Camping area has been restricted for “environmental reasons”
Today marks the start of Faro’s 41st bikers rally, an event which is expected to attract over 15,000 people to the Algarve.
While still an impressive number, it is a lower figure compared to previous editions due to a reduction in the camping area which was imposed by authorities for “environmental reasons”, revealed the president of the Faro Moto Club.
“Nevertheless, we hope it will be a good rally, just like in previous years,” José Amaro told Lusa news agency.
He clarified that the limitations are related to the need to protect the dunes in a part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a decision that the organisers disagree with.
“That area belongs to the park, and the limitation was imposed on the premise of protecting the dunes. However, there are absolutely no dunes in the area where camping is prohibited; there is nothing there to protect. If there were something, we would protect it, as we have always done, and we have cleaned that area for the past 40 years,” Amaro said.
The president of the bikers club added that if the event’s organisers didn’t clean the area located in Vale das Almas, between the airport and Faro beach, the area “would be completely abandoned,” and the conditions there would be worse than those that exist when the event is held there.
This edition also marks a ‘return to normal’ for the event, which has been affected by Covid-19 restrictions as well as limitations due to high fire risks.
“Many people arrived yesterday in advance, and all the staff there gave a positive response to everyone who arrived,” said José Amaro.
Regarding the line-up, the representative preferred not to mention specific bands but assured that there will be “great performances, both on the main stage and the Oasis stage,” which he described as “two iconic locations” of the rally.
Among the peformers are Break Free (Queen tribute band), One Love Brand, Entre Aspas, La Frontera, Hybrid Theory (Linkin Park tribute band), Cuca Roseta, Guano Apes and Expensive Soul.
In Faro’s downtown area, there will also be bands performing for the public today, Friday, and Saturday.
José Amaro also issued a warning to all participants, residents, and visitors in the Algarve to be careful on the roads and avoid accidents during their travels to the event and within the region.
“The appeal that I make, which is made every year, due to the number of motorcycles circulating on the roads heading to Faro, whether from Portugal or abroad, is to be as cautious as possible,” he said, adding that the goal is to have no accidents take place during the event.
