ACT day 3 - Vale do Rossin to Belver (well actually Mantigas for us based on a lack of accommodation at the campsite at the end of day at Vale Do Rossim campsite)
A long days ride today, a planned 235km (146 miles).
Not too too much to say in this report other than these high points and low points .....
Leaving Mantigas we headed back up the mountain and saw the huge boulder fields, amazing scenery, like a movie set. These huge boulders didn't look natural at all.
The gravel trail through this area was tough going, lean back like riding on sand.
From here we were up high, really high, and we hit the ski resort areas and having descended the mountain and whilst sat having a coffee a massive bike group rode past, loads of Harley's in the main, but great to see .... and hear (although one local chap walking past had his fingers in his ears)
About half way through the route Taff got a front tyre puncture that we had to replace the tube as it was a pinch puncture and the tyre slime didn't seal it.
Time was getting on and after several more wind turbine trails we stopped and looked at the route and we were only half way done. OMG, this route was supposed to be 40% trails , 60% road ..... Yeah right!!!
More like 75% trails!! Long trails!
At this point we were tired and hungry - due to a lack of options for food along the route - so we were seriously thinking of binning the rest of the route and making a bee-line for the hotel - the Almar River Club resort, with a private villa and a private pool. As tempting as it was we dug in and continued and tbf the last trail of the day was superb.
From here it was a short road burn to the hotel. We were alomst there and Taff said on the comms "Jase (who was following him), checky rear tyre would you, it feels a bit squirmy". I saw the tyre and it did look low on pressure then a moment later the tyre was off the rim! Another tyre fix and onwards we headed to our hotel where further issues insued. There was a bar on the beach area by the river and next to the sandy beach, perfect. We sat down and ordered a round of beers and some olives and chips which were much needed after the day we'd had.
The hotel seemed deserted and we were sceptical as to whether we'd get food at the hotel so we decided to get food at the beach bar ...... but it was 7pm now and the kitchen was closed, in fact the entire bar was closing, WT* ....
So, at this point there were a few hangry members of the group who needed food (including me!) so to Google I went and there was a hotel/ Spa resort 3mins ride up the top of the hill so we headed up there to get some food and despite our dirty, dusty appearance we were welcomed in and a feast we did have.
Fed and watered we headed back to the villa to have the wine we'd managed to buy from the beachfront bar before they closed and a few of us went for a dip in th hotel pool, lush.
A looooong day but another good day. Roll on tomorrow, the longest mileage day of the ACT route (wish us luck)
Trails across the mountains by the windmills we now hate. First time, great, but there were too many and despite the amazing views the route had too many if these and the white gravel that the trails were lined with were awful, like riding on marbles #sketchy
146 miles doesn't sound far in a day unless it is off road then you are in for a long day, even without delays.
Punctures two : Slime Nil. I have seen too much green goo leaking from flat tyres to have any faith left in Slime.
Grin is looking Quixotic now. Time to get back on Rocinante
