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The roads are succulent and bountiful, and the food and wine leave you breathless. The Pinarello bikes are to the highest standard of the purest gourmand. The personalities are rich and bold, yet full of subtle surprises. All is to be savored—and devoured.

Bill StricklandBicycling Magazine
20 Oct 2024
26 Oct 2024

Alentejo and its wines October 2024

TBC
Lead Guide:

Manuel Cardoso

Much of the inGamba team of soigneurs and mechanics call Portugal home. This special randonnée is an opportunity to share their intimate knowledge and discover Alentejo, the sparsely populated, agrarian region known as Portugal’s breadbasket, that is also one of the world’s most charming and unique destinations. Alentejo is famous for rich, uncomplicated cooking and for its salt cod, sheep’s cheese, black pork, olive oils, mushrooms – and its wine. The region makes almost half of Portugal’s total, and in some neat synergy, it’s also the largest producer of cork in the world.

On this week-long, point-to-point odyssey you’ll get to know it intimately, all from the vantage point of your saddle. Starting in the ancient city of Évora, we’ll wind our way through the unspoiled countryside toward Monsaraz, not far from the border with Spain. Nestled amongst the vast miles of oak trees, olive orchards and vineyards, this ancient village is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Portugal and is steeped in the history and culinary culture that makes Alentejo so irresistible.

Included With Trip:

  • All lodging*
  • All food and beverages**
  • Pinarello Dogma F with SRAM RED eTap AXS
  • Daily Bike Wash
  • Custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
  • Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
  • Laundry service for cycling clothing

*Pre/post-trip lodging is not included

**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges

You can read more about what this trip is like on our blog, or check out this article from Travel + Leisure, who traveled to Alentejo with inGamba. 

MEET THE GUIDES

MANUEL CARDOSO

The Quiet Crusher

Manuel Cardoso is no longer sitting on the front of the pack, pulling everyone along at what some would describe as a “brisk” pace and what others are unable to describe at all, because they’re too busy gasping for breath and holding onto the wheel in front of them for dear life. Manuel is now sitting just slightly off the back of the pack. As I look back, I realize he has that look on his face. The look which struck fear in the hearts of the Pro Peleton for many years. The look which is part grin, part mischievous child and all business. He is about to start some shenanigans. Sure enough, just a few kilometers later and Manuel has picked one lucky contestant out of the pack and they are sitting-in, waiting, like predators, for the perfect moment. For Manuel, just like when he raced pro, this is when the road turns slightly up, a spot in the road where it gets tough for everyone. And he accelerates with his breakaway “partner” in tow. It is something to see. He ramps it up to a speed with which no one can latch onto the back and with such precision you have to question whether or not you actually want to try and close the gap he has created. And you can’t see it, but you just know, he is grinning from ear-to-ear.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

START LOCATION:

Lisbon

FINISH LOCATION:

Lisbon

TOTAL ELEVATION:

4,442m

TOTAL DISTANCE:

492km

DAYS RIDING:

6

GROUP SIZE:

8-14

LONGEST DAY:

Day 3 – 115km
Comporta – Évora

BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:

Day 3 – 930m
Comporta – Évora

View Bike Options

DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN

1

COMPORTA LOOP

Sunday | 39km & 284m

Our trip begins in Comporta, an area that’s considered to be one of the most beautiful in Portugal. Comporta is located on the Alentejo Coast, a little over an hour south of Lisbon. It is a beautiful countryside area, surrounded by rice paddies, the ocean, sand dunes and pine forests, that for many years was kept secret by those in the know. This is an easy ride to shake off the cobwebs and make sure everything on your Pinarello is to your liking. If something isn’t quite right, now is the time to speak to the mechanic.

2

MELIDES LOOP

Monday | 80km & 797m

On our second day, we will ride around Melides, Comporta’s still-unassuming neighbor to the south. This little village is sandwiched between the wild hills of Serra de Grândola and the crashing waves of the Atlantic. We will ride the Serra de Grândola in the first half of the ride, so pace yourself for the rolling second half of the 80km.

3

COMPORTA - ÉVORA

Tuesday | 115km & 930m
This route takes us to Évora, a small city that’s considered to be one of the most beautiful in Portugal and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Evidence can still be seen of its Megalithic and Roman past, and in particular the Roman Temple of Évora is a popular landmark. The roads will be rolling all day and usually they’re completely empty as we ride through the plains and the olive groves typical of this area.
4

ÉVORA LOOP

Wednesday | 66km & 619m
Riding around Évora is like stepping back in time, into a land of little villages and farms stretching out in every direction, criss-crossed by empty, undulating roads. Aside from the occasional tractor, we can expect to have the road to ourselves all day.
5

CONVENTO ESPINHEIRO — TORRE DE PALMA

Thursday | 98km & 897m
This point-to-point takes us north, from the Convento do Espinheiro to the wonderful wine hotel Torre de Palma, which was built in 1338. While there are no major climbs to speak of, the terrain will be undulating throughout the day so be sure to conserve some energy for the home straight.
6

CABEÇO DE MOURO — TORRE DE PALMA

Friday | 90km & 875m
This route begins with a short climb followed by a long descent, all in the gorgeous surroundings of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. We pass the medieval fortress of Castelo de Vide at the edge of the reserve and then, after 32km, we change direction and head south through the plains of Alentejo, passing through quiet villages and past crumbling ruins of Portugal’s rich past. The Castelo de Alter do Chão is particularly impressive.
7

DEPARTURE

Saturday
This is our final morning together and after a leisurely breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye, or at least arrivederci, until we meet again. Transfers to the airport will be arranged by our hard-working crew but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with reservations or a few recommendations.

STAYING LONGER?

Adventure Continues…
Do you plan to come a few days early, or stay on after your inGamba adventure has ended? Our concierge can help you plan with a carefully curated selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, and guides. All of our recommendations have been hand-picked by a team of local experts, so you can spend more time enjoying all that this destination has to offer.

Seven of the last 11 Tours de France have been conquered on a DOGMA, and the latest generation is now ready to continue that legacy of success. Whatever the road throws at you, the DOGMA F is always the right bike.

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

FRAMESET:

Pinarello Dogma F

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

PEDALS:

Speedplay

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

SADDLE:

Prologo

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1030

COLOUR:

InGamba Red

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