Day 3 - Quintao to Freixinho

Some people had an absolutely epic day today 🤩, but for me? Let’s just say it was a bit of a struggle. That’s life though, right? Straight out of the hotel this morning, it was cold and wet 🌧️, and within the first 1km BAM—straight into a climb. My Garmin flashed up an incline of 28% for about 60-70 meters, and wow, on cold legs, that was a wake-up call 😳. Once we got through that, it was a bit of a rollercoaster—some descents, then about 15-18 miles of flat riding along the Tavoro River, battling a headwind 🌬️🚴‍♀️. Thankfully, there was a very welcome coffee stop to recharge before we tackled a 9.74 km climb with an average 5% gradient. Yeah, fun times, right? 🤯😳🥵

Nigel from Sydney kept me company on that climb, and honestly, it made such a difference. We had a good chat, took a couple of photo breaks, and just kept pushing through. Once we found our rhythm, it wasn’t so bad. The gradients? Doable. So, massive shoutout and THANK YOU to Nigel! Sometimes, it’s just about getting through the tough bits, and a few kind words and a bit of encouragement can make all the difference. Tomorrow’s a new day, and who knows? Might just be amazing 😊🚴‍♀️👍.

Let's talk about food! 🍲😋 We’ve been enjoying some fantastic meals over the past few days, and we’re hoping to keep the streak going! 👍 Yesterday, Mike, one of our amazing guides, prepared a picnic lunch that was nothing short of delightful. We had fresh rolls, juicy chicken, crisp salad, and a mouthwatering coconut cake. To top it off, he somehow arranged for the rain to pause just in time for us to enjoy our meal. A big thumbs up to Mike for both the food and the perfect timing! 👍

Last night’s dinner setting was pure magic—it felt like stepping into a scene from Harry Potter 🧙✨. The table was beautifully arranged, and the room featured a grand fireplace, perfect for cozying up with a roaring fire on chilly winter evenings. Truly enchanting! 

Lunch today was nothing short of incredible! Tucked away in a tiny village in the middle of nowhere, the place was absolutely packed. There were no menus—just pure, hearty, home-cooked goodness. You simply ate whatever was being served, and let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious. 😋 The options on the table? Incredibly tender, massive pork ribs or perfectly cooked fish served with chips and/or rice. For dessert, you could choose between a rich slice of cake or a refreshing fruit salad—exactly what we needed after a tough, energy-draining morning.

A not-so-glamorous shot of me tackling one of the climbs in the drizzle. At least the jacket was on point! 😊👍

After an eventful afternoon of being chased and followed by dogs, tackling a few more climbs, enduring a bit of drizzle, and receiving a wonderfully warm welcome from Seb at the brew stop, tonight’s accommodation is a convent (because, why not?). So, it's time to be on our best behavior—no cursing or mischief—dust off your best bib and tucker for the occasion! 😂😂

Thank you for following along. Wishing you a lovely evening, and let's all hope the rain clears up soon! 🌧️👍 xx