On June 17 and 18 the Algarve Senior Bikers organized their first ride since the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions. Also, during the lockdown the ASB should have celebrated the tenth anniversary of the group in June, but that celebration has been put on hold for the time being.
As 37 riders registered for the tour the organizers Mike Evans, Philippe Payen, Peter Kenyon and Erwin Oortman decided to split the riders over two days with each two small groups to ensure compliance with the current Covid-19 regulations.
Starting in São Brás de Alportel the tour took the riders via 105 km and 2500 meters of climbing and descending M-roads, with many curves through the beautiful hills of the Algarve. At the coffee break in Cachopo, riders finally had the opportunity to catch up after having to park their motorbikes for many months in the garage. After passing through Ameixal each group enjoyed the vistas from the picnic area at the Stupa Monument in Malhão, at 531 meters the highest point in the ride.
The tour ended in Alte, where the groups enjoyed a nice lunch on the terrace at the O Folclore restaurant, under the watchful eye of Balthazar the mule.
Covid-19 regulations permitting the next tour is scheduled for July 28th. and will be taking riders to the Western Algarve. More details on the website shortly.
If you want to join one of the tours please visit algarveseniorbikers.com for more details on tours or contact group organiser, David Shirley by email at algarveseniorbikers@gmail.com
Photos by David Shirley.
