An adventure along the coast
– September 3, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio
Along the Western Algarve, there are plenty of spectacular cycling routes, suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders. Marrying physical activity with the stunning views of southern Portugal’s coast, these trails offer the perfect combination for a healthy and enjoyable outing.
Around Lagos, there are several dirt roads and singletrack that can be explored with The Mountain Bike Adventure. Founded in 2005 by the Englishman Jim Carrol, who has been riding for 45 years and coaching for 25, the company offers guided bike tours that promise unforgettable experiences, catering to various skill levels and preferences.
Among the four tours available, Summit to Sea is the most comprehensive. This six-hour adventure covers 40 kilometres, taking riders to little-known places. From the hills down to the sea via dirt roads, single tracks, and river valley paths, the tour includes lunch and reaches the Algarve’s highest point with the assistance of a 4×4 backup vehicle. It’s perfect for a fun day out or for riders with good off-road bike skills looking for more of an adventure.
Another popular option is the Travel by Gravel tour, which lasts four hours and offers a simpler, yet challenging ride. For a more tailored excursion, the Trail Rides range from 2.5 to 4 hours and cater to all levels of experience.
Finally, the Rides tour is split into two main options: the Family Cliff Tour and the Cliff Top Tour. The first covers 12km with minimal climbing, following quiet, paved roads, whilst the latter spans 20km and ascends to the highest local point overlooking Praia da Luz, offering views stretching to Sagres. All the tours start at 9.30am from their shop in Praia da Luz.
Despite these defined routes, Jim emphasises the flexibility and variety available: “The options are endless. We have rides from Sagres to Bordeira and from Fóia to Portimão.
However, we stick to the southwest corner because there are less developments,” he explains. Jim and his Canadian colleague, Lee, who has 20 years of mountain biking experience, ensure that the activities are suitable for everyone, including families with younger children.
The company also has e-bikes on hand for those who prefer a little extra assistance. “All our rides are tailored to the customers on the day. For those experienced riders looking for technical trails, we have built a network of single tracks. We also have trails for good riders looking to progress or people on holiday who just want an easier day,” Jim notes.
As he highlights, the company is run “by people who are hugely passionate about bike riding and love getting out and showing costumers how beautiful the area is”. In addition to constantly coming up with new ways to link trails and building new routes, they also clear the old ones to keep them functional for riders.
Aside from their guided tours, The Mountain Bike Adventure provides various bike models for self-guided tours, along with repair and sales services at their shop.
Jim’s dedication to sharing the beauty of the Algarve through biking is evident: “It’s our love of bikes and the standard of our equipment that brings customers back again year after year,” he stated.
Moving along to Carvoeiro, for over a year, E-bike Tours Carvoeiro has been taking visitors on engaging bike rides across the Algarve, guided by owner Nelson Gonçalves and his 17-year-old son, Fábio.
On these tours, clients not only have the opportunity to connect with nature but also to delve into the region’s cultural and historical heritage.
Nelson and Fábio, known as the “Crazy One and the Young Guide”, infuse their excursions with humour and enthusiasm, ensuring guests leave with lasting, positive memories.
Describing their tours as an “enriching experience”, the father-son duo crafted experiences to suit all preferences, from leisurely rides to an adrenaline-filled adventure.
The electric mountain bike tours ride through coastal paths often inaccessible by car, showcasing breathtaking views of the famous Benagil Caves, Praia da Marinha, and Albandeira cliffs.
“Our tours include strategic stops at iconic and hidden highlights, offering a panoramic and detailed view of the region that really captivates and impresses visitors,” says Nelson.
E-bike Tours Carvoeiro offers four distinct tour options, all of which can accommodate up to 10 people: The Relax Tour, a two-hour journey visiting the Alfanzina Lighthouse, Carvalho beach and Benagil village, with a stop at the famous grotto, where riders get to enjoy this natural wonder from a unique angle, from above.
The tour continues along the cliffs, with views of Marinha beach, Algar Seco, and concludes at Carvoeiro beach.
The Adventure Tour is a three-hour challenge for the daring, riding along a rougher trail but covering most of the same stops as the Relax Tour, with the addition of Fontainas, Morena and Albandeira beach, ending at Carvoeiro beach.
Meanwhile, the Cultural Tour is a 38km journey to the historic Silves Castle, including entry to the castle and a traditional Portuguese piri-piri chicken lunch at a local restaurant. This tour also explores the area’s wine route, offering insights into vineyard practices and production.
During the winter season, from November to March, the company also organises the two-hour Sunset Tour, capturing the cinematic beauty of the Algarve’s sunsets and providing unforgettable memories.
On all the tours, the guides provide information about the places they ride through, such as traditions and relevant events.
Concern for sustainability is reflected in the company’s ecological practices, both in the choice of trails and the equipment used. The activities, suitable for all ages, are carried out in Portuguese and English, always with one or both guides present. “We’ve had riders as young as 10 and as old as 80. We always adapt the ride to different skill levels and age groups,” explains Nelson.
E-bike Tours Carvoeiro also offers bike hire for those who want to explore freely or follow the routes that the company suggests, unaccompanied, which can be downloaded to your mobile phone “for a personalised experience”.
For those looking to invest in their own equipment and venture out totally solo after a great tour experience, selecting the right bike and accessories is crucial.
Located in Portimão, G Ride Concept Bike Store, a specialist in the field for over 20 years, is the place to go for professional advice on bike models suited to different lifestyles, as well as maintenance and repair services for safe riding.
They also recommend routes tailored to the rider’s experience level, such as the ‘Rocha Delicada’ cycle path, part of Portimão’s nature trails, which is great for beginners.
Another suggestion is one of the many trails in the Mata de Barão de São João, with varying levels of difficulty. Alongside a picnic park and walking trails, this is also where you’ll find the Algarve headquarters of the ‘Centro Cyclin’Portugal de Lagos’ project, a programme dedicated to the development of a network of structured routes around the country.
G Ride stocks a variety of bikes, including road bikes for the more seasoned rider, mountain bikes for nature trails, urban/trekking bikes for city rides, BMX bikes for adrenaline junkies, and gravel bikes for rougher terrains and bikepacking.
Owner João Gil highlights the importance of material choice – aluminium is ideal for those who are just starting to get familiar with the sport, whilst carbon, provides enhanced “lightness and comfort” for those looking to upgrade, he explained.
João also emphasises that accessories are indispensable regardless of the trail or the rider’s skill level. “Helmets and lights are essential for safety reasons, as they allow the rider to be more visible,” he stressed, without forgetting appropriate clothing such as shorts and, of course, to enjoy the ride.
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