Cycling 600km Across Portugal at 16

In the summer of 2020, at just 16 years old, I embarked on a 600+ km cycling journey along the Portuguese coast, from Aveiro to Sagres, together with two friends, Nuno and Hugo.

Over the course of 6 intense days, we pedaled through almost the entire Portuguese western seaboard — a journey that tested not only our physical endurance but also our capacity to adapt, solve problems, and stay resilient in the face of unexpected technical and logistical challenges.

We passed and stopped in iconic locations such as Figueira da Foz, Nazaré, Santa Cruz, Lisbon, Tróia, Porto Covo, Zambujeira do Mar, Aljezur, and finally Sagres, continuing all the way to Silves. Every night, except in Lisbon and Silves, we stayed at camping parks, carrying our gear and setting up camp ourselves.

This journey was more than a physical chall, it was a life lesson in teamwork, self-discipline, and perseverance. We faced bike failures, route miscalculations, and resource limitations. Yet, each obstacle became a shared challenge that brought us closer and made the experience unforgettable.

The story was even featured on the front page of Diário de Aveiro, a local newspaper that highlighted our determination and adventurous spirit.

This experience remains one of the proudest and most unique of my life, showing me the true meaning of pushing limits and believing in what you and your friends can achieve together.