European Bike Tour

Touring Europe on a Bike - Portugal Chapter 

My name is Ola Mae, and for the past 5 months, I have been touring Europe on a bike. 

But let me backtrack a little.

What happened?

On August 19th, 2020, I filled my panniers to the brim and cycled north-west. I have never toured Europe on a bike before. As a matter of fact, the longest ride I have ever done was a mere 90km which I dearly paid for with 3 days of sore muscles. But something about this idea stuck with me, and I was now doing it.

Preparation

Close to none. After a dramatic series of events in my personal life, I came up with the idea under a shower. I talked to a few people, got intimidated, and decided I was too broke to do it. For 2 years, I have been saving up money, and most importantly building up the courage to do it but it wasn’t until I got openly bitch-slapped by the Universe that I was shoved into making a decision. I got laid off and within 5 minutes decided to move out of my apartment and the country I was living in. I got a bike and hit the road 2 weeks later.

Where we at now?

I made it to Lisbon, closing on over 4 500 kilometers. I’ve biked through Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Frace, Spain, Portugal, and… I got sick. Desperate attempts to keep me on the bike terminated with my deteriorating condition, so despite kicking and screaming, eventually I had to prioritize my health and I took a break. 

The last time I rode my bike was December 5th, 2020, the rest of the year I spent healing. 

What the hell are you doing right now?

I was lucky enough to meet incredible people on my path. Some say that if one radiates good energy, you get the same in return. I’d like to believe that. I’m still in Lisbon and currently spend my days mainly on writing my book and jotting ideas. I even took a trip within a trip and had a quick getaway in France. See the video below.  

What’s next?

This time, I am listening to my body. I’m giving myself till the end of the month to properly heal up, and get ready for the next chapter of the adventure. My Mom would hate to hear that - but I won’t be getting back home in February as previously anticipated. The trip has been nothing short of life-transforming and I wish to get going for a little bit longer, riding along the south coast of Portugal, and then crossing over to Spain. 

Plans?

I don’t make any. Clearly, it’s best to roll with whatever the Universe serves you. 

To no one’s surprise, multiple attempts to keep people posted on my Instagram failed miserably hence I will be experimenting with this platform. I do want to talk more about my experiences on the bike, and this is what I’ll be using this blog for from now on.