POR-2022-1.E-Porto-Esposende

We are now starting the stage at the mouth of the Douro into the Atlantic at Fou do Douro. There is enough space for parking and for preparing the bikes at the first stage.

First, we start on a good bike path along the coast and just need to be a little careful in Matosinhos when we cross the harbor bridge. For the first 18 km, we ride predominantly on asphalt, only a little on cobblestones and on the wooden path or trail. Then we start with the cobblestones... depending on the traffic on the trail/path, we might also ride on it, but that is not guaranteed. From KM 24.5 to 26.5, there is a section of natural path. We cross the Ave River on the main road. After 36 km, we are in Povoa de Varzim. Along the beach here, we have another bike path and many dining establishments for a possible lunch break a little later. From KM 39.8, we have almost continuous cobblestones until the end of the stage at 56.4 km. Overall, I have about 30 km of cobblestones, which is the usual road surface in Portugal.

As for the elevation, it doesn't weigh much. With the small ups and downs, we reach about 190 HM spread over the entire course.