[Community] The Supermarket Bike Adventure on the Alentejo Coast in 2011

In the summer of 2011, while still at university, two friends decided to embark on a unique journey, full of excitement and challenges. Armed only with their modest, completely improvised supermarket bikes, the ones available at the time, they set off on the road with the hope of experiencing unforgettable moments, enjoying physical activity and simply losing themselves in the adventure.

One of the remarkable peculiarities of this expedition was the nonchalant approach to weight distribution on the bikes. They concentrated most of the essential equipment in their backpacks, transforming them into veritable walking storerooms. Tents, tools, tins of food, changes of clothes for three days, hygiene products and camping equipment were carried on their backs, giving a considerable weight of 25 to 30 kg in each backpack. It's curious to see how in the world of cycling, many enthusiasts end up shelling out exorbitant amounts of money, all in the quest to save a mere 100 or 200 grams on each component they carry with them. In an effort to lighten the weight of their bikes, cyclists become true "aficionados of lightness", willing to invest in high-tech parts and ultra-light materials. And meanwhile we're on these bikes and looking at everything but those savings.

The starting point was Lisbon, with the first stage by train from Campolide station to Coina, where the real adventure began. After a day's pedaling, the initial destination was Azeitão, where they camped on land owned by an acquaintance. Cooking simple meals by the roadside with a small camper became part of the routine, feeding not only their bodies but also their burning desire to continue.

The next day, the expedition headed towards the Serra da Arrábida, passing through Azeitão to Setúbal. From Setúbal, they boarded ferries to Tróia, further expanding the horizons of their daring adventure. However, a few kilometers after Comporta, an unexpected setback interrupted their journey: Lucas's bike had a problem with the pedal axle. This forced them to return to Comporta, where, as luck would have it, they found a carpenter willing to abandon his professional duties to help repair the pedal axle bolt.

After the improvised repair, the expedition resumed its course, but unfortunately not for long. A few kilometers after leaving Comporta, signs of instability in the repair appeared again, leading them to end the adventure prematurely. In a distant and challenging setting, they came into contact with a relative who came to the rescue.

What remained of this audacious experience was a fervent desire to return the following year, better prepared and eager for new challenges. The unique feeling of adventure and discovery, experienced for the first time by both Lucas and the narrator of this story, remained etched in their memories, feeding the flame of curiosity and passion for exploring the unknown.