POR-2022-2.E-Esposende-Praia de Ancora

Insights from the pre-trip day on 06.04.22: 1. Wind topic: the repeatedly constructed rest areas with wind protection make one thing clear to me: the wind always comes from the north-northeast in nice weather. Thus, always headwind even on this stage. And today, it was already very strenuous. Without e-bike, it becomes really tedious. In the rain, the wind comes from the southwest. That’s not enjoyable either. 2. Road surface: today there were pleasantly many sections on the coastal footpath, the "Ecovia Litoral Norte" also opened for cyclists. And a long section with the first 220 HM runs on the main road on asphalt. What otherwise remains: cobblestones for quite a few kilometers. 3. To fall in love with: Viano do Castelo. The place is so pretty and lively that it brings joy. Now, in the week before Easter - which is also very celebrated here - music sounds everywhere and everything is beautifully decorated. 4. Life tips from Portuguese: if it doesn’t say it’s forbidden, just do it. 5. My Garmin showed 320 HM at the end of the stage.

Otherwise, I really enjoyed this stage - which I have already extended today with a detour to Caminha - both in terms of landscape and places. Meeting points with the tour bus are possible during the stage. Fine-tuning will follow after my return.

Pre-tracking: Continuing on Euro Velo 1 from Esposende along the Atlantic coast through villages and dune landscapes. Lunch break after about 26 km in Viano do Castelo. End of the stage directly at Hotel Meira in Praia de Ancora.