Imagine pedalling from the rugged cliffs of Cornwall to the golden beaches of Portugal, with surfboards strapped to your bicycle. This isn't just a fantasy - one intrepid couple turned this extraordinary journey into reality, covering nearly 2000 miles on two wheels while chasing waves across Europe.
The Call of the Open Road
What drives someone to embark on such an ambitious adventure? For these modern-day explorers, it was the desire to combine their two greatest passions: cycling and surfing. Rather than taking a conventional flight, they chose the road less travelled, embracing the slow travel movement that's capturing the hearts of adventurers worldwide.
Engineering a Mobile Surf Camp
The most significant challenge wasn't the distance itself, but designing a system to transport their surf equipment. Through creative problem-solving and custom modifications, they developed a unique towing system that allowed them to bring their boards along for the ride. This mobile surf setup became their ticket to catching waves whenever the swell called.
Route Highlights and Hidden Gems
- Cornwall's Dramatic Coastline: Starting where England meets the Atlantic, they began their epic journey surfing familiar home breaks
- Crossing into France: Navigating the ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff marked their first major milestone
- Atlantic Coast Discovery: Following France's western shoreline revealed countless surf spots and charming coastal towns
- Spanish Northern Coast: The wild, less-travelled beaches of northern Spain offered pristine waves without the crowds
- Portuguese Finale: Arriving in Portugal's surf paradise felt like the ultimate reward after months of pedalling
Lessons from the Road
This journey proved to be about more than just reaching a destination. The slow pace of bicycle travel allowed for deeper connections with local communities and landscapes that most travellers miss. Each day brought new challenges - from navigating unfamiliar roads to finding safe places to camp with their unusual cargo.
"The most memorable moments often came from the kindness of strangers," they noted. "People were fascinated by our setup and frequently offered help, directions to the best local breaks, or even a place to stay."
Sustainable Adventure Travel
Their journey stands as a testament to low-impact tourism. By choosing human power over fossil fuels, they reduced their carbon footprint while gaining a richer travel experience. This approach to adventure speaks to a growing movement of travellers seeking more meaningful connections with the places they visit.
Essential Gear for Cycling Surfers
- Lightweight surfboard with durable travel bag
- Custom-built bicycle trailer or towing system
- Compact camping equipment for spontaneous overnight stops
- Multi-tool kit for on-the-road bicycle maintenance
- Waterproof storage solutions for electronics and documents
Their remarkable adventure demonstrates that with careful planning and adventurous spirit, even the most ambitious travel dreams can become reality. Whether you're an experienced cyclist, passionate surfer, or simply someone who loves a good adventure story, their journey from Cornwall to Portugal inspires us all to look at travel through a different lens.
