The Algarve Senior Bikers (ASB) took advantage of the bright spring sunshine for a visit to the west coast on March 28.
Meeting in Silves, the riders took the hilly road across to São Marcos da Serra before heading further north via Nave Redonda and west towards São Teotónio “on some beautiful roads with gentle sweeping bends, allowing the two groups to move at a nice steady pace”, said David Shirley, founder of ASB.
Just outside São Teotónio, the group paused for a refreshment break for a coffee or a cool drink. Then it was on towards the village of Odeceixe with its “lovely coastal views” and following the riverbanks to the Atlantic Ocean beach.
“After a stop for photos, the group continued on via Aljezur for an excellent lunch served by Ana Sofia and the staff at restaurant Fonte do Vale in Vale da Telha,” said Shirley.
The ride was organised by Philippe Payen and David Shirley who were assisted on the day by Peter Kenyon and Leo Laurense.
On the same day, a ride was organised by Andrew Chilton on the gravel roads around the same area and all groups met up for lunch at the Fonte do Vale restaurant.
ASB Gravel Road Group
The first organised ride of the ASB Gravel Road Group saw nine riders, on a selection of ‘adventure bikes’, set off from the village of Marmelete.
The route took the group northwards before heading west on rural gravel tracks towards Odeceixe and the Atlantic coast. Then, after a well needed cafe stop, the group turned south, weaving a path along more country roads and forest tracks towards Aljezur and onwards to the destination restaurant in Vale da Telha, a journey of approximately 70km.
The next ASB event, on April 27, will be a road ride in the ‘East Meets West’ format, starting points being near Odiáxere in the west and Tavira in the east. The group will meet in the centre for lunch.
