I took a few days off after the Tour de Mesa and today did a easy paced ride with several rest stops.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/77463859

I'm in Almeirim, Portugal, having given up on my plans to reach Santiago de Compostela. I realised on Monday night that, with strong headwinds forecast for the rest of the trip, I would never make it riding up the coast before my plane leaves. Sunday I visited the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and that was a heck of a climb in a headwind. Monday I rode 35 miles, all strong headwinds, all up and down about 1500 feet, and was whacked at the end of it. So yesterday I rode across the spine of Portugal, another long, hot climb (temps. have gone up to the 90s) and then through fearsome traffic to Santarem, where I thought I'd coast across the Tagus River. I forgot that ALL old towns in Spain and Portugal are built on the tops of hills, so had to deal with that first. Got to Alpiarca, no accomodation to be had. Had to backtrack here.

The next five days I'll be riding across almost empty parts of Portugal and Spain, and accommodation will be an issue every night. Then the local train into Madrid from Caceres, which will avoid the hassle of Madrid's freeway snakepits, on to the airplane and home. Three days' rest and the MS1509, Houston to Austin.

I've posted photos on my Facebook account. If anyone is interested my Facebook name is john.l.berry (the thing in the middle is an 'ell'). There's an album for Spain and one for Portugal (which I think is called March 2011)

You are doing/did our dream.

Glad you are well and happy, keep pumping

AND ENJOY

Sorry John, I couldn't find the facebook page. Lots of John l Berry's and the only one from TX was real young. Anyone else find his facebook page?

Some pics of John Berry.
Unable to find him on Facebook.

http://johnlberry.com.s52923.gridser...rador-gallery/

10wheels: thanks for finding my web page with the photos of the Labrador trip. Phil, my Facebook account is JOHN.L.BERRY, except all lower case. Address Austin, TX, age 69.

I'm sad to report that today was the end of my trip: I haven't added everything up yet, but it's something like 1150 miles in 28days. The last two days were through the emptiest parts of Europe I have ridden in: today 60 miles with no settlements on the road (two just off it) and no gas stations or restaurants for the first 50 miles. And it was hot - nearly 90F: when I finally saw a cafe, the bartender was pouring a glass of lemonade from a 2-liter (1/2 gallon) bottle for a customer. I said "I'll buy that!" He started to say, "You can't" and then decided to call the owner and ask him. The owner said "2 Euro". I said, "Done" and drank a third of it right there.
The area is a high granite plateau used for grazing (but I saw few cows or sheep), and incised by tributaries of the Ebro, each of which meant a beautiful rush down to the bridge and a long crawl back up.

I'm in Caceres, Spain, the most interesting place I'd never heard of (World Heritage site, completely preserved medieval city, etc.), and will take the train back to Madrid either tomorrow or the next day. I was sitting eating my dinner this evening wondering why so many people were hanging around in the little plaza in front of St. Matthew's Church, and all of a sudden a life-size medieval statue of Jesus on the Cross gets carried out and they start a Stations of the Cross Procession.

I have time to ride two more days, but from here on in it's all motorway to Madrid - not fun and not safe (probably not legal either - I already had a guy my age stop on one of the best riding roads I had encountered, just before leaving Portugal, to tell me I was being illegal and had better get off there before the Guardia came along. I ignored him!). For 16 Euros me and the bike can ride in the lap of luxury to downtown Madrid!

All the best to all of you

John

Take care and enjoy

Yesterday I did a little 11 mile ride and forgot to take water. When I got home was in bad shape. I hope I remember on Monday.
Just getting back into bikes. Can no longer drive a car/truck. Eyes are bad.
I am 70. I wish where I live was more bike friendly. Too many drunks and druggie's.
Does anyone purchase on line from www.modernbike.com
I need 12 items. Or if you know of a better place.
thanks. I will see you if you get real close.

I just bought from here:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/TopCate...10053_10052_-1

Sbrener, glad to "see" you here and I hope you enjoy the bike again.

Let us know how we can help!

sbrenner, what 12 items are you wanting? Maybe a "shopping list" will help us guide you to the best site.

Took a little ride today, 11,291 miles. I think it must be some sort of a record. -:0)
Had some kind of glitch, the cadence and distance didn't show on the garmin but boy did I cover some ground. LOL
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/78888706

I like your speed stats. :)
Avg Speed: 3.9 mph
Avg Moving Speed: 2,803.1 mph
Max Speed: 24.8 mph

I was gonna say something about the wind in my hair, but alas, No hair.

I don't know about this Garmin 800, at least my Max speed went down. All the way down to 110.3. -:0) It must have been those new tires I got??
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/80641726

Where are all the old geezers ???

What's that.

I stay so active I don't know what a 69.5 year old should feel like. I think I'm in my late 40's or something!!

Out riding?

Nice answer Fox

Riding today then putting new handlebars on the Specialized this afternoon.

Taking off some Forte GT2 700c x 25 tires and tubes that came with a Mavic MA40 rims with Dura Ace hubs and putting them on a Trek 400 Elance with Maillard 600 hubs and no name rims. Going to sell the 400 as it is too small for me.
I picked up the Dura Ace hubs with tires/tubes(new) for $45.00 last year.

Went on a nice ride today. It was much cooler and a bit windy at 15 MPH but wasn't much of a factor the direction I was going I didn't have the wind into the face anyway. Going to get a new fit on the bike this week. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/84653341

Getting over the allergies and feeling more like ridding now. There for a while like wasn't much fun. Funny how a little tinny particle of pollen can change your life. Anyway, I had a good ride today, some head winds on the way home but oh well.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/85019854

37deg and rain/ glorp/snow...passed...
Bud

^^^^^ :eek: :lol:

It was ~82F (28C) when I got home from my ride yesterday. You gotta move outta that place. ;)