This is a shake down activity, Both for driving the bike and trying to write a story.
I will give some background, Tell about plans and describe the outcome.
At least that is what I hope
So here we go....
The rain took a break in the morning. I packed my stuff and headed south towards Porto in Portugal. From Porto I went South East to Medas. There was a wonderful camping at the river Duero. But almost empty. Small cafe that closed at 5 pm. Mini market open only on Saturdays and Sundays. And not much to purchase. So I digged into the emergeny food.
The drive was on small roads and often nice.
Weather was much better here. Finally dry.
Another early morning. Very nice view when the sun rises and clear the fog over the river. Light breakfast. Coffe and 2 bananas.
I headed towards Nazare. Small town on the coast. North of Lisboa. Heavy traffic on the way there. But short distace. So I was there early. I found a very good camping, 5 km from the town/coast.
I took an afternoon trip to the town. Walked the " malecon", took a coffe "cafe duplo". And enjoyed life. Very nice city. With some tourist life, but also natural life. Hills surrounding the beach.
Time to head for Albufeira in Algarve.
One more time I adopted to weather forecast. Forecast was rain starting around 8 in the area of Nazare. But nice weather along the way. To aviod packing in the rain, I started early. I prepared my coffee in the dark. Fixed inside the tent. And packed the bike as soon as there was some sunlight. So of I went before 8 am.
Sum numbers
Total distance: 5 300 km
Days on the road: 14
Days travelling to a new location: 10
13 nights in tent in 9 different places.
Cost: ??? Fuel is the major cost. Around 1 Euro per 10 km. 530 Euro
Camping around 15 Euro per night. 180 Euro
I will write a summary, something related to the "why" and some other coclusion.
But yes, I am back on the road for touring. 🙂
But I have only a tablet. So maybe that will be done when I have a real keyboard to use. But you never know. Stay tuned.
🐻
For me, to get in contact with the country, language and culture of the countries you visit is important.
By exposing myself to the environment. And to don't hide on turistical environment protected from the real world.
Compare for an example, a cup of coffe in a small french town at the loca café. And a stop at an autoabahn gas station.
During the week (and before) I tried my best.
0) Did I get a bike to Portugal ?
=> Yes it is there. Parked in Albufeira. I will take some trips down by air. And enjoy MC driving in Portugal, during Swedish winter. Job done.
1) What about the test of myself and my equipment? Can live "on the road" alone ? For some "longer" time ?
=> Worked out well. I was driving several long days. Living in tent. And on "easy" food, mixed with resturant some evenings. I could do it much more easy when it comes to accomondation and eating. But that is an option for the feature.