Between May 10th and 15th, Algarve Senior Bikers members stayed at Hotel de Moura, a beautiful old building, which was a convent before conversion to a lovely hotel in the centre of Moura town.
Riders taking part at various times during the six days were Johannes Klein and Heidi, Yves Breyer, Detlef Goessel, Dave Frankel, Tom Jacquette, Huw Chivers and David Shirley.
The weather was not very good at the start of the week, but a ride to the east and into the Estremadura area of Spain meant it was possible to visit Aroche and Oliva de la Frontera.
On Tuesday 12th May, the tour was around the Alqueva reservoir and included visits to Mourão Castle and a visit to the Sharish Gin distillery, including lunch at the historic Sem Fim restaurant.
With the weather improving, it was westwards on Wednesday to Alvito Castle on the way to Vidigueira, and for what was an entertaining lunch at Pais das Uvas, followed by some time looking round the Roman ruins at nearby Cucufate.
With the sun now shining, another more enjoyable tour around the reservoir in the opposite direction took place on Thursday.
After a coffee break with the sun shining on the water at Amieira Marina, the riders made a long climb up to take in the great views from the viewpoint near Monsaraz. Lunch in the sun at a Praia Fluvial was next, near Mourão and then returning to the Hotel de Moura for a final dinner together, before everyone went their separate ways home on Friday.
This was the first time that the concept of staying in one place with ride-outs each day has been tried, and proved to be a success with participants.
The concept was the idea of David Shirley, who suggested the routes which were planned by Walter Kollert, our regular tour organiser and leader, who unfortunately was unable to attend on this occasion - Johannes doing a great job as replacement leader.
All involved made a donation to the ASB charity fund and over €300 will go to Gaivota Home for teenagers and children, in Albufeira.
A brilliant few days in the beautiful Alentejo enjoyed by all!
David Shirley - ASB organiser
Photos by various tour members.
