Glorious weather welcomed 50 cyclists for the third charity bike ride (Passeio Solidário de Cicloturismo), which took place on April 6 in Almancil.
This year, the venue and starting point was the Escola EB 2,3 near the community centre in Almancil. For its third edition, the 60-kilometre ride went to Quinta do Lago, the Algarve Stadium and Santa Bárbara (with a break for refreshments at the Com Tradições bar by the Igreja Matriz in Estoi). Then onwards and upwards to Machadas and São Brás, through the centre of Loulé to Franqueada and, finally, returning to the school.
Organised by staff of the school, Portimão’s Sporting Club of Portugal and the Algarve cycling associations to generate funds for the autistic children of the school to have horse riding lessons, the event raised €395 in raffles, thanks to generous donations of people and the initiative’s main sponsors. The classes are arranged by the Algarve charity Riding for the Disabled and held at the Pinetrees Riding Centre.
While the ride was in progress there were sports events at the school and 3.6-kilometre walks around Almancil. After all this activity, there was a well-deserved lunch, served by the ‘dinner ladies’, followed by some delightful music and the prize giving of medals, provided by the Junta da Freguesia of Almancil to all riders and walkers.
All the cycling clubs received a framed poster of the event and the youngest and eldest riders (20-74 years) were recognised with awards, as was the team with the most riders.
Loulé City Hall and the GNR’s Traffic Brigade also helped and supported the event.
For more information on the charity bike rides, please contact Bruce Allen on 282 444 874.
