The conversation at my hostel was the coastal Camino route from Porto to Vigo, Spain was
stunning and easy to cycle. With winds constantly blowing from the north/northwest, “Why ride north into the wind”. Instead train to Vigo and ride south with a tail wind.

Weather looked good. On a whim, I rented a 40lb. steel stallion, adjusted the handlebars and seat, strapped my small waterproof backpack on the rack and headed to the train station and north to Vigo, Spain. No cycling-specific gear, only flat pedals, trail shoes, one ratty pair of bike shorts I tossed in at the last moment when leaving home. Once I found the route out of Vigo with the help of a local cyclist, a large industrial port city, a perfect bike path hugging the sea cliffs provided spectacular views. Small beach cabinas located in campismos complete with comfy amenities: showers, kitchens and a bedroom, became home for the next several nights.

Fueling on cappicino, fresh pastries, cheese, hard sausage, bread, fresh seafood, and of course the cyclists staple- cerveja (beer).

Extemporaneous exploration, riding cobblestone pathways, seaside boulevards, pathways hugging the ocean cliffs, ferrying across channels, through small villages, port towns, and cities. Getting lost, finding my way, asking local directions in Portuguese, I returned safely to Porto four days later.

Sheer joy!

Thanks Joao for your encouragement, suggestions, and bike rental!