Cycling in a Small Town

The pros and ordinary folks...

On Friday, the third stage of the 51st Volta ao Algarve Cycling Tour began in our small town. Avenida da Republica was closed to vehicular traffic and replaced by elaborate team buses and cars with carbon fiber and titanium bicycle bonnets.

Volta ao Algarve Cycling Tour

The speed of the video above has not been edited. My iPhone recorded this scene at approximately 16:00 when the peloton once again passed through our town before finishing this stage of the race in Tavira. This is a big deal in our small town. I love that shop owners leave their stores (unattended) and walk down to the Avenida da Republica to watch the riders pass by. The race is also shown on TV, and cycling enthusiasts follow it on their smartphones.

As you can see in the photo above, the tour impacts traffic in nearly every part of Algarve. A friend reported being unable to leave Altura for 20 minutes because all roads were blocked. For the Portuguese and those of us who have adopted their customs … não faz mal.

The bicycle man down the street…

Bicycles in Portugal

But the tour made me think again about cycling in Europe. When we arrived in Portugal I was surprised at the number of “old people” I saw on bikes. I recall my parents purchased bicycles when they were in their early 70’s. It didn’t turn out well. And as it turns out, I was one of those “old people” who bought a bike shortly after we arrived in Portugal … though mine had an electric motor. And again, it didn’t turn out well.¹

But old beat-up bikes are everywhere in Europe. The man down the street is a master of bike repair. His small shop spills onto the sidewalk and often across the street into the CTT parking lot. Our housekeeper’s bike was stolen. I asked him if he had a bike for about €40. He told me to come back in a week. I did and he showed me two that could work. I picked one and he asked for 2 more days to clean it up. He delivered the bike 5 days later … nearly as good as new. You couldn’t beat the price. He always smiles and greets me warmly when I pass by. But I can’t help but wonder if he is the guy stealing the bikes…

Geneva

Summer Road Trip

As we traveled through Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland last summer, we came to understand that cycling is not just a Dutch thing. We found well-defined bike lanes and large parking facilities for bicycles. We also found that like Amsterdam, it is important to understand which is the walking path vs the biking path. While in Geneva, we visited an exhibition dedicated to bicycles.

The bicycle is one of the most efficient means of transport ever invented in terms of energy transfer, value for money, durability, and environmental footprint…The bicycle has been part of our lives for more than 150 years…A deceptively simple machine, the bicycle has kept pace with our changing society while remaining true to itself. — placard in the exhibition

While I feel more comfortable on my “pink lady” (see footnote below), some of the joy of riding has been taken away by the clunky, heavy e-bike experience. Yes, hills or a strong headwind are much easier, but I miss dancing on my old road bike. Perhaps it is time to visit the guy down the street again…

Cascais

Before I Leave…

If you are an American, I encourage you to contact your Congressional Representative regarding the “Save Act”(H.R.22/S.128) … a bullshit piece of legislation that may further restrict our ability to vote.² The bill is being sold as one that would prevent non-citizens from voting … Newsflash: that is already illegal. Instead, it would force in-person voter registration … a significant barrier for many, including overseas voters.

I realize it is difficult to keep track of all the abuses of power we see across the pond. His recent moves to transform the military leadership are incredibly scary. I wonder if my vote will ever be counted again.

But I try to stay informed. I learned about this proposed legislation because I am a member of Democrats Abroad Portugal. If you are not already a member, perhaps you should take the time to learn more about the organization. They are holding a virtual Town Hall on 27 February at 19:00 (Lisbon Time). You can register to participate here.

Preciso de uma bebida, beijinhos

Nanc

1. After my accident, I never felt comfortable on that bike. I sold it to a friend and went bike-less for nearly 2 years. I recently bought a new electric bike. My very first bicycle as a child was a “pink lady” … so this one is pink too. I must admit, I still have some hesitation.

2. Correct me if I am wrong, but it seems to me that the few voting scandals that have occurred have all been perpetrated by Republicans. Did Mark Meadows ever go to jail for voting twice in the 2020 election? Editor’s note: A very smart reader corrected me … his offense was voting using a false address. BTW: I know she is smart because I once watched her play armchair Jeopardy. The TV contestants would not have had a chance.