Northern Parks Ride/Gerês - long weekend Adventure Bike Trip 17th-20th July

Hi Bike Buds! 🚴

#FollowTheCalves 🦵🏻 are heading north for a long weekend of bike fun, swimming, adventure, and beautiful views! Relaxed pace with plenty of stops. We love exploring different parts of Portugal by bike! (and we will cross into Spain briefly :-)

Itinerary
Thursday afternoon, 17th July:

• 17.30-22.07 train from Lisboa Santa Apolonia to Viana do Castelo
• Stay overnight in Viana do Castelo

Friday, 18th July:

• Breakfast in town
• Cycle ~65km / along the Lima River and up into the park. (1000m elevation gain)
• Lunch stop and ice cream, etc along the way. Swimming options along the way and at the day's end.
• Stay overnight in the mountain village of Soajo.

Saturday, 19th July:

• Breakfast in the village
• Cycle 50-55km through the scenic Parque Nacional de Peneda-Gerês
• Lunch stop and ice cream, etc along the way. Swimming options along the way and at the day's end. 1100m elevation gain.
• Stay overnight in the Rio Caldo area

Sunday, 20th July:

• Breakfast in town, relaxed morning. Swimming options.
• Cycle 40-45km to Guimaraes. 800m elevation gain.
• 16.49 train back to Lisbon. Arriving Santa Apolonia 21.00.

Bike hire

• We mostly ride road and gravel bikes, although this trip will be on paved surfaces (some gravel options available for anyone interested).

• 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

• There are limited bike spaces on the outbound trains. Book as early as possible!!! Promo price tickets are already starting to run out as of 25 Jun.
• You are responsible for buying your own train tickets. Make sure it's the precise time indicated above and that you are reserving with a BIKE. This is critical! Your ticket must include a bike. We are taking IC (intercidades) trains because they have dedicated bike spots. Tickets can be booked online, through the CP app, or in person at a train station. Let me know if you plan to take a different train. If you have the time and a car, it would also be possible to park at the beginning or the end and connect by train.
• You can also discuss in the cycling whatsapp group options for a modified itinerary if you want to join a portion of the weekend.

Hotel

• We are staying in Viana do Castelo, then Soajo, then the Rio Caldo area.
• You are responsible for booking your own accomodation, but do discuss plans / shared accommodation options in the Whatsapp group.
• I have reserved a few rooms (that can be cancelled) --we'll discuss on whatsapp. First come first serve.

What to bring

• You will be carrying your belongings with you on the ride, so make sure not to pack too heavy. A bike bag would be ideal, but if you are used to cycling with a light backpack then you'll be fine.
• 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)
• Do not come without water (preferably 2 bottles) and a helmet!
• Anything you need to stay overnight somewhere.
• An appetite for some ice cream, an adventure and some fun!

Cordial Calves,
Alex and Bike Buds

FAQs:

• Do you have WhatsApp group? Yes, join please join here for important logistical updates.
• Do you require any special skills? Yes, see body of invitation.
• 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 to the nearest 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.