September 28, 2016

We have our first proper climb of the tour for the first 10 kilometres of today’s stage and it just confirms what I said yesterday – proper climbs are enjoyable to ride.  The next 10 kilometres was the run downhill back to sea level.  The rest of the time was spent on a cycle track running right alongside the beach towards Lisbon.

The guide for the route advises catching the train for the final run into Lisbon itself, as the road is a fast dual carriageway and not suitable for bikes.  Catching the train proves to be surprisingly easy.  The same can’t be said for finding the apartment we have booked.  Every road in Lisbon seems to be in a blocked off for road works and all my careful planning last night, making sure I knew exactly where to go once off the train, comes to nothing.

It is impossible to ride the bikes, the roads are too narrow, covered in tram tracks and potholes, and nose to nose traffic.  Pushing the bikes around is nearly impossible too, with the pavements absolutely heaving with tourists.  We’re starting to think this was a bad idea.  The quarter we are staying in is the oldest and most historic part of Lisbon and is an absolute labyrinth of alleyways. After more than an hour of searching we do eventually find our place and send a message to the owner who said he would be there in 30 minutes.

Two hours later he appeared to tell us he has mistakenly double booked the apartment.  Another hour later we get sorted out. By now we are starting to wish we had cycled straight through.  Let’s hope Lisbon makes all the effort worth when we spend the day sightseeing tomorrow.