@August 31, 2021 7:29 PM (GMT+1)
LDM! (Last Day of the Month)
Portel to Evora
Woke up this morning in Portel. Tired, tight, but motivated to get moving. A low km day today (40). The route to Evora was scattered with olive groves, some vineyards, and what I guess are Acorn groves? (For the Iberian pigs?). The majority of the ride was on the road to the side of the highway, allowing me to spend most of the day unconcerned about traffic. Finally I was routed onto the main 2 lane highway. I hit my first mental wall today. I could not get comfortable sitting on the bike. My power also seemed non existent. Maintaining 15 km/hr seemed to be a struggle. I took a break on the side of the road, hydrated as much as possible, and reframed the last 8km to Evora. I put on some music, and instantly had the mental breakthrough. Power returned to my legs. The seat was still uncomfortable, but it was no longer bothersome. I powered on, likely above 20km/hr all the way to Decathlon Evora.
After loading up on supplies at Decathlon, I headed to town. Such a beautiful city, the UNESCO heritage designation is well deserved. I needed to eat, and stopped in at a random cafe/bar with no one inside except the owner and another man. This place was pure Portuguese. I had a wonderful meal of Moelas and fries. It was delicious, nutritious, and filling.
Checking into the hostel was easy, and my bike seems safe in the atrium here. Walking around town I finally found Pao do Rala. 2 friendly pasteleria owners pointed me in the direction of a place that will serve the dish. The pasteleria ___________ was beautiful inside, and the owner seemed to be quite famous in the world of traditional Alentejo pastries.
Further walking around town talking to Stephanie, and then Steve R. Now I am back at the hostel, awaiting night fall, to hopefully grab a few pictures of this city at night.