Algarve Senior Bikers enjoy five-day round trip to Alentejo
This year’s Alentejo Tour started with the seven Algarve Senior Biker (ASB) members from the Algarve meeting in São Marcos da Serra – and led by David, they travelled via Odemira and the coastal roads to Porto Covo.
Arriving in time for lunch overlooking the bay, members met up with Walter, who was the main organiser of the trip and was to be our tour guide for the next few days in the Alentejo. Continuing north, we arrived in Setúbal via the ferry across the Sado river estuary.
In the evening, we very much enjoyed a splendid buffet generously provided by Walter and Ana at their home, a short walk from our hotel.
Daybreak on day two and we were greeted by some heavy rain showers but still managed a visit to the beautiful Arrábida National Park, although the views from the high road were restricted by the misty, cloudy and wet weather.
Eventually, after dodging the many showers, we arrived relatively dry at the Cork Museum in Coruche where we were given an interesting tour by Dra. Maria and learnt much about the history and economics of the cork industry in Portugal and the surprising number of uses it has in the modern world.
Overnight, we stayed in the pretty village of Brotas. Our accommodation was in several of the traditional rustic cottages of the Casas de Romaria.
It was decided that evening to change the next day’s route to avoid the worst of the rain and high winds further north – not much fun on a motorbike.
So, we made time to visit the Fluviário de Mora aquarium on the river near the town before riding across the country to Arraiolos where there is a museum dedicated to the hand-sewn, decorative, patterned carpets produced in this locality.
After a visit to Estremoz castle, the day’s ride ended on some beautiful country roads to Elvas, our next overnight stay.
The weather improved as we left Elvas past the famous Aqueduct on the steep climb up to Forte Graça, which, as well as being a place of historical interest, offers superb views on all sides of the surrounding countryside and over the town below.
A short visit to the Ducal Palace in Vila Viçosa and soon it was time for lunch as we arrived at Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz beach restaurant on the waterside. Then, the short ride to the viewpoint just below the walled town of Monsaraz.
Here we all joined the steel sculpture of the Alentejo Choir for a photo opportunity before heading south and across the long bridge to Mourão castle.
A short ride and we arrived in Moura to conclude the tour.
Also arriving in Moura that evening was ASB gravel road group who were also on a three-day tour led by Andrew Chilton.
So, what else could we do but join forces for dinner and a few glasses of wine in a nearby traditional restaurant?
Great way to celebrate the completion of our tour of around 900km through this beautiful region of Portugal – and there is no better way to enjoy it than on a motorbike with fellow biking friends.
Riders on the tour were Walter Kollert, Tour Leader, David Shirley, ASB organiser, Dino Vendetti, Alfred Koolen, John MacBain and Nancy, Eric Desurvire and Anne.
By DAVID SHIRLEY
