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…
My probably 🚴♂️ final ride on this fantastic island took me again to Hamilton today. There were three items on the list, from Bike Shop via outstanding fridge bill-payment to Bermuda shorts. No way I could leave Bermuda without getting the #1 garment known all over the world.
After a short video consultation with Susan, I bought two Bermuda shorts and proudly but slightly irritated left T△BS with another hole burned into my wallet. These shorts need to last for the rest of my life!
Back in the saddle for the return to St. George, I enjoyed more miles on the road going through some posh areas with impressive properties always close to the sea.
Although there are limited miles to clock on the bike here in Bermuda, the owner of the bike-shop put it right: In Bermuda, we can bike 12 month in pleasant climate!
Fair winds…
The clouds were still hanging deep this morning at 7am, the time at which I left the boat for another ride on Bermuda. After being hit by the juice coming out of the final clouds, the sky was breaking up about 9am, one hour later than forecasted.
South Road was my destination, which offers plenty of nice beaches, some of them world known and within the top rankings. It became a nice ride exploring new corners on the island.
Fair winds…
It was obviously Cesar who connected me to the Bermuda Cycling Club and enabling me to join their Sunday morning ride across the island. Different groups with specific targets are leaving from “The Flag Pole” in Hamilton sharp at the early morning hours. No option, I had to get there!
6am I killed the alarm clock and half an hour later my butt embraced the saddle to Hamilton to join the group. Sailmaster Rainer got up early and helped me to get the bike into the dinghy.
I was pretty much in time to join the group and although the tour went back to Saint George, it was good fun and excitement. While the peloton returned back to Hamilton via St. David’s Head, I dropped out just at the right time the Bermuda Peppercorn Day ceremony was held at King’s Square. It is an historical event dating back to 1816. These traditions form part of the special vibe in the country.
Another nice bike ride was concluded, which took me through different parts of Bermuda with little time to absorb the scenery due to its racing character.
Fair winds…
I am still puzzled from today’s bike ride, which took me to Cooper’s Island Nation Park. Positively surprised how Bermuda & Biking harmonise it became more a strolling around type of ride caused by an amazing scenery.
Fair winds…
Smiley arrived sharp on time but without any smile. He does not seem to be an early bird. 10 minutes later I was in the saddle heading towards the east coast of Dominica.
The island was slowly waking up with the sun still behind the mountains. First traffic, about 25 cars on the 20km ride to put it in perspective. Considered nothing and all approaching safely. Good tarmac.
Red Rocks and Batibou Beach were my target destinations besides passing through the village of Calibishie. Some nice encounters with locals, all very open, curious and friendly. Huge interest in the bike!
After almost five hours I was back at the dinghy dock. Smiley was already waiting for me but I could not rush on this ride and loose maximum effect on today’s biking retreat. I need to find another tour on this island.
Fair winds…
Daniel arrived spot on at 6am alongside our boat and picked us up (me and the bike!). Talkative, friendly, sympathetic. Service oriented and open minded!
After five weeks finally back in the saddle, the up & down to Cana Heritage Park was just the right dose for me.
It left energy to absorb the beautiful nature around me. Overall a very pleasant morning ride on good roads with little traffic in lush green scenery.
Need to plan for another ride to discover more of “The Nature Island” by bike.
Fair winds…
After I finished my minor boat work tasks in the morning I discovered the nearby famous Cabrits National Park, which conveniently lies just next to the anchorage in walking distance.
Besides the historical aspects of this park it gave some good shade against the sun but also spectacular views, which you can enjoy under the Komoot link below.
One aspect bothered me the whole track. It felt a bit like hiking in autumn through our forests at home. Foliage on 80% of the track crunching under my hiking boots. Still feels familiar but irritating the same time as we are in the tropics!
Overall a very peaceful National Park after all the years Fort Shirley dominated this peninsula and still forms an integral part of the scene.
Tomorrow, at 6am Daniel from the PAYS Association will pick me up for another adventure. Better get to sleep now.
Fair winds…
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