My experience on the Camiño Portugués on bike (Day 3)
Day 3. Redondela - Pontevedra (20.6km / 2h45)
Today it was the hardest day for me besides of riding the least amount of kilometres. If you take a look at the graphics in the picture gallery, you will see the two crazy hills that we had to ride up. On top of that, my right knee started to bother me a bit. Luckily, my muscles didn't hurt.
Ponte Sampaio
On the top of the first hill we could see the sea inlet of Vigo and the Rande bridge. Then, the downhill took us to Ponte Sampaio, a bridge on top of the river Verdugo. On this very same bridge, it took place the battle against the Napoleon troops that ended up with the withdrawal of Napoleon from Galicia.
Be ready to hike your bike for a while
Later, we rode on the authentic roman road Brea Vella de Canicouva. It was a really steep trail made out of huge stones where it was impossible to ride. For some kilometres, we had to ride our bikes. Most of the pilgrims were very kind. They stopped to ask me if I needed help or if I was feeling ok. At 11am it was already pretty hot. My head was dripping sweat and my hair was totally wet, -something that never happened to me before. I remember telling Anthony that I was losing strength. Luckily, we arrived to the top where a familiar voice shouted at me. When I turned around I saw Eric! Eric keeps on hiking happily the Camiño. He never found his belongings. However, his family is going to send him his passport so he can fly back to Barcelona. Finally, we started to go downhill, mostly through pavement roads until we reached Pontevedra. We celebrated with a feast of razor clams.
We stayed the night in Pensión Casa Maruja. The Camiño doesn't pass by its door but it does pass near by. It is a very affordable option in the city centre of Pontevedra 2 minute walk from many nice restaurants and places to eat "tapas". The owners of Pensión Maruja are very nice and they let us put our bikes inside the room. We booked a double room with a private bathroom. If you want to enjoy local food, I would recommend you to go to "Plaza da Leña" -6 min walk from the pension- and eat in one of the many restaurants there. Of course, order seafood. It may be a bit expensive but totally worth it! :)
Don't miss the next stage. We left at 5 am facing 35 km to avoid the heat wave.
