The training sessions will take place in Central Alentejo, very close to the border with Spain and to Alqueva, the largest man-made lake in Western Europe, around the beautiful ancient towns of Alandroal, Borba, Estremoz, Redondo, Terena and Vila Viçosa.

This year's Training Camp will take part mostly around Alandroal, which will be the most central point for accommodation purposes.

 

This is a land of ancient people and old pre-Roman gods and traditions. Originally inhabited by nomad people, it was invaded and occupied by Iberians, Celts, Romans, Barbarians (mostly Visigoths) and Arabs and later conquered by the first Portuguese kings. It has beautiful little towns and villages, dotted with castles and churches, breath-taking views and open and wide landscapes.

 

The land is rough and harsh, very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer and peopled by a hand-full of resilient men and women, who have learned how to live in these “Terras de Montado” (cork tree forest-land). You will find that they will welcome you with a smile and will be delighted to have you here!

 

The food is simply delicious, simple, comforting, made with local produce and based on old recipes.

 

The terrain is mostly gently hilly but sometimes has steep climbs and technical descents to narrow and secluded valleys with small streams running at the bottom. We will take you to pre-historic places that many people have forgotten, near the sacred valley of the Lucefecit River, which, in long-forgotten times was known as the River of the Morning Star (Venus, the one who brings the light in the morning), and later became known as the River of the Devil (Lucifer). We are sure that you will have your own opinion on which name suits best this valley after you have been there with your bike!

 

We will also take you to beautiful countryside paths and tracks, all in a land where agriculture still is the main economic activity.

 

We promise that you will really be away from the bustle and stress of urban life. Here, the time runs slow and tomorrow (“amanhã”) means some time in the future. We hope you will enjoy your stay with us!

 

Até amanhã!

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