Portuguese Atlantic Coast Ride Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: Spring/Autumn
Atlantic Coast Portugal Ride
Bike Adventure
Don't forget the surfboard as we head to the Atlantic coast of Portugal, famous for fantastic weather, brilliant beaches and is the perfect setting to enjoy some of Portugal's best wine and food.
Arriving into Faro airport, we'll then transfer to Praia de Arrifana, a fantastic beach resort with great waves and clear water. Once we've prepared the bikes, take a swim and explore or sit back and enjoy a beer in the sun!
The first day see's us head north up the coast visiting the stunning beaches along the way, expect the classic portuguese cafe stops with good coffee and an ice cream to cool down with. We'll end the day in Sines, a historic port from where a number of important explorations set sail.
On our second day, we will contiue to follow the coast with the sea to the left and the rolling dunes and forests to the right with beachside cafe stops through out the day so you may want to put the swimshort in your saddle bag! We'll end the day riding along the stunning Troia peninsula, home of portugals only white sand beaches. We'll have dinner on the waterside in Setubals town centre marina.
The final day see's us head over the Arrabida natural park, an area with amazing views of the Troia bay, Lisbon and the Atlantic ocean. Expect a great mornings ride before catching a ferry across lisbon bay and transfers to the airport or hotel.
Itinerary
Day 1- Arrivals in Faro (morning) . Meet the Adventure Cafe team, and collect or assemble your bike.
Transfer to the hotel 90 minutes away, prepare the bikes.
Day 2 - We will cycle 110kms with 850m of climbing, a challening day through the towns of Odeceixe, Villa Novo de Milfontes, Porto Covo and Sines.
Day 3 - From Sines ride 108km and 650m, we'll cross the Troia river at the end with a short ferry crossing.
Day 4 - Ride a short 35km to Lisbon. We'll finish at a city centre hotel before transfers to the aiport.
Accommodation
We'll be staying in comfortable, good quality hotels with breakfasts included each day. trips are priced on a twin share basis, though single supplement can always be arranged.
What is a Level 3.0 Cycling Challenge Like?
These rides are typically multi day rides, with medium distances and undulating terrain. Level 3 rides suit riders who ride regularly, and are looking for something challenging but manageable. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 8 hours of cycling with breaks. In the case of a multi day ride, you can expect a slightly lower daily duration - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You should be a competent rider, with regular training outings - both at the weekend and ideally with another session during the week. A 10 week training programme is available for our 3 star rides.
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3.0 ‘Bike Ride’?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing long bike rides in the countryside of 5 hours + and distances of between 45 - 55 miles . You should be doing regular exercise - with some serious cycle training (at least twice per week in the run up to the event). Your typical comfortable cycling speed will be around 21-23 km/hr on flat and gently undulating terrain, and you should be able to cycle at higher speed for up to 1 hour or 25 km (on a road bike). You may also blend in other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (ie sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs.) - however cycling is the best preparation (obviously!)
Included In Trip
3 nights accomodation with breakfast
3 days supported cycling on our pre planned routes
Experienced ride leaders
Support vechile with first aid and mechanical support
Water and snack provision on the rides
Luggage transfer
Pre-event support, travel/kit/bike advice and training plan
Excluded From Trip
Flights to Faro
Flights from Lisbon
Cafe lunches and evening meals
Bike rental
Travel insurance
Equipment Required
Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.
Cycle Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable),
Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride
Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you.
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Weather
The Atlantic Coast can be quite windy so pack a couple of extra layers, however being Portugal in the summer/spring, it should be quite warm so a number of layers will be the best option.
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events