Pombal gravel ride June 15th, 2025

Hi Bike Buds! 🚴

#FollowTheCalves 🦵🏻 are heading to Pombal for a day of gravel/road bike fun, June 15th! Expecting about 50/50 mix of paved/unpaved. It will be hot! This is an intermediate+ ride, but there are a couple options to bail out, shortcut, etc. if needed. Depending on your experience, this will be ok for gravel bike (obviously), mountain bike, trekking bike, and possibly certain road bikes depending on tires.

Itinerary

Sunday 15th June:

• 07:30-09:09 train from Lisbon Santa Apolonia to Pombal (or get on along the way).
• Cycle 75km with 1000m elevation gain, A-to-B.
• Coffee stop.
• Lunch stop halfway, probably in Ansião, and refill water.
• IC train back from Caxarias to Santa Apolonia, 18:40 -> 20:00.

Bike hire

• We recommend Lisbon Bike Rentals as they have really good quality bikes and are opposite Cais Do Sodre station.
• You can also try Biclas for some cheaper options.
• We advise against electric bikes - they are too heavy to carry and go too slow on the flats.

Transport

• You are responsible for buying your own train ticket. Make sure it's the precise time indicated above (if you want to stay with the group) and that you are reserving with a BIKE. The IC trains are very strict about bike spaces. You can get the ticket through the CP app, online, or at a train station.

What to bring

• Breathable clothes (we wear lycra, but that's not obligatory, just handy for pockets)
• Snacks (nuts, protein balls, glucose etc. are small but helpful for tough stretches).
• Cash/MBWay/card for lunch, etc.
• Do not come without water (preferably 2 bottles--it's going to be hot) and a helmet!
• An appetite for some ice cream, an adventure and some fun!

Cordial Calves,
Alex and Bike Buds

FAQs:

• Do you have WhatsApp group? Yes, we'll make a small whatsapp group for those interested. Sign-up here on Meetup and provide your phone number, or also indicate interest in the Cycling group.
• What happens if I get a puncture? We recommend bringing a repair kit and a spare inner tube. If you aren't up to speed on fixing flats, we will help you! If none of that works, taxi back to a train station.

Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability:
By signing up as a member of the Sports & Social Meetup group and/or attending this event, you and your guests or minors (if applicable) accept that practicing sports can be dangerous and fully assume all risks associated with such participation, including travel to and from the event. You agree to be responsible for your own safety and equipment; You and your successors agree to hold all Organizers and other Sports & Social members harmless in the event of equipment loss or damage, injury or death.