During Easter week and at a time when the second phase of registrations begins, the 26th Portugal de Lés-a-Lés is experiencing a crucial moment with the full recognition of the route for the adventure scheduled for June 6 to 9. The members of the Motorcycle Tourism Committee of the Portuguese Motorcycle Federation set off from Portimão, where the Technical and Document Checks will take place as well as the Opening Ride, heading towards the Alentejo. Évora will be the final point of the 1st stage on June 7, with the crossing of the Algarve mountains promising the first thrills, before continuing on to Covilhã and then to Penafiel.
Immediately noticeable is the return to the Vascão river, the scene of many adventures throughout the history of Europe’s largest motorcycle touring marathon and which will once again be crossed by ford towards Pomarão. The almost deserted village on the banks of the Guadiana that seems to have stopped in time, transformed into a true open-air industrial archaeology museum and home to a scarce dozen ‘full-time’ residents. Far from the frenzy of the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century, when ships collected the ore transported by rail from the mines of S. Domingos. From there, they traveled first by the Guadiana and then by sea, to the CUF factory facilities in Barreiro, or towards England and Germany.
Historical discovery moment that will be joined by lively gathering in Oasis overlooking Spain, preparing the senses for the journey to Mértola. Always in the company of the border Guadiana, the caravan will climb to the Alentejo village and the well-maintained Mértola castle, whose origin dates back to the late 13th century, when the Muslims dominated the region after expelling the Suebi and Visigoths. Rebuilt and fortified in the 13th century, it helped to cement the Christian Reconquest only to fall into oblivion from the 15th century, giving way to the increasing importance and budgetary needs dictated by the Discoveries.
From the same period and with a parallel history, the Noudar castle will be an optional visit for those who venture to drive a few kilometers on dirt roads. But the added caution in driving and some dust will be worth it to enjoy a unique view over Spain, in an area where the Ardila river reinforces the strategic importance of this castle, which has been a National Monument since 1910.
But these are just some of the points of interest of the 1st stage of the 26th Portugal de Lés-a-Lés which, after the huge number of registered participants right after the Official Presentation in Figueira da Foz, saw the opening of the 2nd phase of registrations. Which extends until May 15th on the website of the Portuguese Motorcycling Federation or Lés-a-Lés, if, in the meantime, the participant limit is not reached. And where you can find very special prices for the purchase and installation of Dunlop tires.
