For me, cycling has always been about much more than just turning the pedals and clocking up the miles (or kilometres), whether back home in England or touring through another country. That's why on the guided tours I'm running in Portugal I try to emphasise the fact that it's all about what we see - and… Continue reading It’s All About The Experience
We're flying back to Portugal this afternoon to get ready for the next Pedal Portugal guided cycle tour - this time for a new route. The Border Castles Tour goes through some of my favourite bits of the Alentejo. We start in Évora and over the next 10 days do an anti-clockwise circuit into the north-east corner of… Continue reading Ready To Ride
I'm now back in the UK after completing the second Algarve Winter Tour, which involved taking seven riders (six Canadians and one American) on a circuit around the south-west corner of Portugal. Pedal Portugal's second ever guided tour was great fun. Everything seemed to go even more smoothly this time. No punctures, some great cycling, good… Continue reading Happy Memories
If you fancy joining Pedal Portugal on a guided cycle tour this year then you've got just over two days left to take advantage of the 10% discount on offer for early bird bookings. Since completing my first ever tour - the inaugural Algarve Winter Tour - I've now got the first reviews from riders who took part.… Continue reading Last Chance For Early Birds
The first Pedal Portugal guided cycle tour ended on Tuesday when we arrived back in Lagos at the end of our nine-day circuit. It was a fantastic trip around the south-west corner of Europe and all the riders seemed to have enjoyed themselves despite the 'undulating' terrain! (There's a new Reviews page where a couple of… Continue reading Algarve Tour – Photo Gallery 2
It's now day four of the first ever Pedal Portugal guided tour...and it seems to be going more or less to plan so far. The weather's been kind, my group of riders is great and we haven't had too many hiccups. Just a few flat tyres on the first day, a snapped gear hanger, and a… Continue reading Algarve Tour – Photo Gallery
I'm starting to get excited. And a little bit nervous. In just seven days time I'll be meeting the riders taking part in the very first Pedal Portugal guided tour. I've got five Brits, one Irishman, two Germans and two Canadians due to arrive in Lagos next Sunday, expecting me to lead them round the… Continue reading Guinea Pigs On Tour
There are many reasons to love being in the Algarve in the winter - the lack of tourists, cheap wine, Portuguese cakes, almond blossom, being able to buy two large tuna steaks from the supermarket for less than €4. And that's before I even get on to the cycling. One of the biggest draws has to be… Continue reading Saturday Ride
It's all turning into such a tough job. Getting ready for my first cycle tours means I've got to check out all the stops along the way - visit the hotels, the restaurants etc. Oh, I really feel I should ride the routes again (what a shame). Just in case any of the roads have been dug up or… Continue reading Research Is A Tough Job
Long, dark winter nights can be a time to dream. Maybe of rides to come. Like cycling across a sun-drenched landscape, taking winding back roads to visit hilltop villages, pausing to explore ancient castles... and enjoying a well-earned glass or two of wine at the end of the day. Sound good? Then instead of just… Continue reading Time To Dream…Or Make It Real
Pedal Portugal 