After the unusually long wet winter weather, the Algarve Senior Bikers (ASB) were more than ready to resume the monthly rides for the first time in 2026.
Last week, in fine sunshine, ASB took to the back roads of the western Algarve. Ride organisers and leaders, Andrew Chilton, Ralf Wennergren, David Ryan and Phil Anderson, guided more than 25 bikes, in two groups, from the start point near Odiáxere, to firstly, inspect the highest water levels for many years at the Barragem da Bravura (dam), where water continues to spill past the overflows channels.
After that photo opportunity, the groups headed to the south coast and the village of Burgau, where the bikes descended the narrow cobble streets, over the fishermen’s slip ramp, then left across the sandy track at the back of the beach to take a break and refreshments at the car park coffee kiosk, overlooking the bay.
Next, the groups continued westwards to Salema, for more fine views of the Algarve’s southern coastline, before tracing the small backroads to Raposeira, and taking the main estrada national northwards past Vila do Bispo, Carrapateira and Aljezur.
Along the way, the riders took in two more coastal detours with spectacular views of the wild west coast breakers rolling into the rugged coastline under clear blue skies.
Finally, a well-deserved three-course lunch was had at the destination, Restaurante Fonte do Vale, Vale da Telha, Aljezur (this was not the group’s first visit, and will surely not be the last).
As usual, the group collected a substantial donation for the ASB Charity Fund that supports children’s home A Gaivota, in Albufeira.
Text by Andrew Chiton | Photos by Sandra Greger and David Shirley
