24.4.15 - Oliveira de Azeméis | Anadia | Aldeia da Serra | Monsaraz

The Versys was shinning at Kawasaki stand and the odometer marked 900. Almost brand new!
The tank was filled, Monte Campo backpack tied on teh bike, Liquid Image placed in appropriate places and I was motivated to do nearly 400 km to Alqueva Great Lake.
Out of Oliveira Azeméis of the N1, the first stop was in Anadia in factory of Nau Helmets. A "hello" to who manufactured and painted with such affection, my latest helmets, always with the desire to be the world's best but never needed!
After the break I continued towards the N1 south to Condeixa. Then I started Portugal east crossing by IC8.
Showers were making their appearances and the road was treacherous. Before reaching Penela, in a space of less than 1000 meters, two ugly accidents. Served to dampen the spirits and the Japanese Kawasaki horses.
From Proenca-a-Nova the cold and the rain intensified, taking advantage of the service station A23 to wear another coat and wait a bit for the rain dropping.
Meanwhile, two Belgian riders showed up for the same reason: shelter from the rain. They were ridding for several days and the destination was the Costa Vicentina. After that? They didn`t know ...
The rain subsided and left towards the Aldeia da Serra, passing



Alpalhão, Alter do Chão, Fronteira and Estremoz: almost all lines, with dry, empty road, follow moderate speed, standing on the bike, with a spirit of adventure .
The smell of soil, grass, stone pine: fantastic!
Between Estremoz and Aldeia da Serra i felt just like a child, with Serra D`Ossa turns.
At Aldeia da Serra, had the obligatory stop at Herdade Agua D`Alte. A beautiful space to relax; another "hello" at doctor visit speed, despite not being a doctor!
Monsaraz was "already there", after the Redondo.
Reached the Great Lake was time to assemble the tent, my private apartment for two nights.
Mosquitoes, rain and cold let me think... and I could get a room in a nice house in the middle of Monsaraz walls. A good mattress and hot water!
After the usual presentations, went to dinner: "Carne de Porco à Alentejna", accompanied by no less Alentejo wine.
Right there I joined a group of buddies and I have a group to run tomorrow.
The trips require us to meet people. It's fantastic!