A break in rain clouds allowed the Algarve Senior Bikers to stage the postponed October ride on November 7.
Many of the members had left home in wet or damp conditions to ride to the meeting point in São Marcos da Serra. However, as forecast, while enjoying a coffee at the start of the ride, the weather cleared leaving bright sunny conditions for the rest of the day even if a little chilly in the hills.
With the roads drying out nicely, the group headed into the hills and on towards São Teotónio for a coffee break at Café Caçador.
After the break, the planned challenging route to Marmelete was changed in the interests of safety due to the possibility of gravel being washed on to the roads by the overnight rains. Riders diverted via the main roads to Aljuzer before heading back into the Monchique hills to Restaurant Sol da Serra for a well-earned lunch.
The ride was based on the original ideas of Philippe Payen, who was unable to attend. It was led by David Shirley and Steve Wills, with the assistance of Alain Balouzet who looked out for any stragglers at the back of the group.
