My Next Adventure: GRANDIAGONAL across Portugal
With my registration, I especially want to encourage women to take up their bikes in this male-dominated field and embark on their own adventure!!!
After my DNF at the Silk Road Mountain Race—which ended in quite a drama—I’m excited for this new goal. And this time, it’s in Portugal, a country I’ve never ridden in before.
The first edition of GRANDIAGONAL® by EVOC promises an exciting adventure:
From the northwestern Atlantic coast in Caminha to the southern coast in Vila Real de Stº António, the route takes quiet back roads through breathtaking landscapes and past cultural highlights.
With 1,000 km and 16,500 m of cumulative climbs, it’s a real challenge for ultracyclists and bikepackers.
From high mountains to wide plains, the route offers the full variety of Portugal—and the chance to truly dive into the soul of this fascinating country.
I’m curious to see if I’ll bring back more exciting stories this time.
And this is especially for you, dear women cyclists:
One of the first things some female participants ask about is accommodations along such a long route. Even though Portugal is considered a safe country, many may want comfortable, secure places to rest—whether out of necessity or simply for the joy of a little luxury.
The GRANDIAGONAL route passes through quiet, remote areas of Portugal, but according to the organizers, it’s not so isolated that you’d have to rely only on improvised lodging.
I will still bring my small, lightweight tent and, at the end of a long day, look for a hidden, peaceful spot as usual.
And on days when I want a bit more comfort, I’ll treat myself to one of the facilities that offer showers, a snack, and a cozy dinner. This way, I combine effort with a little holiday feeling…
One section in the middle currently has fewer accommodations in small villages—but that’s part of the adventure.
In short, I suspect GRANDIAGONAL is an adventure that combines freedom and comfort—perfect for anyone who wants to experience Portugal intensely, whether with a tent or a cozy place to stay.
I’m really looking forward to it!!
Image sources: grandiagonal.cc and Instagram @grandiagonal.cc