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Trips > Northern Portugal’s Undiscovered Paradise

Northern Portugal’s Undiscovered Paradise

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As a pro, Manuel Cardoso raced with some of the biggest names in cycling. He beat a few of them too. But long before he reached the professional peloton, his cycling journey began on the roads outside of Porto, where he rode as a boy and dreamed of reaching the big time. He’s ridden all over the world, but still believes that there’s nothing quite like his hometown routes, and so he designed this trip to share them with you.

Of course, it’s not just Manuel who hails from these parts. Several of our support team also call this place home, and they’ll be on hand to introduce you to a land that they hold dear to their hearts, guiding you towards all the best bits so that you can properly soak up the local culture. This special randonnée is an opportunity to share their intimate knowledge and discover one of the world’s most charming and unique destinations. We will skirt along the coastline, explore Medieval towns, and ride through the oldest village in Portugal, all while putting in plenty of miles and riding some of the most beautiful roads in Europe, embracing the “Mangia, Beve, Bici,” philosophy with a Portuguese twist.

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Check out the video for a taste of what’s in store!

Included With Trip:

  • All lodging*
  • All food and beverages**
  • Pinarello Dogma F Disk 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

Trip at a Glance

Start Location:

Porto

Finish Location:

Porto

Days Riding:

6

Group Size:

8 – 14

Total Distance:

379km

Total Elevation:

7,921m

Longest Day:

Day 3. Caminha – Ponte de Lima. 80km

Biggest Climbing Day:

Day 5. Ponte de Lima – Gerês. 1,921m

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Day by Day Breakdown

1

Vila Praia de Âncora Loop

To begin our adventure, we'll leave Porto with a short transfer north to our starting point in the city of Caminha, just on the border with Spain. From there, it's a relaxed 39km route that should give you plenty of time to get acclimatized and make sure that everything on your bike works perfectly. The highlight of the day will be the second half of the ride when you reach the fishermen town of Vila Praia de Âncora and the scenic beach Praia de Moledo.
2

Serra de Arga Loop

We’re heading inland towards Serra de Arga, considered one of the main wilderness areas in mainland Portugal, where there are still Iberian wolves and garrano wild horses, and waterfalls and natural lagoons. After a flat opening 6km, this ride hits a lengthy climb to the village of S. João D’Arga. We’re going to enjoy a stunning view of the mountains that reach the sea. From there, it’s all downhill until we get back to Caminha, along the Coura river.
3

Caminha – Ponte de Lima

We’re leaving the sea behind us and heading towards the interior of Minho, through an area characterised by its Medieval architecture and dominated by the Lima river. Our scenic route gets a little lumpy in the middle so expect some testing climbs. There will also be plenty of views of the mountains in the nearby Peneda-Geres National Park.

4

Ponte de Lima Loop

Ponte de Lima is the oldest chartered town in Portugal and today we'll explore the countryside surrounding it. The route takes us through historic villages such as the particularly picturesque Ponte da Barca, where we'll cross over the Lima river.
5

Ponte de Lima – Gerês

After a flat opening 8km, this ride hits a lengthy climb to the village of Armada. From there, it's a twisty fun descent for the next 10km, passing through several little towns and including some sections of tightly cobbled streets that are typical of Portugal. The remaining 40km of the route is on undulating, rural terrain – perfect for some fast rolling as a group. Our new home is a small village surrounded by the natural riches of the Gerês mountain.
6

Gerês Loop

The Geres Loop is the queen stage of the week, with 1,622m of altitude gain and a total of 54km, each one of them packed with brilliant roads and stunning surroundings as we wind our way into the Peneda-Gerês National Park. The first climb begins after 7km, topping out at just over 760m after 13km. But be warned, the second climb and highlight of the day has an average gradient of 12%.
7

Porto

Today we say goodbye to Porto and head for home.

YOUR Guide

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.

BIKE OPTION

PINARELLO DOGMA F

FRAMESET:

Pinarello Dogma F

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

PEDALS:

Speedplay (or your own)

SADDLE:

Selle Italia

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1030