Peniche to Praia das Macas (58 miles; 637 total) (Oct 2 ride)

 Today we kept getting separated. We are using the same Organic Maps app, with the same settings, but John is using an Android phone and I use an iPhone. Perhaps that’s the reason we sometimes arrive at different routes. We have tried to establish some rules, but they do not always work:

  • Always follow the person in the lead, even if you disagree with the turn/direction.
  • When in the lead, keep the person behind in sight.
  • If you cannot see the following person, then stop within sight of the turn to verify the following person can see you. The following person has to look when entering the turn.
  • If following, never make an independent turn because you are sure the lead rider is wrong. The lead rider is waiting and might not be able to see the following rider take another route. Then, when the lead rider doubles back to link up with the following rider, they often will not know which way they went.
  • When leading, go slow enough for the following rider to catch catch up. The lead rider might be on the wrong route. When following is this situation, make an effort to keep the lead rider in sight.

Needless to say, I was in the lead twice when John decided to take another route. The first time, I turned about, guessed the right route, and managed to find him. The second time today, I assumed he simply wanted to go on his own. We are both competent with Organic maps, so we rode separately the rest of the day. It all worked out, but I don’t think it’s the best approach.

Beautiful countryside whether inland or on the coast. Seems that everyone in Portugal who owns a motorbike goes out for large group rides on Sunday. We saw numerous groups, some with more than 100 riders. The big ones are noisy and the many small 2-cycle powered ones stink. Also a big day for those with posh cars to go for drives. Many Porches, Mercedes, and BMWs, but everyone liked to cruise. That noted, nearly all drivers were extremely courteous, much better than most American drivers who encounter a touring cyclist grinding up a long hill at 5 mph.

Another observation on motorcycles. I notice many “mature” women riding scooters during the week for local transportation/errands. Electric scooters are occasionally seen, usually driven by younger women. 

We both had excellent dinners at the restaurant across the street from our lodging, both owned and operated by the same person. I this instance, we were able to eat early, 6:30 pm. When we wait until the normal Portuguese restaurant opening time, 7:30 pm, we are both so hungry that we often settle for any spot that is convenient and acceptable.


Restored Windmill. This one appeared to be fully restored but not open on a Sunday morning. Oddly, we heard so much gunfire that it sound like opening day of hunting season, a firing range nearby, or the start of a small war. As soon as the church bells started ringing about 10:00 am, the firing stopped.


Second time seeing a shepherd moving his flock.




Lunch. While they were featuring an extensive Sunday buffet, hardly appropriate for more hilly miles on a warm day, they said I could fill a "box", my choice of anything on the buffet, for 6 euros. However, I had to "take-it-away." Their 5" x 6" box held a lot of sushi, shrimp, wontons, calamari rings, and a chicken/udon noodle dish. I found a shady spot at the base of the steps. Best lunch yet.

Ericeria Surfing Competition. Complete with tv cameras, speakers, and a professional announcer, the waves were big as was the crowd. 






Praia das Macas Beach. Just a short walk across the road from our lodging.


Shared desert. Hot mud pie with vanilla ice cream. In general, the food prices are quite reasonable.



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