Well today's the last day of the tour with 72 miles to do down into Albufeira. I said down loosely as I hadn't realized how much climbs were actually on this last day with almost 6, 000 feet to be done.
As I left there was a Mist hanging over the guadiana and the first two hours were pretty gloomy, it was lights on and hi-viz jacket on.
As I reached the river vascao after 12 miles the murk began to clear. By the time I stopped at Cachopo for a break the sun was fully out.
I had found a great little cafe on the side of the road as you enter the town and was relaxing outside with drinks and refreshments just enjoying life.
Then the local Road sweep guy you know the one pushes like a wheelbarrow with a bin on it stopped right in front of me let the tab up and started to have a conversation by shouting across the road at a Portuguese couple on the other side. This continued for a good five minutes how rude ? He did eventually leave and continue sweeping.
Much of the morning was climbing, much of the afternoon was descent and this will occurred through quite dense forests and mountains there was little change in the scenery most of the way, new only exceptions being the odd windmills at the top of hills and masts.
Fast descents down the Querenca and then a cycle along past the Ombria golf complex before the last sharp climb in to Paragil and I wasn't familiar territory.
I quickly crossed the motorway down in to Boliquieme and then picked my way across to Albufeira, stopping for one quick bottle of Sagres with friends Tony and Linda in the Old House in Oura.
Only two miles left to my apartment and I still managed to get stuck behind the little tourist train that drives along the road st about 10mph ..... How frustrating !
But after 850 miles and 60, 000 feet of climbing I was back in Albufeira and to quote big Dan Burn getting measured for a suit .... "I'm Happy"