After a somewhat chaotic start, when the Algarve Senior Bikers discovered both cafes near the meeting point in São Marcos were closed, things could only get better.
So it was a short ride down the road to Restaurant Monchiserra, for a coffee and the usual fun of sorting out the large group of 41 riders into 3 manageable groups, for the start of the ride.
The route was an excellent one on which to appreciate the spectacular beauty of the area around Monchique, and also challenging for motorcycle riders, with many hairpin bends and steep hills to contend with on the way.
There was a refreshment break in Monchique before travelling down the winding road to Foz de Farelo and Selão, before even more sharp bends on the climb up to Marmelete for lunch - a return visit to restaurant Sol e Serra, which is a regular stop for on and off road bikers.
Although it was a little cool and cloudy at the start, the weather improved throughout the day making the trip a really enjoyable experience.
Ride leaders were Phill Anderson, Peter Kenyon and David Shirley.
Photos by Sandra Greger, Frank Banha and Marcus Smale.
David Shirley - Organiser
www.algarveseniorbikers.com
