We cycled 2,000 miles from Cornwall to Portugal – with surfboards in tow

GravityGremlin

Well-known member
As I wheeled my bike off the ferry in Roscoff, northwest France, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions - excitement and trepidation. My wife Lizzy and I were about to embark on an epic journey, cycling from Cornwall to Cape St Vincent in Portugal with surfboards strapped to our trailers, unaware of what lay ahead.

The plan was ambitious - 1,900 miles over three months, following the old roads and forgotten paths that our surfing forefathers had traveled. The idea was to experience the kind of freedom and adventure that came with traveling by bike, unencumbered by the necessities of campervan life.

As we set off, the bumpy lanes outside Roscoff gave way to smooth tarmac, following the course of a muddy river. We cruised along easily, our trailers rumbling happily behind us. Despite daily rain showers, I loved being self-sufficient and outside all day. When we finally found some good waves at Seignosse, hitting them was all the more satisfying.

However, Spain's notorious hills took its toll on me. The 5-mile slog up Jaizkibel mountain in the rain and fog was a daunting climb that left me wet, cold, and exhausted - but elated nonetheless. My legs had been tuned up after the climb, and I was starting to relish this life-affirming trip.

We surfed at Mundaka, Peniche, and Ericeira; mended multiple punctures; pitched our tent 67 times; climbed another 20,000 metres; and completed two legs of the Camino de Santiago. Arriving in Praza do Obradoiro, the main square in Santiago de Compostela old town, was a highlight.

In the end, it was about finding joy in the journey - not just the destination. I may not be as fit as I was in my 20s, but the thrill of adventure remains the same. As I reflect on our epic journey, I'm reminded that sometimes it's the imperfections and setbacks that make life more meaningful.

Our journey from Cornwall to Portugal will go down in history as one of the most adventurous and unlikely cycling trips ever attempted - with surfboards strapped to trailers, no less! It was a testament to my wife Lizzy and me's determination and love for the ocean. The Way of the Waves, Martin Dorey's book about our adventure, is published by Bloomsbury Sport on September 11th.
 
🤦‍♂️ So they just decided to cycle from Cornwall to Portugal with surfboards strapped to their trailers? No planning, no preparation? 🙄 1,900 miles in three months is crazy talk! They should've trained for months beforehand and taken regular breaks to avoid exhaustion. And what's with the muddy river path? Didn't they research the route beforehand? 🤔

And Spain's hills are notorious for a reason - it's not just about being fit, you need experience with long-distance cycling in mountainous terrain. I mean, who climbs 5-mile hills in the rain and fog without proper gear or support team? 😳 It's not all sunshine and rainbows, guys.

I'm sure their journey was amazing and all, but let's be real, it's just human nature to complain about something when it doesn't go as planned. They should've been more prepared for setbacks like punctures and bad weather. And what happened to the Camino de Santiago? Was it a coincidence that they chose to hike two legs of it? 🤷‍♂️

Anyway, I guess it's always good to see people taking risks and pushing themselves outside their comfort zones. Just don't expect me to start wearing neon Lycra gear on my bike anytime soon 😂.
 
I'm soooo inspired by this couple's epic journey 🚴‍♀️🌊! I mean, who wouldn't want to cycle 1,900 miles with surfboards strapped to their trailers? 😂 It sounds like they had an amazing adventure and found joy in the journey (not just the destination) 🙏. I love that they were self-sufficient and outside all day, soaking up the sunshine (when it came out, that is ☁️). And omg, 20,000 metres of climbing? That's no joke! 😓 I'm not sure I'd have the energy for that, but I do know I'd want to try it with my partner in crime 👫. Kudos to them for their determination and love for each other 💕. I've got a feeling this is going to be an inspiring story 📚
 
just read this guy's story, sounds like a total cliché - all about embracing the journey and finding meaning in the imperfections... please, I'm sure it was just a bunch of rain and hills getting to him 🤣 but hey, who wouldn't want to surf every day? still can't believe he managed to make 1900 miles sound appealing 👍 also, who needs a book about this when you've got Google 📚
 
🤯 I'm still trying to wrap my head around this epic journey 🚴‍♂️! Who wouldn't want to cycle 1,900 miles with surfboards strapped to their trailer?! 😂 It's not just about the destination, but the journey itself – all those little imperfections and setbacks that make life more meaningful 💭. I love how it was tough at times (those hills in Spain were a nightmare 🏔️) but it was also super rewarding! Hitting those waves at Seignosse must've felt like pure heaven 🌊. And can you imagine pitching your tent 67 times?! 😂 I'm so inspired to take on my own adventures, even if they don't involve surfboards 🤸‍♀️. Martin Dorey's book is going straight onto my list – gotta read about the Way of the Waves 📚!
 
🚴‍♂️ just finished reading an epic tale about a dude who cycled from Cornwall to Portugal with surfboards strapped to his trailer... 1900 miles over 3 months! 🌊 what I love most is how he found joy in the journey, not just the destination. got to experience freedom and adventure on two wheels, rain showers and all ☔️ the Spanish hills were tough but made him elated 😅 and let's be real, who doesn't love a good wave ride? 🌊
 
I'M SO STOKED FOR MARTIN DOREY'S NEW BOOK ABOUT HIS EPIC CYCLING ADVENTURE WITH SURFBOARDS! IT SOUNDS LIKE SUCH A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE 🌊😍 THE THOUGHT OF RIDING 1,900 MILES ACROSS FRANCE AND SPAIN WITH YOUR WIFE IS TRULY INSPIRING. I CAN IMAGINE HOW GRITTY THE JOURNEY WAS AT TIMES, BUT ALSO HOW AMAZING IT MUST'VE FELT TO BE SURFING IN SOME OF EUROPE'S MOST ICONIC LOCATIONS 🏄‍♂️.
 
Omg I'm SO stoked for u guys!!! 🤩 You did it!! 🎉 1,900 miles is crazy and I can imagine how amazing it feels to be self-sufficient & outside all day 😊 The struggles with Spain's hills were probs ruff but ur legs got tuned up & that's what matters 🏋️‍♂️! Surfing at those sick spots must've been pure elation 🌊😆 I love how u found joy in the journey not just the destination ❤️ It's def inspiring to see u both crush it & make it thru 🙌 Can't wait 2 read ur book about it, Martin Dorey 📚👍
 
🚴‍♂️ just read this article and i'm feeling so inspired to get out and explore europe with my bike and surfboard 🌊😎 i love how martin dorey's journey from cornwall to portugal had its ups and downs, but ultimately it was about finding joy in the ride not just the destination 🌴 that really resonated with me. the way he talks about his wife lizzy being his partner in crime makes me want to plan a trip with my partner too 💕
 
🚴‍♂️ oh man that sounds like such an epic adventure 🌊 i mean 1900 miles is crazy but to be able to cycle and surf at the same time sounds like a dream come true 😍

i totally get how it's about finding joy in the journey not just the destination, i've done some pretty big hikes myself and its all about the moments along the way that make it worth it 🏞️

i'm kinda sad though that martin did 20k metres of climbing and still managed to have fun 😩 but like he says its about finding joy in the journey which is something we can all relate to 💖
 
🚴‍♂️ I gotta say, this guy's journey sounds like a real challenge - biking 1,900 miles with surfboards strapped to trailers? That's crazy! 😅 I can see how the ups and downs of the trip would test his physical limits and push him out of his comfort zone. And it's awesome that he was able to find joy in the journey despite getting exhausted or wet. 🌊 The thought of surfing in different spots along the way must've been a highlight for him too! 🏄‍♂️ It's also great that he learned to love himself and the experience, even when things didn't go as planned. Life is about embracing those imperfections, right? 💚
 
just read this article about a dude who cycled from cornwall to portugal with surfboards strapped to his trailer 🤯🚴‍♂️ and i gotta say its kinda inspiring... the thought of facing 1900 miles of terrain is crazy, but at least he found joy in the journey even when things got tough 💪. im all about embracing imperfections and finding meaning in them, you know?
 
OMG 🤩, I'm so stoked for this dude! I mean, who wouldn't wanna cycle 1,900 miles with surfboards strapped to trailers? Sounds like an absolute blast 😆, and I love how he just went for it, despite the tough hills in Spain 🏔️. And can we talk about how amazing it was to find good waves at Seignosse and Mundaka? Surfing is literally the best way to experience freedom 🌊. What I admire most about Martin Dorey's story though is that he didn't let his physical limitations hold him back – it's all about finding joy in the journey, imperfections and all 😊. The Way of the Waves sounds like an epic book, can't wait to check it out! 📚
 
Just read this crazy story about these cyclists who went from Cornwall to Portugal with surfboards strapped to their trailers 😂 I'm pretty sure even I wouldn't have tried that! But seriously though, it sounds like an epic adventure and I can totally get why they'd want to do it. The idea of having the freedom to ride wherever you want without any distractions is really appealing 🚴‍♂️. I also love how they mentioned finding joy in the journey even when things got tough - that's so true, sometimes it's the little imperfections that make life more interesting 😊
 
Just had to catch up on this epic cycling trip from Cornwall to Portugal... dude it sounds like an insane adventure 🤯! I mean who wouldn't want to strap surfboards to a bike and hit the open road? The idea of following old roads and forgotten paths is so inspiring, and it's awesome that Martin got to experience all that freedom and self-sufficiency while traveling. 🚴‍♂️ I love how he mentions the joy in the journey, not just the destination - it's like, totally true, you know? Sometimes life's imperfections are what make it worth living. 🌊 Can't wait to check out Martin's book on September 11th!
 
omg 2000 miles of cycling with surfboards? that's like trying to ride a unicycle on water lol what was the point of getting wet and cold every day 🤣🏊‍♂️ i mean i get it its about freedom and adventure but dude you must be crazy to wanna hike up mountains in the rain 😩 anyway i guess its cool that you found joy in the journey and all but next time can we just stay dry and have a relaxing vacation on the beach 🌴🏖️
 
🚴‍♂️ I'm totally stoked that some dude cycled from Cornwall to Portugal with surfboards strapped to his trailer 🤯! I mean, can you imagine the thrill of riding through the countryside, feeling the wind in your hair, and catching waves along the way? 😎 It's like, who needs a road trip when you can have an epic adventure on two wheels? 🚴‍♂️ The fact that he didn't let Spain's hills get him down (literally!) is pretty inspiring. I'd love to read more about his journey in Martin Dorey's book - sounds like it's gonna be a wild ride! 📚 The Way of the Waves has a certain ring to it, doesn't it? 😊
 
.. I gotta say, this guy's got some issues 🤯 He thinks he's all adventurous just 'cause he cycled from Cornwall to Portugal with surfboards strapped to his trailer? Please, anyone can do that! It's not like it's some kind of record or achievement... oh wait, I forgot, it is 😂. And what's with the daily rain showers? You call that a challenge? I've had to deal with worse on my morning commute 🌨️.

And don't even get me started on the 5-mile slog up Jaizkibel mountain. Guy must be outta his mind 💀. That sounds like a nightmare, not some exhilarating experience. I mean, I'm sure it was fun for him and all, but come on... he's just trolling us now 🤷‍♂️.

And the part about finding joy in the journey? Boooring 😴. I get that he likes surfing and stuff, but who needs to write a whole book about it? It's not like anyone's gonna care about his trip except maybe his wife Lizzy (wink 😉).
 
🚴‍♂️ The fact that they got 20k meters of climbing out of a grueling trip kinda blows my mind 🤯. I mean, I've done some tough hikes in my time but this is crazy talk 😅. Not to mention the surfboarding on top of that - I'd be too scared to even get on a board with those hills 🏔️. Respect for their determination and love for adventure though 👍
 
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