A group of cycling devotees have set themselves a Herculean task as they aim to travel the length of Portugal’s longest road, the 738 kilometre EN2, in just 80 hours.
The cyclists set off on Thursday morning, December 8th, from Chaves in Portugal’s distant northern territory and aim to be in the safety of Faro by Sunday night
The trip, called Vadiagem Voadora, (Flying Voyage), is not a race but those that finish certainly will have enjoyed themselves, according to organiser Diogo Tavares.
The EN2 crosses 11 districts: Vila Real, Viseu, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, Leiria, Santarém, Portalegre, Évora, Setúbal, Beja and Faro, climbing over four mountain ranges, 11 rivers and through 32 councils.
The trip started off with just eight intrepid cyclists, living variously in Lisbon and Faro, but more will join the core team as its members cycle south.
Diogo Tavares revealed that the "adventurers" did not have to do any special training in preparation for the grueling road-trip as each of them cycle every day.
"However, the physical demand will be very great, especially over the first 300 kilometres, but we have great expectations," said Tavares.
"Vadiagem Voadora is not a race, it’s simply a people who have come together to complete the EN2 by bike, so each one goes at his own pace and eats and sleeps whenever and wherever he wants," explained Tavares.
The challenge is "get on your bike, find your rhythm and enjoy the trip."
The cyclists will rendezvous every 60 kilometres at a convenient cafe, bar or restaurant to see how each is doing and to exchange experiences. Sensibly, they have GPS in case any need to call an ambulance.
"This experience allows us to soak up the countryside, to experience how people and cultures change from north to south so underneath, it’s an ethnographic journey," said Diogo Tavares who added that this is the "most genuine" way to get to know Portugal, as well as the thrill of conquering the longest road in the country.
