Yesterday the weather was wet and windy but today was much more like it. So off for a pedal around I went. Down the first hill, cross the flyover and turn right.
This is the way to Beira Mar, easy riding on what is a very good, rather boring, cycle track. This is not complaining, most of us have the same beginning to most of the rides we do. Few of us have the weather I am enjoying, or the scenery. So, on the right is the sea. The Atlantic Ocean, just a little bit of it. On the left is the town, with a big busy road between town and bike track. It is not a big island, I wonder where all the traffic comes from? And goes to, also. A fair bit must travel to the mainland, just as I am intending to this morning. So, past the beach and the old bridge, to the new bridge and up onto the path that hangs underneath the roadway. At the far end turn left, sort of south.
This direction has less traffic than north from the bridge, it seems to be more of an area for leisure. Even saw some folk on the beach, which is wider than most on the island. Up and down a bit, then the road does a forty five degree right turn and climbs. And climbs. Of course it descends next and I found myself following a bus. Which wandered through a residential area and did a ‘U’ turn. I went straight on and into the next bit of town, then onto yet another beachside bike track. This area is not heavily developed, more empty land than buildings. There are dunes on the beach, rather high but without anything visible growing on them. Wonder how long they will be there.
The end of the track, there is a sailing club moorings and one of those outdoor collections of exercise equipment that are seen ( and used ) almost everywhere. Munch, drink and set off on the return journey. This gives me the opportunity to see the stuff I missed on the way out here, and to pedal into the headwind that seems to know exactly which way I am heading. Hills give legs cause to complain but there are not many. Back over the bridge, and the back wheel was making odd noises. But they stopped. And I stopped a few yards further up home hill, after twenty two miles. Another good ride.
A slightly different route
This is the way to Beira Mar, easy riding on what is a very good, rather boring, cycle track. This is not complaining, most of us have the same beginning to most of the rides we do. Few of us have the weather I am enjoying, or the scenery. So, on the right is the sea. The Atlantic Ocean, just a little bit of it. On the left is the town, with a big busy road between town and bike track. It is not a big island, I wonder where all the traffic comes from? And goes to, also. A fair bit must travel to the mainland, just as I am intending to this morning. So, past the beach and the old bridge, to the new bridge and up onto the path that hangs underneath the roadway. At the far end turn left, sort of south.
This direction has less traffic than north from the bridge, it seems to be more of an area for leisure. Even saw some folk on the beach, which is wider than most on the island. Up and down a bit, then the road does a forty five degree right turn and climbs. And climbs. Of course it descends next and I found myself following a bus. Which wandered through a residential area and did a ‘U’ turn. I went straight on and into the next bit of town, then onto yet another beachside bike track. This area is not heavily developed, more empty land than buildings. There are dunes on the beach, rather high but without anything visible growing on them. Wonder how long they will be there.
The end of the track, there is a sailing club moorings and one of those outdoor collections of exercise equipment that are seen ( and used ) almost everywhere. Munch, drink and set off on the return journey. This gives me the opportunity to see the stuff I missed on the way out here, and to pedal into the headwind that seems to know exactly which way I am heading. Hills give legs cause to complain but there are not many. Back over the bridge, and the back wheel was making odd noises. But they stopped. And I stopped a few yards further up home hill, after twenty two miles. Another good ride.
A slightly different route
The tailwind became a crosswind so wasn't helping on the drag up to Palms Hill.
I'm reasonable person - if you don't want your picture taken that's fine but I don't think I deserved all that.
It soured the mood for a few miles but on the other hand I didn't think about the hills between Welshampton and Coptiviney.
More roadworks followed on leaving town which were a bit of an effort to get through due to being an uphill start. Thankfully the couple of drivers behind me were patient.
an ‘oh-no’ for the closure 
