The February ride for the Algarve Senior Bikers started from Silves and finished in Vale da Telha, with an excellent lunch at Restaurante Fonte do Vale, near Aljuzer.
The route was through the hills north of Monchique and west to Marmelete, for a refreshment stop before travelling via the Pincho valley to the restaurant to complete the ride. It was a beautiful sunny day, but cloudy in the west, but there were some fine views all along the route, from start to finish.
Because of the challenging nature of the ride with some steep hills and sharp bends, three groups were formed at the meeting point.
The route was planned by David Shirley and included one of the highest roads in the Algarve, near Picota in the Monchique hills. The views from this road are spectacular towards the coast and the Odalouca Barragem.
Two groups, led by Phill Anderson and Alfred Koolen, took the planned route, followed by a third group with David Ryan as guide, for riders with pillion passengers.
Assistance was provided by Tus Gentes and Johannes Klein.
Organiser - David Shirley, photos by Michael Jensen
