Aug 10th - 80km road ride and praia fluvial

Hi Bike Buds! 🚴

#FollowTheCalves 🦵🏻 are going to another swimming spot--Fragas de São Simão! As we continue exploring Portugal and staying cool this summer, we'll ride to another great Praia Fluvial. Relaxed pace with breaks, and of course a nice long swim/lunch break at the halfway point. This will be an A-to-A ride, so if you have a car and want to drive, that works too.

Itinerary
Sunday, 10th July, 2025:

• 07.30-08.52 train from Lisboa Santa Apolonia to Caxarias:
• Road ride 40km
• Hike/swim/lunch/relax at Fragas de São Simão
• Road ride similar route 40km back to starting point, Caxarias.
• 18.40 train back to Lisboa, arriving 20.00.

Bike hire

• We mostly ride road and gravel bikes, although any bike could work if you can do 40km on it.
• 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 trains. Book as early as possible!!! Like, now! You can always reschedule your ticket (Promo ticket) or refund it (regular ticket) if you end up not being able to attend.
• 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. There are a few other trains in the evening, if the 18.40 train fills up.
• Of course, you can join the train at another station if Oriente, for example, is more convenient.

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). There is a small cafe at the river.
• Do not come without water (preferably 2 bottles) and a helmet!
• Anything you want for swimming. It is a short hike to the swimming area, so shoes you can walk in are recommended.
• 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. A small whatsapp group will be created for those who sign up.
• 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.