The ASB May ride was through the picturesque valley from Santa Margarita (Loulé) and up and over the hills above Salir in the central Algarve.
The break for coffee and to check the view was at Café Miramar in Malhão. Then on via Ameixial and Cachopo to enjoy the excellent lunch provided by the Cooperativa at Montes Novos.
The riders were favoured by fine weather after the recent thunderstorms. A great day was enjoyed by all on some magnificent roads with great views. We had the pleasure of welcoming our most distant member Madeleine Marques from Canada who was able to join us for the day.
The ride was led on this occasion by David Shirley and Alfred Koolen, assisted by Roy West and Phil Anderson.
Concurrently with the ASB monthly ride, the ‘gravel roads section’ took an alternative route. The small group of six riders were on a mix of enduro and adventure-type motorcycles.
They picked-up the gravel trails near São Bartolomeu de Messines, and continued in an easterly direction through Alte, Benafim to Salir (for an essential coffee stop), then headed on to Barranco do Velho and the destination of Montes Novos.
The route was approximately 50 km of gravel roads and small lanes, comprising some moderate ascents and descents, taking in some spectacular rural vistas along the way. Both groups met in Paderne before starting the rides.
The next event will be the ASB 13th anniversary on Saturday, June 10 at 1pm. It will be a charity BBQ with the children and teenagers at the Gaivota home in Albufeira.
Written by David Shirley and Andrew Chilton, ASB members
