Faro, long heralded as Portugal’s capital of motorcycling, hosted the start of the 20th Lés-a-Lés organised by the Motorcycling Federation of Portugal and many of its associated motorcycle clubs, Councils, parishes and corporates.
More than 2,000 motorcyclists on 1,800 motorcycles headed to Faro for technical and document checks in Largo de S. Francisco, before departing on the Faro to Felgueiras tour.
Having confirmed that the motorcycles were all in good order after checks to tyres, lights and mechanics, there was time for the first 65 kilometre loop, starting and arriving at the Manuel Bívar Gardens in Faro.
The entrants took in parts of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and Faro Island.
After Ria de Faro, Estói Palace and gardens, the tour followed a 411 metre climb up Cerro de S. Miguel, one of the highest points in the region.
On Thursday morning, May 31st, there was a 06:00am start for the first motorcyclists, off on a 430 kilometre trip to Portalegre, stopping at Pulo do Lobo alongside the Guadiana.
The 20th "Portugal de Lés-a-Lés" connects Faro-Portalegre-Lamego-Felgueiras and runs from May 30th to June 2nd.
