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Self-guided bike tours in Portugal: what to expect

WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SELF-GUIDED BIKE TOUR IN PORTUGAL?

Riding by yourself

Our self-guided tours can start with minimum two travelers, so don't count riding in a group - you'll be riding in your own group, most of the times. That is a great option for those who value independence and choosing their own timing and pace. But make sure you take some time before the tour to ride by yourself or with the fellow riders you'll be sharing the trails/roads with.

More independence = less support

Unlike guided bike tours, self-guided bike tours do not have an accompanying support van. This means that it's your responsibility to get to the next hotel every day, even if you head into bad weather or just don't feel like riding anymore. If you do run into trouble, though, call the emergency hotline, and we will help as much as possible. So make sure you follow our packing list and bring all the gear necessary to prepare for weather changes.

Self-Navigation and bike repair

You are expected to follow the tracks on your GPS which are your main navigation system, so basic understanding or experience of GPS is a plus ( we do, however, explain how to use the GPS's on your private briefing). You'll also be expected to fix your own flats (If you don't know how to, ask your local bike mechanic to show you how to do it or ask our guide at the initial briefing) and handle minor bike repairs during the ride. In the rare case of bicycle breakdowns, you may be asked to take public transportation or a taxi to the next town, where there may be a repair shop that can fix the problem - we work with several bike shops throughout the routes and they will be able to assist you with mechanical problems ( according to their availability). Make sure you know how to change a flat and handle minor issues that may occur during your rides.

Ride in similar conditions

On most of our bike tours, you'll be riding several days in a row. Make sure you prepare yourself by riding the same type of bike you'd be using on the tour in order to better simulate the conditions you are going to encounter - it's very different to ride in mountain, road or hybrid bikes. Also, we suggest you ride at least two days in a row, so your body adapts better to these conditions and to take notice of the average mileage and altimetry you'd be riding on your tour itinerary - make sure you experience riding those many miles before you do the tour.

If you are an experienced rider and like to explore on your own, a self-guided bike tour might just be best option for you! If you need any help or guidance, don't hesitate to contact us.

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Choose with confidence

Check our reviews and explore Portugal on a bike with us.
David Caw
David Caw
2023-04-24
Great communication for the start - clear and friendly emails. Short taxi ride from Lisbon airport. Pedro greeted me and got me sorted for my journey. Breathtaking ride up coast to Porto. Bike was perfect for all conditions and performed flawlessly. Dropped it back at Porto premises and, again, Pedro greeted me. Had really good chat about possible future rides - and I will use tese guys again. Wonderful experience !
Andrea Binder
Andrea Binder
2022-11-12
Danke Pedro, André und allen Mitarbeitern, dass unser Radurlaub ein voller Erfolg war. Qualitativ hochwertige Räder und ein hilfsbereites, freundliches Team, dass uns bei unserer kleinen Panne schnell und unkompliziert geholfen hat. Ich kann dieses Unternehmen zu 100 % weiterempfehlen. Danke an Alle
Peter McMullan
Peter McMullan
2022-09-21
A very professional and well run organisation. The bikes and gearing were of the highest quality so the equipment never missed a beat. Pedro was very accomodating with pick up and drop off and the whole adventure was a huge success in part to his organisation. The complete package
Carlos Pinto
Carlos Pinto
2022-08-05
Recomendo vivamente Go Cycling Portugal Obrigado Pedro foi um prazer poder contar contigo e com a tua equipa As bicicletas eram top 👍 fizemos os 738km da N2 muito confortavelmente e como programado pegar no Porto e deixar em Faro foi mesmo ótimo assim só foi mesmo preciso pedalar e não nos ocupamos de mais nada Obrigado por tudo e até breve
Roger Owen
Roger Owen
2022-04-19
Pedro and his team could not have been more helpful over the two years that we tried to ride the Portugese Camino. It was put back twice because of COVID. Nothing was too much trouble, and they credited us each time we had to postpone. When we eventually started (March 2022) the bikes were brilliant and top-notch - over 620km they were faultless. Drop off in Santiago was easy. I could not recommend this company highly enough. They were excellent. And I proposed to my (now) fiancee Rachel in the square in front of the cathedral. And she said yes! Strange things happen on the Camino! Thanks again Guys - you were brilliant in all aspects of your support. Roger and Rachel xx
Roger Owen
Roger Owen
2022-04-19
We hired bikes for 2020 but could not start the Portugese Camino until April 2022. Pedro and his team could not have been more helpful and honoured our credit in full. The bikes were top class and we had no issues. I could not recommend Pedro and his team highly enough. Roger and Rachel.
Georges Luxcoach
Georges Luxcoach
2022-04-18
It was the 1st time (but not the last) i worked and ordered 5 bicycles with Gocyclingportugal. I have to confess, as the organiser of a Tour from Porto-Lamego-Lisbon and back, I was not sure that the bicycles would be at the airport on time so that we could start the Tour immediately from there after landing in Porto. My friends would hate me for the rest of my life, if not 🤣. But Pedro and his teammate were on time. Once again thanks Gocyclingportugal. Everything went right and we were happy to ride on Scott Addict bikes! 👌🏼🚴🏼‍♂️ GG
More reviews ...

European Offices

Monday to Friday
09AM to 06PM GMT
Telephone: +351 969 154 589
(Call to the Portuguese national fixed network)

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