Last days before Boom <3

~ Friday ~

~ So many clouds ~

The ride took me through what seemed like hundreds of farmers fields, corn mostly, which is taller then me! Way taller!!! Not a car or person to be seen for miles, except the occasional old farmer on a bicycle, always a pleasure. It was the  first cloudy day and I wondered when the rain would come, obviously I took precautionary measures, by strapping the tarpaulin all over the place, it was not as simple as I had envisioned, however after a short while I continued on my merry way. 

As I meandered through the fields I came to what seemed like an abandoned village, very eerie, as always I had the urge to look inside but of course, there wasn't anyone to hold my hand so I gave it a miss... Next time! 

The rain started to drip at a leisurely pace so I put my feet a working to try and make it to the next stop before it poured! Alas all the speeding ensured was a puncture... Luckily I have packed some spare tubes so it was just a case off whip it off and whip it in... Easy peasy!

On. The long road down to the next stop I came across feild full of old trees which had been stripped of their bark, I had never seen anything like it and wondered what went on. After a few Facebook messages I was finally informed that this is called corking.

Soon I arrived at the next stop, greated by yet another friendly face. All the way through thie trip I have been shown by the universe that people are nice! They aren't there to be feared. I set up my tent on the greenest pitch yet, the grass so thick I couldn't help but spend a few minute gently caressing my feet in it :D

For what seemed like the only time I had a spot in the shade, of course this was an afternoon nap opportunity which I was quick to take on. 

In the afternoon I did a little yoga to stretch out my body and took a walk to the local lake. I then took advantage of the pizza menu and arranged to meet some other Boom bikers the next day. The route was approximately 70km and I was ready to meet up with some other people. I prepared the bike and set the alarm ready for an early start.

~ Saturday ~

~ Late starting ~

Not all went to plan, I ate breakfast, finished preparing the bike, got on the bike and noticed another puncture... "Ah maaaan!" Due to the surrounding darkness, I decided to wait for sunrise before attempting a repair. I then started to change the tube and found two little splinters, sticking to the edge of the tyre... "That's why!" 

With a little encouragement from the kind owner of the campsite, I set off, determined to meet the others. The route took me through hilly roads up and down up and down, it was long, my legs were tiring, then I checked the map and noticed I had gone off track :( 

Finally I thought it wouldn't be possible to meet the guys on time, so I kept my eyes open for a wifi spot... "This could take a while" thought I with no sign off a village for miles... I continued on until I rejoined the planned route and was full of joy when I finally reach Portugal. There are no words to describe the sense of achievement in that moment and it was all I needed to keep me going.

At 10 mins past the arranged meet time I finally came to a service station... Wifi love! It's amazing how much we have come to rely on this technology (just saying), fortunately it allows the magic of long distance communication to continue. For me in that moment, I was able to reorganise the meeting, by changing the destination to a nearby campsite. I had some lunch and off I rode.

As I approached the campsite I came across a choice of paths, one was a hilly paved road the other an 

amazing downhill dirt track... Can you guess which one I chose?! Of course! I arrived covered in dust the bike turned bunt orange along with all the bags, but nothing could destroy the exhilaration created by such a road, life is great!

I turned up and checked in quickly noticing other boomers :D 

The first people I met were a couple who had both ridden and caught trains from France, with plans to continue their journey around the world. They decided to take the trip after getting married and sold their house and things to do so. Not long after arriving I notice a big group of cyclists and made my way over to say hello.

They were all very interesting and after our initial introductions we spent the afternoon sharing stories of the road, eating and getting to know each other.

3 English guys rode from Surrey, through to Idahna a nova and plan to continue on to Morocco after the festival... Good luck guys!  

There were a few Americans who's stories I can't recall, but I know they rode a fair distance to get here... Big up!

Then there was the Aussy who rode from Amsterdam and the French guy who rode from France, those two were my favourite, you could see the bond they had created between them after just three weeks on the road. The French man is the one I had been in communication with and in very glad to have met such beautiful people, full of life and creativity... Live well guys! (LOVE)

After cycling the for longest time yet, I was ready to sleep and happy not to have to set alarms.

~ Sunday ~

~ It's boom day :D ~

Without the buzzer set, still I woke at sunrise, although the time difference gave me an extra hour. I had the best breakfast so far in form of an English breakfast. It's is however the first time I've has one in a bowl, great experience! And delicious! As the others slowly began to arise, it felt nice to be around people again. 

There was a rumour that the Boom gates had opened early and a few of the guys began to panic and rush around with the intention to leave as soon as. We had planned to leave around 12 which would give us plenty of time to arrive at the gate before 7pm (the arranged time for the cyclists entrance). After doing things my way until this point, it was interesting to take a group decision. In the end a few left early and the rest left as planned. 

The ride to the festival was up and down, but with a group of 8 in convoy, spirits were high for the final kilometres before the festival arrival! Woohooo!

As we reached the turning to the festival, exhilaration kicked in and the ride past the 15 hour queue of cars and camper vans made the entire journey an even bigger victory. 

We then reached an open spot perfect for a week of Boom! Shade did the tents and an open space for our new community! 

~ Many days ~

~On Boom time ~

Settling into the festival meant losing track of time, not being able to access the internet or charge my phone and not caring to much about the story I would share here on the blog. 

The best bits about taking a bike to a festival:- 

1. You get to skip the queue.

2. The bike can be used to go in and out if the festival for shopping trips (this saves slot of money on food as supermarket prices are less than a third of festival prices)

3. You can camp really far from the main stages and still travel into the centre quite quickly.

4. You can use the bike to transport stuff saving you an achy back.

5. The bike can be used as a taxi offering a new festival friend the chance to rest their legs.

6. A bell makes a great festival companion enabling an exciting ruckus of noise to transport festival goers into a higher state of excitement and or frustration.

The week at Boom has been an incredible one I've met many wonderful people and made a few good friends. The festival promotes sustainable community living and educates people in methods of creating sustainable life for the environment, the body and the future of the planet. They hold seminars and workshops which teach the vast subjects, practices and learning tools for anybody wishing to take a step toward a healthier future. Not only that but they create a community encouraging all 42,000 people to take care of each other and Boom land. Cycling is new aspect of the Boom program, this year increasing the awareness and bringing in over 70 cyclists. In the next years we hope to see a better established system and a huge number of Boom bikers taking to the roads. Boom Bike LOVE!

Towards the end of the festival I felt it would only be right to donate my bike to a new friend and fellow cyclist to continue on the journey through Europe. 

Since then I have continued the Boom Love travelling with a group of 9 Boomers who came together as thousands of others left. We took to the roads travelling half on bicycle and half pushing a shopping trolley (also a great method for transportation) thoughts have come and gone, the journey is one of love and life learning. There may be more cycling to come the decision has not yet been made, but Life will unravel in time. 

 

Last days before Boom <3

~ Friday ~

~ So many clouds ~

The ride took me through what seemed like hundreds of farmers fields, corn mostly, which is taller then me! Way taller!!! Not a car or person to be seen for miles, except the occasional old farmer on a bicycle, always a pleasure. It was the  first cloudy day and I wondered when the rain would come, obviously I took precautionary measures, by strapping the tarpaulin all over the place, it was not as simple as I had envisioned, however after a short while I continued on my merry way. 

As I meandered through the fields I came to what seemed like an abandoned village, very eerie, as always I had the urge to look inside but of course, there wasn't anyone to hold my hand so I gave it a miss... Next time! 

The rain started to drip at a leisurely pace so I put my feet a working to try and make it to the next stop before it poured! Alas all the speeding ensured was a puncture... Luckily I have packed some spare tubes so it was just a case off whip it off and whip it in... Easy peasy!

On. The long road down to the next stop I came across feild full of old trees which had been stripped of their bark, I had never seen anything like it and wondered what went on. After a few Facebook messages I was finally informed that this is called corking.

Soon I arrived at the next stop, greated by yet another friendly face. All the way through thie trip I have been shown by the universe that people are nice! They aren't there to be feared. I set up my tent on the greenest pitch yet, the grass so thick I couldn't help but spend a few minute gently caressing my feet in it :D

For what seemed like the only time I had a spot in the shade, of course this was an afternoon nap opportunity which I was quick to take on. 

In the afternoon I did a little yoga to stretch out my body and took a walk to the local lake. I then took advantage of the pizza menu and arranged to meet some other Boom bikers the next day. The route was approximately 70km and I was ready to meet up with some other people. I prepared the bike and set the alarm ready for an early start.

~ Saturday ~

~ Late starting ~

Not all went to plan, I ate breakfast, finished preparing the bike, got on the bike and noticed another puncture... "Ah maaaan!" Due to the surrounding darkness, I decided to wait for sunrise before attempting a repair. I then started to change the tube and found two little splinters, sticking to the edge of the tyre... "That's why!" 

With a little encouragement from the kind owner of the campsite, I set off, determined to meet the others. The route took me through hilly roads up and down up and down, it was long, my legs were tiring, then I checked the map and noticed I had gone off track :( 

Finally I thought it wouldn't be possible to meet the guys on time, so I kept my eyes open for a wifi spot... "This could take a while" thought I with no sign off a village for miles... I continued on until I rejoined the planned route and was full of joy when I finally reach Portugal. There are no words to describe the sense of achievement in that moment and it was all I needed to keep me going.

At 10 mins past the arranged meet time I finally came to a service station... Wifi love! It's amazing how much we have come to rely on this technology (just saying), fortunately it allows the magic of long distance communication to continue. For me in that moment, I was able to reorganise the meeting, by changing the destination to a nearby campsite. I had some lunch and off I rode.

As I approached the campsite I came across a choice of paths, one was a hilly paved road the other an 

amazing downhill dirt track... Can you guess which one I chose?! Of course! I arrived covered in dust the bike turned bunt orange along with all the bags, but nothing could destroy the exhilaration created by such a road, life is great!

I turned up and checked in quickly noticing other boomers :D 

The first people I met were a couple who had both ridden and caught trains from France, with plans to continue their journey around the world. They decided to take the trip after getting married and sold their house and things to do so. Not long after arriving I notice a big group of cyclists and made my way over to say hello.

They were all very interesting and after our initial introductions we spent the afternoon sharing stories of the road, eating and getting to know each other.

3 English guys rode from Surrey, through to Idahna a nova and plan to continue on to Morocco after the festival... Good luck guys!  

There were a few Americans who's stories I can't recall, but I know they rode a fair distance to get here... Big up!

Then there was the Aussy who rode from Amsterdam and the French guy who rode from France, those two were my favourite, you could see the bond they had created between them after just three weeks on the road. The French man is the one I had been in communication with and in very glad to have met such beautiful people, full of life and creativity... Live well guys! (LOVE)

After cycling the for longest time yet, I was ready to sleep and happy not to have to set alarms.

~ Sunday ~

~ It's boom day :D ~

Without the buzzer set, still I woke at sunrise, although the time difference gave me an extra hour. I had the best breakfast so far in form of an English breakfast. It's is however the first time I've has one in a bowl, great experience! And delicious! As the others slowly began to arise, it felt nice to be around people again. 

There was a rumour that the Boom gates had opened early and a few of the guys began to panic and rush around with the intention to leave as soon as. We had planned to leave around 12 which would give us plenty of time to arrive at the gate before 7pm (the arranged time for the cyclists entrance). After doing things my way until this point, it was interesting to take a group decision. In the end a few left early and the rest left as planned. 

The ride to the festival was up and down, but with a group of 8 in convoy, spirits were high for the final kilometres before the festival arrival! Woohooo!

As we reached the turning to the festival, exhilaration kicked in and the ride past the 15 hour queue of cars and camper vans made the entire journey an even bigger victory. 

We then reached an open spot perfect for a week of Boom! Shade did the tents and an open space for our new community! 

~ Many days ~

~On Boom time ~

Settling into the festival meant losing track of time, not being able to access the internet or charge my phone and not caring to much about the story I would share here on the blog. 

The best bits about taking a bike to a festival:- 

1. You get to skip the queue.

2. The bike can be used to go in and out if the festival for shopping trips (this saves slot of money on food as supermarket prices are less than a third of festival prices)

3. You can camp really far from the main stages and still travel into the centre quite quickly.

4. You can use the bike to transport stuff saving you an achy back.

5. The bike can be used as a taxi offering a new festival friend the chance to rest their legs.

6. A bell makes a great festival companion enabling an exciting ruckus of noise to transport festival goers into a higher state of excitement and or frustration.

The week at Boom has been an incredible one I've met many wonderful people and made a few good friends. The festival promotes sustainable community living and educates people in methods of creating sustainable life for the environment, the body and the future of the planet. They hold seminars and workshops which teach the vast subjects, practices and learning tools for anybody wishing to take a step toward a healthier future. Not only that but they create a community encouraging all 42,000 people to take care of each other and Boom land. Cycling is new aspect of the Boom program, this year increasing the awareness and bringing in over 70 cyclists. In the next years we hope to see a better established system and a huge number of Boom bikers taking to the roads. Boom Bike LOVE!

Towards the end of the festival I felt it would only be right to donate my bike to a new friend and fellow cyclist to continue on the journey through Europe. 

Since then I have continued the Boom Love travelling with a group of 9 Boomers who came together as thousands of others left. We took to the roads travelling half on bicycle and half pushing a shopping trolley (also a great method for transportation) thoughts have come and gone, the journey is one of love and life learning. There may be more cycling to come the decision has not yet been made, but Life will unravel in time. 

 

Over a week on the road...

~ Monday ~

~ So high... So hot ~

After waking up, preparing the bicycle then eating my breakfast, I was all ready to go, guess what stopped me... Locked gates! "You're joking me!" I thought as I double checked every exit!  Yep locked, all locked!" I had to wait an hour before the main guy woke up. It did give me time to book my return ticket which will take me from Castelo Branco to London on the 19th August... Still got loads of time :)

As I started out I was very happy I'd  chosen a 25km route, as most of the journey was uphill, without shade, the road seemed to wind around the mountain top, to top it off the bags had tilted to one side for most of the journey, meaning I also had to stop in the heat to re-adjust... It felt like it took a good half hour! At times I a break in the small square patch of shade created by a sign...oh how grateful I was to get out of the heat. 

Pulling up at the next destination was a great moment, situated in a forest of pine trees, with streams and singing birds all around, not forgetting the shade... ah the shade! 

Feeling inspired by my surroundings, I got the sewing kit out and finished off the crossbar bag, although a little tatty, it's a really handy bag. 

I then took a wild walk and sat down by the stream for a session of meditation. 

25 km on bicycle 

~ Tuesday ~

~ Getting lost ~

7am start for what was planned to be an epic off road route taking me halfway to the next destination. Unfortunately it didn't turn out that way. As I started out on the route, it seemed more like a Trekkers path, I was not put off as the maps all checked out ok so I pushed the bike over some rocky mounds until I came to the sandy track... Relief set in, "I'm on my way" until I came to a fence, straight through my path, not a gate, a fence! Had I been trekking I would have climbed over it, but as you know I had a bicycle and approx 20kilos of luggage... There was next to me a paved road, I checked the map, it was not on there... I thought it must join to somewhere else and I wasn't going back. So I started walking up the road it got steeper and steeper :( 

I should mention that for the whole of the trip I have cycled from sunrise until midday ish and sun is ALWAYS behind me. 

As I continued up the hill the sun was directly in my eyes! Early morning low sun, I couldn't see where the end of the hill was and so I continued. Every so often I checked my gps which showed I was getting closer to a main road but also getting closer to my starting point!

After 2 hours I finally got back on track, I was just 4km closer to my destination. I felt it was the perfect time to take a break so I took a deep breath, sat down and had some food. It didn't really matter any more that I hadn't gone so far, as I was now sitting on a mountain side surrounded by beautiful tweeting birds and the sight of the countryside in the early light.

Feeling better about the bad start to the morning, I set off again after a few minutes "wheeeeee" downhill LOVE! I rolled all the way to the next town where I found a fresh fruit van at the side of the road "yes,thank you, please!" Or should I say "si, gracias, por favor!" 

Then continued on downhill, literally 30 out of 35km downhill, the easiest ride so far. I was loving the cold wind in my face :D and even arrived an hour early at my destination, I guess it was good I'd got lost. 

I had a little snack and a chill before meeting my host for the night... couch surfing LOVE!

Such a beautiful day, swimming in a natural pool, driving through the mountains and learning about the Spanish Tapas culture. I thought it was a dish like spaghetti or a roast dinner, but apparently not, for those of you who don't know Tapas is like aperitif In Italy it's like a pre dinner snack with a beer or a glass of wine (typically) I had mine with Tea and orange with lemonade, we has about 4 each mmmmm. We then took a walk around El Barco de. Avila, which is a lovely little town and finished the day Stargazing a great day with great company. 

35 km on bicycle

~ Wednesday ~

~ Goodbye mountains ~

It wasn't easy to leave in the morning, there was so much more to the mountain village which could have been explored, but the show must go on. I was informed that the route to my next destination was all downhill, so I decided to skip the centre stop and head straight for Plascencia, wow the first half was 

down down down down down... Through windy roads with sharp turns and little traffic. The last stretch of the mountain valley came into view with an opening of the valley into flatter land. "These mountains have tested me, I will miss them" I thought.

It was a relaxing afternoon with a dip and a stretch, then a trip to the supermarket. "VEGETABLES! Mmmmm... So many vegetables!"... 

"Maybe I bought too many vegetables?!" That was me!

Alas I cooked a feast and soon felt stuffed, food for days! 

Soon it was off to tent for another night in the bag. 

70 km on bicycle

~ Thursday ~

~ Is that even legal?! ~

I woke several times in the night, I think the cheesy processed pasta from a bag was fighting it's way through my system. This morning I woke still sleeping and finally got on the road at 8am.

As I set of I was pleased to see signs for Portugal, "nearly there!" After a load of roundabout kilometre after kilometre... I think I was 7 in total "madness!" I got onto the A-66 which I didn't realise until I was on it that it's also known as the E305 which I think is a motorway... Oops.  I only wobbled from the fast moving lorries a few times and recieved a dozen beeps. But I arrived at my turn off before anything serious could happen.

Arrival at the campsite commenced with an ice cream and conversation with a confused bar man. I said "uno tienda, por favor" he showed me a map pointing to various locations counting uno, dos, tres. "Am I being turned away from the inn" I thought, then I realised a tienda is a shop, tendas is a tent! He though I was headed for the road to Santiago trek... Language skills = Funny!

After setting up tent, having some lunch and catching up on the washing, I took a walk into the village. 

I then spent the afternoon lounging by the pool, I can say it was a pretty good day! 

45 km on the bicycle

Over the half way mark :D

Since starting in Madrid I've cycled 250km not counting the few wrong turns and I'm over half way there. I've couch surfed and camped my way here over 7 days and spent less than 50 euro's not only is cycling AWESOME but it's also a really cheap way to get the adventure holiday you've always dreamed of. BIKE LOVE!

And the fun begins!

~ Monday ~

~ Last day of preparation ~

Non stop all day, packing my bags and loading it all onto the bike. Taking my first fully loaded 10 km trip. Balance is all I thought as I rode the usual route in my usual way ( without helmet ) I realised that it is probably quite easy to just get blown off the road, especially if I'm going down hill or on an uneven road surface, the decision to invest in a helmet was made! After arriving at my sisters where my bike bag was waiting, I my final bits, including a pump, helmet, gas and Velcro for the final touches of my handmade crossbar bag. 

Then the final ( until after the trip ) goodbyes were said with a family dinner and the joy of visiting nan out of hospital, lots of hope and love for her to have a peaceful time. 

The bike went into the bag, bit by bit, then to finish the day I laid all of my things out and set my alarm for 6am... Ah sleep.

~ Tuesday ~

~ Off to Madrid ~

With the bus booked for 8:55 am I left for Dover Docks at 7:00 with the help of my father and his estate car! :D After checking I was in the right place, he set off and I waited for the bus to arrive. And I waited, and I waited... hmmm! There wasn't any one else waiting for the same bus as me and almost half an hour had passed, so the little old lady who I'd been talking to kept an eye on my baggage for me ( kindness everywhere ) I asked in the reception for Eurolines, who happened to not have any knowledge of my ticket... grrrrr! After 5 mins the man had arranged for me to get a taxi to another bus nearby which would take me through to Spain missing one change! Nice! Thank you universe. As I arrived at the bus, which had been held back especially for me, I was given the only available seats at the front, the one with lots of legroom and no there wasn't anyone next to me :D Thanks again universe! I love you! 

~ Wednesday ~

~ Starting point ~

After a 27hr coach journey, I finally arrived in Madrid, spent the first hour  reconstructing my bike and finding a storage location for my bike bag. I then set off, after a few minutes I realised I hadn't put the rear wheel on straight, off I got and straightened it up... Crack!!! Went the quick release bar... Fudging fiddle sticks! Went Liz (me, it was me) I sat on a bench contemplating my current situation... Just arrived, no idea where any thing is, don't speak Spanish, have some food in my bag, supposed to meet couch surfer host 40 mins from now the other side of the city! Lalala...

As I sat down to eat my lunch, I took several deep breaths and came up with a plan:- drop the rest of the baggage in the storage locker, chain up the bike, meet the guy and then make a plan. After eating, I sent a message and set off asking everyone in my way where the nearest bike repair shop is?! I then received a wonderful reply from my host saying he'd come and collect me with the bike and take me to a repair shop... What a lovely person.

~ Thursday ~

~ Truly last minute planning ~

The morning took my full attention in route planning (after a couple of hours on the bike... Of course!) 

Finally created a route Madrid to Portugal, with designated stops at camp site and a few couch requests as well! After all the changes over the last weeks it felt real good to have that in my pocket. 

The last thing for me to organise was a place for my big bike bag!? I asked my couch surfing host if he could help me out, but he will be out of town for my expected return dates and so will his friends :( the next option was storage... I found a company called Blue space who look pretty professional. I then hopped on a train, picked up my bag from the coach station storage locker... I was late ... It charged me for another day :( then I took the bag to the shop. The lady was very helpful she showed me the smallest space, about 6 times the size of he bag all folded up... €90 per month! What! Mmm ok that's nearly double what I paid for the bag! With only an hour until the shops closed I decided the best thing to do was take it to a biciclisteria ( bike shop ) and so that's what I did after a lot of frustrated huffs as this decision means I will also have to leave the bicycle :/ The man in the shop was very happy with the gift and the smile he gave lifted my dull spirit, freeing my mind.

I returned to the house and packed the rest of my things, I sewed on the majority of Velcro to the handmade crossbar bag and attached the last part with needles, it's not finished but it's functioning yay. 

Alarm set for 5... Thank you's, nice to meet you's and good byes to my host and at last, sleep.

~ Friday ~

~ On the road ~

Waking at 5am I quietly dressed and set off for my first day on the road. Still pure darkness outside a chill in the air and empty streets ahead. Here it goes! GPS to hand I followed the route described, after a couple of well lit city streets I was directed into a very dark side lane. Unsure whether to delve into the darkness, I double checked the route and it was right...of course! I went into the darkness, the floor beneath me was an unsteady, sandy dirt track. It seemed to go on forever, I could just make out the track from the glow of the white sand, enabling me to keep going. At points the sand became a little deeper, causing the bike to loose balance and me to use my drifting skills... New to me, by the way! It was a relief to make it to the other side where a long line of street lights lit up the next path for me. I was riding for 1.5 hours in the dark before I sat down on a bench to eat. The sun came up and along with it, light. After eating I continued on my journey. Later, came across more of these sandy streets, which it seems are very common. I rode through miles of farmers land, forests and at one point down the side of a mountain! 

I arrived at the first campsite around 1pm exhausted, set up the tent, ate my lunch, took a well deserved shower and had a nap.

After my nap I rode into the village to buy some supplies from the supermarket. Followed by a nice long stretch and a dip in the pool. Feeling refreshed and loosened up! 

Later that day I was offered a couch by on of the hosts I had previously Messaged. It was a little off my planned path but it actually meant  less KM to travel overall... perfect! After getting the destination saved i prepared my bags, before resting my head for the night.

70km on the bicycle.

~ Saturday ~

~ Street love ~

I started the day with no set route, I had to use my common sense and map reading skills to get to my next destination. As you can imagine I was a little worried, alas, it wasn't that bad!

I left at 7am today as the destination was only 40km I have to mention the quality of Spanish roads, they are very nice to ride on, not a pot hole in sight. They also have signs regularly posted to remind drivers to stay aware of cyclists. 

The ride was a perfect amount for me, I arrived at my destination with a little energy left to enjoy the company of a wonderful host family. After meeting in the local village we headed back to the house where I met mum and brother.we are together and took a nap (siesta) apparently life without it does not exist here! I love that philosophy :) after our nap we went Kayaking... I met cousins and aunts and enjoyed a beautiful landscape with a friendly family. Many of them only spoke Spanish, I tried using my Italian English mix... It wasn't so successful, but we had great fun.

Because of the detour I changed my route again :) now it will take me through the Spanish mountains...

After a lovely meal with the family and goodbyes I headed to bed.

40 km on the bicycle

~ Sunday ~

~ Can't get enough of these mountains ~

After a sunrise breakfast, I loaded up the bike and said a final goodbye to my couch surfing host (love) and I set off for day 3 of the cycle for a cycle challenge. It was a great start with the longest ever downhill... I really thought I may just arrive at my destination after that! But that was not the case after all what goes up must come down and visa versa. Then came the longest ever uphill... I literally went down one side of the mountain then up the side of the next one, what a feeling to reach the top and the view was incredible. Well to be honest every time I stop for water or a wild wee or even just a breath break I look around and feel blessed. Between towns there isn't much going on except the sound of cowbells and crickets or locusts or something like that! Nature, nature everywhere... I love my life. 

I arrived at my destination at 12:00 set up the tent, took a shower, had done food and then got to work on this. I'll surf for more host families later before the regular prepare and sleep. 

40km on the bicycle.