After we were picked up from the airport and driven to the hotel, the magical adventure began. Riding the Douro Valley was just magnificent. The scenery and landscape could not be compared to anything I've seen before. Riding consisted of 35 to near 50 miles each day with elevations of 3,000-4,500 feet gain at an average 5-8% grade. On the last day of riding, the most difficult of all, we experienced a 16% grade that seemed to go on forever. Every day presented itself with great challenges wonderful pleasures and fantastic downhills that would go for 6-7 miles at speeds of 25+ mph. WOW!!
Our group was small with 7 riders plus 2 guides. The locations we stopped at were local places giving you a sense of real Portugal.
The people running the tour couldn't be better. They address every need from the group. We used carbon bikes from Scott that performed flawlessly even when riding on cobblestone which was in almost every town or village.
I can't speak highly enough about this adventure. However, that said, be sure to come well trained with lots of hill climbing under your seat because it's challenging everyday.
The trip was absolutely unbelievable. Biggest takeaways: Portugal is an amazing country, each day on the bike is so different from the next, the days are challenging- especially as a novice biker, but doable. I quickly learned to trust every one of Ricardo’s suggestions- he is extremely organized, responsive and knowledge about all the best restaurants. Live Love Ride Portugal is truly a one of a kind family and I’m so glad I was able to experience the culture, food, wine and country by bike. Also, we did the trip in April- got very lucky weather wise, no rain, some chillier mornings and windy days but sunshine and 75 most of the time.
