Santo António seems to be everywhere on this island but it’s pure coincident that my ride today took me to a parish named after the ananas or vice versa. Neither nor obviously. The strong influence of Saint António dates back to the 12th century and ended in one of the most important public holidays in Portugal.
Leaving history behind, the ride itself also offered magnificent landscape.
Fair winds…
I have been to Rabo de Peixe last year and clearly remember how special and different this village was from the rest. It took me up to the point, that I felt uncomfortable spotting junkie needles lying on the road.
Netflix has taken the opportunity to produce a drama in this village based on true facts. Since today I have a Netflix account to watch the first series of seven episodes. As the movie got very popular in Portugal, it was decided a few days back to produce series two in continuation.
Not many film requisites needed, the village fits perfectly into the frame of the movie content. For me, a bizarre coincident.
Need to watch first episode now.
Fair winds…
After finally getting some crackers, I was set to go to the Reserva Florestal National Park, long time on my list. Not approaching via the main road, there was a bit of cyclocross involved on a 1.5km stretch to get to the entrance of the park. Although this stretch is more suitable for mountain bike and hiking it is brilliant from a nature point of view but impossible to ride with a road bike, even a Roubaix.
The park itself captivated me from the first moment and besides lush green all over I got positively irritated by the sheer variety of plants, bushes and trees, not to forget the colourful flowers sticking out here and there. Fantastic.
Fair winds…
Obviously I had an open bill with the Caldeira do Faial and Mario, farmer and owner of Turismar, picked me up today to explore the inside of the crater, which I think is special compared to many other caldeiras. Two reasons: first, there is a smaller caldeira within the caldeira itself. Second, it incorporates a sump area, which gives this 2km circular valley a unique character including its flora and fauna.
The descent/ascent are steep, approximately 300 altitude meters at around 45%, but once you reach the bottom, it appears you walk around on another planet.
A short but tough hike with extremely high rewarding factor.
Definitely a five star highlight of our adventures so far!
Fair winds…
While I was heavily suffering from my own stupidity, the bike got a super full service done by Décio and his younger brother Lucas, both running the local bike shop here in Horta. Two enthusiastic pros, very competent, reliable and sympathetic young locals.
Décio opened the bike shop about three years ago and has got not only well maintained rental bikes (Rainer got one here the other day) but also a smart selection of new bikes, accessories, and a state-of-the-art workshop. Highly recommended. Thank you guys!
Fair winds…
PS: The initial approximately 5km downhill from Caldeira do Faial in freezing conditions turned for me into a bloody cold, dismantling my body and brain for two days and nights without sleep. The second night, Cobian, our ships own kobold was back and the electrical autopilot was turning making its typical sound: sssst….ssst…..st…sssssst…..st….ssssst…, unbelievable where no sleep can take you! Much better now but not back 100% yet.
One hour after sunrise I was in the saddle to tackle the highest mountain on Faial. 17km ascent kept me warm but the initial phase of the downhill was freezing before it turned into a 12km final pure joy-ride. More to explore!
The Caldeira is impressive and invites to be deeper explored. It has got a 2km diameter and 400m difference in altitude, bottom to top. It has got enough room for a mini crater, which you can see, if you zoom into the picture above.
There are certified guides, who can bring you into the heart of it, which must be another great experience to learn more about this fantastic island.
Fair winds…
I am glad Rainer managed to rent a decent bike and we explored the second part of the Boating & Biking Adventure together. 
It took us along the southern coastline of Faial to a national park, famous not only for the beauty of the landscape but also for its unique geological characteristics and flora and fauna. While the park itself was mind blowing the ride as well was another great experience, especially with the two pit-stops we did to refuel body and soul.😂
Now I am hopeful Corinna & Rainer will take proper bikes on their upcoming voyage around the world and add even more quality time through easily exploring places by bike.
Fair winds…
Fellow sailor and biker René (skipper SY Momentum of Fal) was absolutely right: Faial is another biking island although I have not made it up to the Caldeira do Faial yet. It remains on the list subject to blue sky with less clouds.
Today’s ride offered a variety of slope, tarmac and scenery paired with beautiful viewpoints along the roads.
Tomorrow I will go biking!
Fair winds…
My first ride on Faial took me to the outskirts of Horta. I was positively impressed and strongly believe that Faial is a biking island. Besides remarkable scenery I got the chance to accompany some local riders. More to follow!
Fair winds…
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