Sadly the opportunities to stop a few and far between but I hope it gives you a feel for the scenery. Enjoy!