The overcast skies didn’t seem to be putting off the skinny dippers at the beach this morning. It seems also to be very socially acceptable to walk around in your dressing gown and wooden clogs here. It gave quite a strange vibe watching people of all ages strolling ‘robed up’ as we had breakfast at the harbour or Torevek.
It felt a little chilly as we left the boats and elderly dippers and headed inland across the peninsula to Båstad. The trail passed over the hilliest section of the whole route so we soon warmed up. We passed plenty of farms, but as has been the theme of this area, also plenty of beautifully designed houses adorned with gleaming Porsches and Volvos. The Swedes around these parts seem to be doing very well.
A really steep and fast drop off shot us into the town of Båstad in time for elevenses by the waters edge.
Where we enjoyed a rest and marvelled at the array of super yachts. We’d clearly arrived in quite a swanky town.
As such, we decided to have a look around and soon stumbled across a well attended tennis match. Having never been a spectator at such an event before, we locked up the bikes and sat down to watch. It turned out to be the final of the Båstad Challenger, which appeared to be a pretty big deal - especially as the winners were competing all next week in the Swedish Open, which starts here tomorrow!
After watching the prize giving ceremony, we noticed that we were watching on court number two. Afterwards, just a short walk behind us, we discovered ‘centre court’ with a huge stadium, designer stores and a Mercedes show room and VIP bar being set up ready for tonight’s ‘opening party’. It felt like the land of the rich and famous. We laughed at how we were blending in amongst the Ralph Lauren shirts, deck shoes and designer sunglasses in our week old cycling attire! At least it felt safe to leave the bikes unattended.
There was a buzz around the town that made us not want to leave, so we treated ourselves to a big feed up in a trendy restaurant that looked over the street, facilitating delighted taste buds, full bellies, a welcome rest and excellent people watching opportunities.
We had hoped that a short ride further would see us at a nice camp spot, but our luck was stretched thin. We had a short brew stop in the sand dunes, but after stopping for food, could find nowhere to camp. The Winora also took a fall by the shop and bent Clare’s right hand brake lever. Upsetting, but thankfully still working. We pressed on a little downhearted. The terrain was impressive sand dunes and forest, but camping was forbidden!
About 18km on, we eventually found a suitable place to stop, just on the edge of the sandunes. It was a bit windy for swimming, but good for a night’s sleep.
And we only just had the energy to sit down and cook.
We ate a hearty and delicious dinner dappled by the setting sun and listening to the sea. Then sleep came easily...
Total Ride: 47.9km (280m of Ascent)
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