Rio de Janeiro – Marica – 56 km ^13
Luckily, Amanda’s first day of riding was on a Sunday. This meant the beach road
was closed to traffic, making it a stress-free cycle to the ferry terminal where
ferries departed to Niteroi across Guanabara Bay. Our luck didn’t end there as, on
Sundays, bikes were transported free of charge.
Waiting for the boat, we befriended a chap who lived along the coast close to
Marica. He was in the city to buy a bicycle and planned to bike home as he couldn’t
take the bike on the bus. Instead, he offered to show us a shortcut, leading us out
of busy Niteroi onto a traffic-free route. He accompanied us until reaching his turn-
off - what a nice chap.
Not a great deal further, a sign pointed to a campsite about three or four kilometres
off the road via a dirt road. Marica turned out to be a beautiful place, revealing
lakes, forests and a lovely lawn to pitch our tents. Amanda was tired, but I thought
she did remarkably well.
Without nearby shops, we hauled out and cooked the noodles purchased for such
an occasion, although I didn’t think it would be needed on our first day.