Over a week on the road...

~ Monday ~

~ So high... So hot ~

After waking up, preparing the bicycle then eating my breakfast, I was all ready to go, guess what stopped me... Locked gates! "You're joking me!" I thought as I double checked every exit!  Yep locked, all locked!" I had to wait an hour before the main guy woke up. It did give me time to book my return ticket which will take me from Castelo Branco to London on the 19th August... Still got loads of time :)

As I started out I was very happy I'd  chosen a 25km route, as most of the journey was uphill, without shade, the road seemed to wind around the mountain top, to top it off the bags had tilted to one side for most of the journey, meaning I also had to stop in the heat to re-adjust... It felt like it took a good half hour! At times I a break in the small square patch of shade created by a sign...oh how grateful I was to get out of the heat. 

Pulling up at the next destination was a great moment, situated in a forest of pine trees, with streams and singing birds all around, not forgetting the shade... ah the shade! 

Feeling inspired by my surroundings, I got the sewing kit out and finished off the crossbar bag, although a little tatty, it's a really handy bag. 

I then took a wild walk and sat down by the stream for a session of meditation. 

25 km on bicycle 

~ Tuesday ~

~ Getting lost ~

7am start for what was planned to be an epic off road route taking me halfway to the next destination. Unfortunately it didn't turn out that way. As I started out on the route, it seemed more like a Trekkers path, I was not put off as the maps all checked out ok so I pushed the bike over some rocky mounds until I came to the sandy track... Relief set in, "I'm on my way" until I came to a fence, straight through my path, not a gate, a fence! Had I been trekking I would have climbed over it, but as you know I had a bicycle and approx 20kilos of luggage... There was next to me a paved road, I checked the map, it was not on there... I thought it must join to somewhere else and I wasn't going back. So I started walking up the road it got steeper and steeper :( 

I should mention that for the whole of the trip I have cycled from sunrise until midday ish and sun is ALWAYS behind me. 

As I continued up the hill the sun was directly in my eyes! Early morning low sun, I couldn't see where the end of the hill was and so I continued. Every so often I checked my gps which showed I was getting closer to a main road but also getting closer to my starting point!

After 2 hours I finally got back on track, I was just 4km closer to my destination. I felt it was the perfect time to take a break so I took a deep breath, sat down and had some food. It didn't really matter any more that I hadn't gone so far, as I was now sitting on a mountain side surrounded by beautiful tweeting birds and the sight of the countryside in the early light.

Feeling better about the bad start to the morning, I set off again after a few minutes "wheeeeee" downhill LOVE! I rolled all the way to the next town where I found a fresh fruit van at the side of the road "yes,thank you, please!" Or should I say "si, gracias, por favor!" 

Then continued on downhill, literally 30 out of 35km downhill, the easiest ride so far. I was loving the cold wind in my face :D and even arrived an hour early at my destination, I guess it was good I'd got lost. 

I had a little snack and a chill before meeting my host for the night... couch surfing LOVE!

Such a beautiful day, swimming in a natural pool, driving through the mountains and learning about the Spanish Tapas culture. I thought it was a dish like spaghetti or a roast dinner, but apparently not, for those of you who don't know Tapas is like aperitif In Italy it's like a pre dinner snack with a beer or a glass of wine (typically) I had mine with Tea and orange with lemonade, we has about 4 each mmmmm. We then took a walk around El Barco de. Avila, which is a lovely little town and finished the day Stargazing a great day with great company. 

35 km on bicycle

~ Wednesday ~

~ Goodbye mountains ~

It wasn't easy to leave in the morning, there was so much more to the mountain village which could have been explored, but the show must go on. I was informed that the route to my next destination was all downhill, so I decided to skip the centre stop and head straight for Plascencia, wow the first half was 

down down down down down... Through windy roads with sharp turns and little traffic. The last stretch of the mountain valley came into view with an opening of the valley into flatter land. "These mountains have tested me, I will miss them" I thought.

It was a relaxing afternoon with a dip and a stretch, then a trip to the supermarket. "VEGETABLES! Mmmmm... So many vegetables!"... 

"Maybe I bought too many vegetables?!" That was me!

Alas I cooked a feast and soon felt stuffed, food for days! 

Soon it was off to tent for another night in the bag. 

70 km on bicycle

~ Thursday ~

~ Is that even legal?! ~

I woke several times in the night, I think the cheesy processed pasta from a bag was fighting it's way through my system. This morning I woke still sleeping and finally got on the road at 8am.

As I set of I was pleased to see signs for Portugal, "nearly there!" After a load of roundabout kilometre after kilometre... I think I was 7 in total "madness!" I got onto the A-66 which I didn't realise until I was on it that it's also known as the E305 which I think is a motorway... Oops.  I only wobbled from the fast moving lorries a few times and recieved a dozen beeps. But I arrived at my turn off before anything serious could happen.

Arrival at the campsite commenced with an ice cream and conversation with a confused bar man. I said "uno tienda, por favor" he showed me a map pointing to various locations counting uno, dos, tres. "Am I being turned away from the inn" I thought, then I realised a tienda is a shop, tendas is a tent! He though I was headed for the road to Santiago trek... Language skills = Funny!

After setting up tent, having some lunch and catching up on the washing, I took a walk into the village. 

I then spent the afternoon lounging by the pool, I can say it was a pretty good day! 

45 km on the bicycle

Over the half way mark :D

Since starting in Madrid I've cycled 250km not counting the few wrong turns and I'm over half way there. I've couch surfed and camped my way here over 7 days and spent less than 50 euro's not only is cycling AWESOME but it's also a really cheap way to get the adventure holiday you've always dreamed of. BIKE LOVE!

And the fun begins!

~ Monday ~

~ Last day of preparation ~

Non stop all day, packing my bags and loading it all onto the bike. Taking my first fully loaded 10 km trip. Balance is all I thought as I rode the usual route in my usual way ( without helmet ) I realised that it is probably quite easy to just get blown off the road, especially if I'm going down hill or on an uneven road surface, the decision to invest in a helmet was made! After arriving at my sisters where my bike bag was waiting, I my final bits, including a pump, helmet, gas and Velcro for the final touches of my handmade crossbar bag. 

Then the final ( until after the trip ) goodbyes were said with a family dinner and the joy of visiting nan out of hospital, lots of hope and love for her to have a peaceful time. 

The bike went into the bag, bit by bit, then to finish the day I laid all of my things out and set my alarm for 6am... Ah sleep.

~ Tuesday ~

~ Off to Madrid ~

With the bus booked for 8:55 am I left for Dover Docks at 7:00 with the help of my father and his estate car! :D After checking I was in the right place, he set off and I waited for the bus to arrive. And I waited, and I waited... hmmm! There wasn't any one else waiting for the same bus as me and almost half an hour had passed, so the little old lady who I'd been talking to kept an eye on my baggage for me ( kindness everywhere ) I asked in the reception for Eurolines, who happened to not have any knowledge of my ticket... grrrrr! After 5 mins the man had arranged for me to get a taxi to another bus nearby which would take me through to Spain missing one change! Nice! Thank you universe. As I arrived at the bus, which had been held back especially for me, I was given the only available seats at the front, the one with lots of legroom and no there wasn't anyone next to me :D Thanks again universe! I love you! 

~ Wednesday ~

~ Starting point ~

After a 27hr coach journey, I finally arrived in Madrid, spent the first hour  reconstructing my bike and finding a storage location for my bike bag. I then set off, after a few minutes I realised I hadn't put the rear wheel on straight, off I got and straightened it up... Crack!!! Went the quick release bar... Fudging fiddle sticks! Went Liz (me, it was me) I sat on a bench contemplating my current situation... Just arrived, no idea where any thing is, don't speak Spanish, have some food in my bag, supposed to meet couch surfer host 40 mins from now the other side of the city! Lalala...

As I sat down to eat my lunch, I took several deep breaths and came up with a plan:- drop the rest of the baggage in the storage locker, chain up the bike, meet the guy and then make a plan. After eating, I sent a message and set off asking everyone in my way where the nearest bike repair shop is?! I then received a wonderful reply from my host saying he'd come and collect me with the bike and take me to a repair shop... What a lovely person.

~ Thursday ~

~ Truly last minute planning ~

The morning took my full attention in route planning (after a couple of hours on the bike... Of course!) 

Finally created a route Madrid to Portugal, with designated stops at camp site and a few couch requests as well! After all the changes over the last weeks it felt real good to have that in my pocket. 

The last thing for me to organise was a place for my big bike bag!? I asked my couch surfing host if he could help me out, but he will be out of town for my expected return dates and so will his friends :( the next option was storage... I found a company called Blue space who look pretty professional. I then hopped on a train, picked up my bag from the coach station storage locker... I was late ... It charged me for another day :( then I took the bag to the shop. The lady was very helpful she showed me the smallest space, about 6 times the size of he bag all folded up... €90 per month! What! Mmm ok that's nearly double what I paid for the bag! With only an hour until the shops closed I decided the best thing to do was take it to a biciclisteria ( bike shop ) and so that's what I did after a lot of frustrated huffs as this decision means I will also have to leave the bicycle :/ The man in the shop was very happy with the gift and the smile he gave lifted my dull spirit, freeing my mind.

I returned to the house and packed the rest of my things, I sewed on the majority of Velcro to the handmade crossbar bag and attached the last part with needles, it's not finished but it's functioning yay. 

Alarm set for 5... Thank you's, nice to meet you's and good byes to my host and at last, sleep.

~ Friday ~

~ On the road ~

Waking at 5am I quietly dressed and set off for my first day on the road. Still pure darkness outside a chill in the air and empty streets ahead. Here it goes! GPS to hand I followed the route described, after a couple of well lit city streets I was directed into a very dark side lane. Unsure whether to delve into the darkness, I double checked the route and it was right...of course! I went into the darkness, the floor beneath me was an unsteady, sandy dirt track. It seemed to go on forever, I could just make out the track from the glow of the white sand, enabling me to keep going. At points the sand became a little deeper, causing the bike to loose balance and me to use my drifting skills... New to me, by the way! It was a relief to make it to the other side where a long line of street lights lit up the next path for me. I was riding for 1.5 hours in the dark before I sat down on a bench to eat. The sun came up and along with it, light. After eating I continued on my journey. Later, came across more of these sandy streets, which it seems are very common. I rode through miles of farmers land, forests and at one point down the side of a mountain! 

I arrived at the first campsite around 1pm exhausted, set up the tent, ate my lunch, took a well deserved shower and had a nap.

After my nap I rode into the village to buy some supplies from the supermarket. Followed by a nice long stretch and a dip in the pool. Feeling refreshed and loosened up! 

Later that day I was offered a couch by on of the hosts I had previously Messaged. It was a little off my planned path but it actually meant  less KM to travel overall... perfect! After getting the destination saved i prepared my bags, before resting my head for the night.

70km on the bicycle.

~ Saturday ~

~ Street love ~

I started the day with no set route, I had to use my common sense and map reading skills to get to my next destination. As you can imagine I was a little worried, alas, it wasn't that bad!

I left at 7am today as the destination was only 40km I have to mention the quality of Spanish roads, they are very nice to ride on, not a pot hole in sight. They also have signs regularly posted to remind drivers to stay aware of cyclists. 

The ride was a perfect amount for me, I arrived at my destination with a little energy left to enjoy the company of a wonderful host family. After meeting in the local village we headed back to the house where I met mum and brother.we are together and took a nap (siesta) apparently life without it does not exist here! I love that philosophy :) after our nap we went Kayaking... I met cousins and aunts and enjoyed a beautiful landscape with a friendly family. Many of them only spoke Spanish, I tried using my Italian English mix... It wasn't so successful, but we had great fun.

Because of the detour I changed my route again :) now it will take me through the Spanish mountains...

After a lovely meal with the family and goodbyes I headed to bed.

40 km on the bicycle

~ Sunday ~

~ Can't get enough of these mountains ~

After a sunrise breakfast, I loaded up the bike and said a final goodbye to my couch surfing host (love) and I set off for day 3 of the cycle for a cycle challenge. It was a great start with the longest ever downhill... I really thought I may just arrive at my destination after that! But that was not the case after all what goes up must come down and visa versa. Then came the longest ever uphill... I literally went down one side of the mountain then up the side of the next one, what a feeling to reach the top and the view was incredible. Well to be honest every time I stop for water or a wild wee or even just a breath break I look around and feel blessed. Between towns there isn't much going on except the sound of cowbells and crickets or locusts or something like that! Nature, nature everywhere... I love my life. 

I arrived at my destination at 12:00 set up the tent, took a shower, had done food and then got to work on this. I'll surf for more host families later before the regular prepare and sleep. 

40km on the bicycle.

Don't use plastic screws!

Just applying the last touches before departure tommorrow. The pump attachment came with plastic screws, which didn't even last 5 mins! Now the hole is screwed, I'll practice my levels of patience by slowly digging out the remains of this little plastic thingy! 

Today's sky

As I lay on the grass, not long been cut, The smell comforts, I just look up,

Not many thoughts sticking, I like that,

My eyes hooked on the birds that flap.

~ Preparations ~

Thursday already, I've had a few days of indecision about what to write for ~ Preparations ~ Week 7 ~
As you know I returned to England to visit my family before the trip. I have to admit, trying to prepare for the trip and spend quality time with my family has been a bit tricky, at times frustrating!

You see my Nan has been ill in hospital, just days before her 90th birthday, on and off assisted breathing machines. The situation seems to have stirred up family disputes, maybe stirred up is the wrong phrase! I guess it has just bought it to the forefront, giving all of us a time for contemplation or reflection upon certain disagreements. In my view the situation has either secured previous opinions and feelings or enabled people to let go. For me I have noticed just how important family is to me and how much you really need your family whether it be a sister, mother, nan, grandfather, father, daughter, husband or aunt. I love the beautifully diverse opinions, mannerisms, beliefs and advice of each individual in my family.

At times of stress, busy-ness and difficulty, Life can often get on top of us leaving us feeling and seeing only the negative side of it all! That is the case of me this week. But of course when I'm down I take time out to really focus on the positives to keep me on track and clear of mind.

So over the last couple of weeks, I have finally collected all the things needed for my trip, plastic cups and plates, the bike, gas cooker, saucepan, money, puncture repair kit all donated by family members and the final touches from eBay.

I've spent time cycling through the Kent countryside, making sandwiches, visiting nan in hospital, swimming in the English channel during a storm, taking the babies of the family out on bike rides and booking tickets!!!!

Now ready, I'll be leaving Tuesday morning, from Dover port to Madrid. I have also found out that I'll have to look into a medical issue, a follow up appointment is on the 21st August so a little disappointed that the trip has to be cut short. Health however is important. I'll cycle back to Madrid after the festival and get the bus back to the UK.

As always plans change, but still I'm really looking forward to the summer adventure!
     

~ Preparations ~ Week 6 ~

~ Monday ~

~ Organising from a distance ~

I spent the day in London, lounging around my friends and taking a walk through Canary Wharf. Running through my mind, all the things that still need to be organised. Tickets for arrival in Toulouse, a bike, tent, sleeping bag, cutlery, gas stove, tarpaulin, torch, waterproofs etc. Due to the stay in London, I had to figure out what I could do... so using the fabulous internet, I ordered my tent, 1 man, waterproof, light weight, next day delivery, thank you sports direct! As I was browsing the supermarket for my dinner I also bumped into a selection of sleeping bags, thanks again! My friend had an old Iphone to hand which I happily bought off her, GPS sorted amongst other things ie torch, email and blogging device, lightweight camera...Must say until using one I was sceptical, but they really do prove themselves.... THANKYOU! Arranged to see a bike on Wednesday, let's see.

Daily inspiration...
I found a left over note on the Iphone and thought it was one worth sharing it went like this.

Claudia Rainville, 
Meta-Medicine
Every symptom is a message.

Always relevant in Life, when looking at illness and disease, its important to take into account every part of the self, the thinking, the emotions and the physical symptoms, only when all are looked at will the true cause be revealed. We seem to have arrived in a place where only the symptoms are treated with antibiotics, pain killers lalala, but the problem keeps coming back.

Missing my bike!

~ Tuesday ~

~ Family fun ~

Arriving in my home town shortly after lunch, the avalanche of 'hello, how are you?'s' quickly followed. My brief 5 minute lift from my dad, shocking him with an update of my travels and future travel plans (he's was a little shocked by the news of my cycle for a cycle! But as always very supportive. Then arrival at my mums, met by my sister, youngest niece, aunt and of course mumsy! Lots of love, I last saw everyone at christmas, so it was a beautiful moment. We then arranged to go for dinner in the pub one of my brothers works in, to be joined by the other brother and his girlfriend. But my first mission was to pick up the elder niece from school. She was unaware, of course. The look her her 6 year old face was priceless! my heart exploded with love as she ran up to me a gave me the biggest hug, followed by speechless eye contact and another couple of hugs! LOOOVE! The evening with my close family was a great end to the day. Apart from discussing my plans, I can't say there were many preparations today.

Where for art thou bicycle.

~ Wednesday ~

~ Bicycle day ~

The day has arrived, ready for the bicycle. My brothers girlfriend said that she had a bike I could use, I had explained that it was a street bike and then presumed she was aware which type I needed. As the time drew nearer I was very excited to go and collect it. However when I arrived, I saw a bike very similar to my own, which is a dual suspension, mountain bike, mmm... 'soooo' I thought! 'WTF will I do now!'. Very grateful for the offer of the bike, but as I realised there was less than 2 weeks till departure, fear struck! 'I guess I'll just use my dual suspension mountain bike for now, before I sell it!' thought I.

After the fear I spent the evening with my bro and his girlfriend and we were speaking about our family histories. My main reason for moving to Rome was because of a rumour that I have an Italian blood within my veins. I have however recently been in contact with a distant aunt who has done 10 years of research into our history. She informed me that there is actually no Italian blood in my veins and gave me the links to view the family tree. Today I had the chance to take a look, of course, I jumped at it. The family tree goes all the way back to 1618` following a good majority of the marriage lines. I followed each of my mothers grandparents and every member is from the south east of England. Although the lack of Italian heritage was a bit of a blow, considering I have believed that since my early teens, it was still beautiful to see where I am from. Family appreciation week it seems. 

Will I ever get a bicycle?

~ Thursday ~

~ An introduction to camping ~

Ah the tent arrived today :D yay! Of course it needs a dry run, just to make sure I can put it up and down. I have been planning a camp out with my niece for a while and I told myself this was the moment. So the time came when I could break the news to her and she was very excited! So we went out in the garden to set up, she helped with the poles and laying out the sleeping bag, then filled it with her favourite books and teddies. Once it was all set up, we got in, snuggled in a 1 man, I'm glad she's a petite one. As we or should I say as I settled in for the night, her curiosity struck and she explored the small space that we sat in, the wall pockets, the zip, under the blankets, over the blankets. Hmmm in the house out of the house. No sign of sleep and the usual sleeping time had already passed. It was still light out and kids were playing out on the fields which she was not used to! So I tried a few sleeping techniques which I felt were very appropriate:-

- Technique one focuses on the noise that is disturbing you! For her it was the sound of the children playing, then transferring your focus to the noise that is soothing (the sound of her night time musical soother) for me its the sound of my breathing! 

- Technique two is just shutting your eyes and listening to your breath.

- My favourite is technique three which is counting backwards from 100.

After a dedicated time for each of these techniques she ended up sitting with arms folded, expressing that she still can't sleep! 'well would you like to go and sleep inside my dear?' I asked 'no I want to sleep out here, but I can't sleep'. By the time we went through each technique we still ended with the same answer so of course she ended up sleeping in her bed. But it was a wonderful try out of the tent and I got to stay out anyways. Smiles.

Bike worries.

~ Friday ~

~ Great Nan ~

I picked up dual suspension, mountain bike today nicknamed black beauty and took a ride to my great Nana's continuing the family appreciation week. She turns 90 next week and still seems as I have always remembered her. But it cannot be ignored that she has recently been rushed to hospital on two occasions with a heart attack and an internal bleed, it seem she is knocking on heavens door. Without that little old lady I would not be here today, for that I am forever grateful. I look forward to her birthday next week when I can present her with a 5 generation photo, that she has always wished for. Lots of love. 

~ Saturday ~

~ Importance of family ~

Today has topped off the family week with conversations all round about the importance of family. Starting with my Nan we discussed the fear of death and plans for Great Nana's birthday. Then with my sister we continued the family theme discussing impact of past generations on our generation and future generations. Then as always myself and my aunt dreamt about bringing us all together in a community setting where we could really support each other. 

I feel the near and certain death of the eldest in the family has opened up a new perspective. As with all families there are tensions and disagreements which can sometimes get in the way of the need for a family network. All I can say is that I may not agree with everything or anything you say or believe in, but I'm here for you always as I know you are there for me.

Black beauty made my day.  

~ Sunday ~

~ Bootfair ... Not ~

After a few days of finding someone to join me with their motor car, my sister agreed to help me out with a boot fair. Yay, a great thing about England is the second hand car boots, always able to find a bargain. The car was all packed up last night ready to set off early. When we woke up and looked outside another great England trait stopped us in our tracks. THE RAIN. With two little kids and no water proof covering for the stuff we decided it probably wasn't a good idea. The we used the power of on-line selling through a community Facebook page, we spent the day taking photo's and listing the items. in the back of my mind sat the thought, I don't have a bike, I haven't booked my tickets, lalala etc. But I gently reminded myself that everything will work itself out as it always does. I didn't sell a thing. My Dad offered me a bike for the trip, thanks Daddy ... Love!  

Black beauty went up for sale. 

~ A friends London apartment ~

                               

~ Rome Agritourismo yoga class ~