A Full Training Day
In the forest near Santarém the programme covers body position and traction, slow turns and obstacle avoidance, clutch and balance exercises, emergency braking, plus powerslides and elephant turns.
The Rio Maior Salt Mine
On the way into the Serra de Aire lies the 800-year-old salt mine at Rio Maior, far from the sea and yet full of salt. A brief stop before the way climbs to the wind-farm tracks along the ridge.
From Ridge to Ocean
From the high tracks with their wide views the way drops down the far side to the sea. Depending on the season the destination is Peniche and S. Martinho or Nazaré, known for their surf scene and their calm.
Almourol Castle
In the Alentejo the tracks turn fast and open. Along the way lie the quiet river town of Constância and Almourol Castle, built on a tiny island right in the middle of the Tagus river.
Ninety Per Cent Dirt
Portugal is threaded with thousands of unpaved tracks running in every direction, and these three days use them consistently. Ninety per cent of the route stays off the tarmac, with trainer, guide and mechanic along.
