Castelo De Vide to Figueira Da Foz

This is it!

I’m excited to call the trip. It’s been a great 3 weeks, and finally the ‘keep riding’ formula has tipped to head home.

Let’s talk legs and Energy: 2 hours a day seem to be prime. The 3rd to 4th hour are a struggle, and I often hit the wall. With enough recuperation in the afternoon I can get another solid hour or two in the evening.

Risk Injury: The risk injury is made up of several parts. Wind, terrain, and recuperation are the main factors. Without appropriate rest, muscle fatigue becomes an injury risk. After 22 days, the fatigue is real. And while I can power through, each day there does not seem to be enough rest to fully replenish the muscle power. Weaker muscles will put strain on smaller muscles, and eventually something is likely to pop. Wind is a big factor. Pushing against the wind takes more watts, and often results in a slower more forceful pedal stroke. Finally terrain. I was headed into the mountain portion of the tour. The easiest way to overcome mountainous terrain is lower gearing. Unfortunately I am already using the lowest gear quite frequently. Once the legs tire out, those steady inclines put to much pressure on the knees. With no ability to downshift any further, the risk of injury increases drastically. Lower gearing would take the strain off the knees, and somewhat the legs.

Time: Time is on my side. I still have a couple weeks I could spare to travel. Likely another 15-21 days to complete this. Maybe more if I take appropriate rest.

Cost: With hotels/hostels being used, the cost per day has now gone up drastically. Secondly I have to make it to destinations that I have paid for. Based on the premise that my body will have difficulty handling the mountains, the costs will start to mount without many km’s to show for it.

The main concern here is the Injury Risk. I enjoy touring, and look forward to doing many more adventures. At this point, an injury would put a massive damper on the whole memory of the trip. I’m ending on a high, this has been great. Plenty learned. Plenty of lessons to apply to future trips.

Thanks for joining.