Portugal – 2012

An Epic Journey Through Mountains, Coastlines and Mechanical Mayhem

Our advanced motorcycle training tour to Portugal in 2012 was a landmark event.

The one that set the benchmark for all future adventures. With incredible roads, perfect weather, minor mechanical chaos and unforgettable food. This 10-day trip became a riders favourite and is still talked about to this day.

It was a Portugal trip that would be remembered for a long time, it has set up all tours since but stands out as a personal favourite for many reasons.

Tour Summary:

🗓️ Duration: 10 Days

🌍 Countries Visited: England, Spain, Portugal

📍 Highlights: Serra da Estrela Mountains, Alvor, Estremoz

⚖️ Tour Vibe: Technical coaching, scenic adventure, relaxed coastal pace

🏍️️ Riders: 10

🛠️  Adventures: Two exhaust issues, roadside repairs, legendary local restaurant finds

Tour Itinerary

Sunday 26 May – Redditch to Plymouth 09:00 – 13:00
15:45 – Ferry departs from Plymouth to Santander

Monday 27 May – Santander to Guarda (Portugal) 13:00 – 19:00
Snack stop en route

Tuesday 28 May – Guarda to Alvor 08:30 – 17:00
Lunch in Estremoz

Wednesday 29 May – Sightseeing ride through the Algarve (Portugal) 08:30 – 17:00
Incredible roads and scenic vistas

Thursday 30 May – Sightseeing ride or optional rest day (weather dependent) 08:00 – 14:00
More fantastic roads

Friday 31 May – Rest day – beach or pool in Alvor

Saturday 1 June – Short sightseeing ride 08:00 – 08:30
Twisties, views, and smooth tarmac

Sunday 2 June – Alvor to Guarda 08:00 – 08:30
Lunch in Estremoz

Monday 3 June – Guarda to Santander (Spain) 06:30 – 07:00
15:15 – Ferry departs from Santander to Portsmouth

Tuesday 4 June – Portsmouth to Redditch 14:30 – 15:00
Final ride home with tales to tell

Touring Highlights

A Stunning Route through Europe

This trip took us through northern Spain and into Portugal, delivering the kind of roads that motorcyclists dream of.

From the Spanish coastline and Cantabrian Mountain range to the winding inland roads of Alentejo and the Algarve’s delights in Portugal, each day offered perfect conditions for advanced riding and pure enjoyment.

Sun, Skill and a Bit of Spanner Time

The weather played ball all week with glorious sunshine and perfect riding temperatures. But what’s a good tour without a bit of drama?

• Deeds had a rattling exhaust, which meant stripping the bike down in a hotel car park in Alvor to find and fix the issue.
• Andy went one better, his VFR800’s exhaust split in half at the downpipes. A local garage sorted it brilliantly for just €60. It was a minor miracle and one of the unsung highlights of the trip.

Food to Write Home About

En-route to Alvor, we stumbled upon a gem of a local restaurant offering the dish of the day, BBQ chicken, chips, salad, bread, cheese, olives, and drinks, for under €7.

It quickly became a regular stop, proving that good food doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive to be unforgettable.

Accommodation & Essentials

We stayed in comfortable, biker-friendly hotels along the route with secure parking, good facilities, and plenty of character. Each evening ended with cold beer, laughter, and a full stomachs, exactly how a tour day should end.

Tour Package Included:

• Return ferry crossings (Plymouth–Santander & Santander–Portsmouth)
• Accommodation
• Guided daily rides
• Advanced riding coaching and support
• Route planning and lead rider services
• Full support with any breakdowns or rider concerns

Riders were responsible for fuel, lunch, dinner, and ensuring proper travel, breakdown, and medical insurance.

Reflections on an Incredible Ride

Portugal 2012 was not just a motorcycle trip, it was a true journey in every sense of the word. It brought together a small group of riders, challenged their skills, and left each one with memories, stories, and friendships that have lasted long after the engines stopped.

This was the tour that proved Portugal was not only rideable, but unmissable. And it’s no surprise that since then, we will return with new routes and even more refined adventures.