Ride Across Portugal 2025 : Bookings OPEN

2025 Itinerary 

• Day 1 - Riders arrive and collected from Porto Airport (OPO) or Porto Hotels and transfer a short distance to our first hotel. Afternoon ride ~30-40km

• Day 2 - Morning ride ~50km through the local region followed by a superb lunch with massages on offer that afternoon

• Day 3 - Ride East from our hotel to Peso da Régua for another fantastic lunch, some say the best in Portugal. Check-in and register for Ride Across Portugal with massages on offer that afternoon 

Below are details from the 2024 Event

Please use it as a guide for the 2025 event:

• Day 4 - Stage One - Peso da Régua to Longrovia : 132 KM / 1,900m Alt

• Day 5 - Stage Two - Longrovia to Covilhã : 137 KM / 2,240m Alt 

• Day 6 - Stage Three - Covilhã to Alter do Chão : 159 KM / 1,420m Alt 

• Day 7 - Stage Four - Alter do Chão to Évora : 96 KM / 640m Alt

• Day 8 - Stage Five - Évora to Monchique : 190 KM / 1,300m Alt

• Day 9 - Stage Six - Monchique to Porches : 61 KM / 580m Alt

• Day 10 - Transfer to Lisbon

• Day 11 - Riders depart from Lisbon

For the Full Itineray - please email us

Highlights for the riders

• Opportunity to ride nine days

• 20 > 120k days on offer 

• Opportunity for rest days

• All rides with a guide and support vehicle + photographer

• During the event there will be twowheeltours support vehicles on course

• Ride as much as you would like of each stage as we will have our customised trailer

• Amazing food

• Dedicated twowheeltours Mechanic and Masseur on staff

• City and cultural  tours  

Included on tour

• Transfers to and from Porto and Lisbon Airport

• 10 nights and 11 days on tour

• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners 

• Event Entry

• Laundry

• Accommodation in top level hotels

• Massage and mechanic

• Support vehicle includes tools, pumps, cooler with drinks plus fruit and snacks

Price

€6,300 single accommodation

€5,500 twin share : per person

Includes Ride Across Portugal Entry*

€3,000 to confirm your place

Final payment due 15 February 

€3,495 non-rider program - having daily activities away from the Ride Across Portugal event

*twowheeltours covers all your land based expenses including transfers, accommodation and all meals. We have our own dedicated mechanic and masseur to ensure you have the best possible experience during the event.

If you have any more questions, please email info@twowheeltours.com.au

Riders will still stay in fantastic hotels along the way. 

With the tour starting just outside of Porto - riders will stay in the fantastic local hotel which is a ~40 minute drive from Porto Airport (OPO : Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport).

Below are details from the 2024 Event - please use it as a guide for the 2025 event:

During the event, the hotels will offer the best comfort to recover from the stages. Our riders will stay at the Official Ride Across Portugal hotels. They are an important part of the experience during the participation of the event and will further enhance your experience in beautiful Portugal.  

The hotels where riders will stay during the Ride Across Portugal are:

• Hotel Régua Douro 

• Hotel Termas de Longroiva 

• Pousada Serra da Estrela

• Hotel Vila Galé Collection Alter Real

• M'ar de Ar Aqueduto

• Hotel Termas de Monchique

• Pestana Viking

At the end of the tour riders will transfer back for the final night in Lisbon and stay in Belém. 

Here we will stay in another fantastic hotel which is around 20 minutes drive from Lisbon Airport (LIS : Humberto Delgado Airport) 

What staffing does twowheeltours provide?

We have been fortunate enough to be at all Ride Across Portugal (RAP) events since 2017, that is all of them. We take pride in making sure all our riders need to do is focus on the event. We have our own masseur, mechanic, bag logistic manager and tour manager who rides the course with our riders. 

Why do the event?

Participating in RAP, as a rider, beside the challenge, will allow the riders to explore some of the best experiences that Portugal has to offer. At the end of the stages you will see some of the most iconic and historical spots, villages and cities of Portugal, where the culture, the history and the fantastic Portuguese gastronomy are waiting to reward you for the effort expended during the day.

During the stages, you can enjoy not only the landscapes and the challenging roads, but also the Portuguese history and culture. The rest stops are generally located in the middle of villages or besides fantastic locations such as rivers and parks. Besides the cycling specific food, they also offer some famous and typical sweets from the local region.

Why Start in Porto?

This allows us more time to ride and explore Portugal. There is no transfer from Lisbon to the North of the country to get to the start of the event.  

Why continue to change the course?The first two years of the RAP followed roughly the same course. Since then, the organisers altered the course to mix things up with the main reason being so riders can see more of Portugal. More beautiful roads, more amazing scenery and experience all five senses along the way from the north of Portugal to the southern most point. It truly is an amzing event and we hope that you can join us.

What will your Ride Across Portugal day will look like?

• Wake up between 0700 and 0730 

• Breakfast between 0700 and 0830. All breakfasts are included

• Leave your bags at the reception. twowheeltours staff will transport the bags to our next hotel and place it in your room

• Drop your musette(s) at reception, you will see those bags again on course/at the stage finish, they will be with the twowheeltours ON COURSE vehicles. In those bags you can put nutrition, extra clothing and/or leave clothing at the rest stops. For you finish bag you can pack comfortable shoes, t-shirt or wind vest and any other clothes

• Stages start at 0900

• You will see our ON COURSE vehicles during each stage for assistance. It varies as to which rest stop they are for each stage, due to weather and the distance of the stage. At the end of each stage you will find a twowheeltours staff member to welcome you. You can get a cold drink, offer you something to eat, pass along your musette and give you directions to lunch and the location of the hotel 

• Stage finish between 1130 and 1700 

• An amazing lunch is served by the race organisers 

• Massages are available at the hotel

• Briefing for riders is held at our hotel - a representative from twowheeltours will be at the briefing to collect information to share with you at dinner

• Dinner with twowheeltours and the other riders, usually from 1900

Extras you will receive

• Ride Across Portugal cycling jersey

• Marshals along the route 

• Motorcycle escorts

• Presence of security vehicles to escort the peloton (including a sag wagon/bus)

• Medical team who are also on the road during the event and at each finish village

• Mechanical support during the race and at the villages

• Timing for the event is done via Strava - you do not have to partcipate as a timed rider if you do not wish 

• For your bike and for identification you will receive a personalised frame plate (for your handlebars) 

• Rest stops along the route with food, drinks and energy products they also offer some famous and typical sweets from the local region

• Daily rankings 

• Lunch at the end of each stage plus dinner

• Closing party held at the finishing city

• A medal for each finisher

• Video of the event produced and published to youtube  

What time does the ride start each day?

As this is Portugal, there is no rush and the riders depart from 0900.

What time does the race finish each day?

Again depending on the length of the day and how fast you ride. From the previous RAP stages finishes have concluded anywhere from 12:00pm through to 5:30pm.

What about the road surfaces?

There will be cobbles. Portugese towns put cobbles/pavé to slow cars going through their town centres. Expect a little each day.  Bring a bike with larger volume tires.

Is there a minimum speed average?

There are time cut-offs associated with each stage. There is a lantern rouge who rides at the back of the event who will keep you 'on-time'.

It is HIGHLY recommended that you can ride an average of 25kph to complete each stage.

What is there to do at the end of the days rides?

Relax, put your feet in a fountain, shower, eat then eat some more, talk to other riders, take a nap, rehydrate, grab a massage then eat and drink some more. There is generally a reasonable amount of time to relax before dinner. We mention eat twice, you may not feel like eating but this is one of the most important things you can do at the end of each stage. Even if you arrive into the finish at 4:00pm, which is 'past' a normal lunch time, you will NOT make it to dinner if you do NOT EAT.

What is the weather like:

Avg Temps : for the time we are in Porto 12 > 20C // Peso da Régua (North)  12 > 24C // Algarve (South Coast) 14 > 23C

What other support over and above that provided by the Ride Across Portugal organisation does twowheeltours offer?

twowheeltours offer a Fully Catered tour, we provide you with all land based transfers from the closest airport / train station / your hotel in the host city, two nights pre and one night post event in top level accommodation (four or five star), best possible accommodation during the race, all meals, drinks including alcohol, bag logistics, staff on course and also at the finish line of each stage, staff member riding the course taking photos*, laundry, non-rider partner program with their own guide and daily activities, cooler and baskets stocked with extra food and beverages post race and personalised attention. 

You will also see twowheeltours staff on course during each stage. Each morning riders will drop their musettes / feed station bags at our hotel's reception which will be taken to the designated rest stops. Riders receive a musette (back pack) from twowheeltours to be on course. In this riders can put clothes / food / bottles etc.  Each stage varies but you will usually see two twowheeltours staff members on each stage. 

*Bring an 8G thumb drive and receive the photos for nothing at the end of the trip.  Or if you have an Apple Product we can Air Drop.

How hard is the Ride Across Portugal?

This is a great event, open to all abilities. Yes, you will need to be able to ride ~780km over the six stages PLUS there will be a total ascent of ~11,900m during those six stages. As with all of these types of events, you MUST do some training before coming.

The fitter you are, the more fun you will have. 

Profiles from pervious years are at the bottom of this page, where the thumb nail images are located.

There is a 'race' aspect if you want to participate but there is no need to if you just wish to complete the course.

Since a new course was introduced, the six stages have taken RAP participants to some of the best cycling spots of Portugal:

• Many of the main Portuguese rivers are also part of the scenery of RAP, offering unforgettable images to the participants. In particular, Stage 1 is where participants will ride on the N222 road, on the the Douro River banks and surrounded by some of the most iconic wineyards of Douro Valley (UNESCO Region). This road was considered the best and most beautiful road in the world in a international contest promoted by the Avis Rent a Car company. 

• Monchique Mountain, the end of the EPIC ~200km Stage 5 will be at the top of the emblematic mountain located in the Algarve, which offers spectacular views over the entire region and extending to the sea.

• Stage 6, riders will go along the banks of the Odelouca River and then up to Odelouca Dam. Then riders will finish Stage 6 at one of the most spectacular and iconic spots of the Portuguese Sea-Coast at Ermida da Sra da Rocha - Porches a true “Grand Finale” to cap off a fantastic RAP.

Is it a ride or a race?

The very front of the event will go hard while most of the other riders are there to complete the stages and can do so at their own leisure. This is not an event for people who want to ride 50km a day, riders need to have done some big training days and it will also help if riders have done some group rides, so that you can work together to assist in getting through each day. 

6 days is a long time, especially when it is your first RAP. There is nothing worse than going hard on Stage 1 and cooking yourself for the rest of the week. 

Can I have a rest day?

Yes, no worries. Any day which you wish to take off the bike is possible. We want you to have a holiday and there is no pressure from us.

I think I need a training program?

Each rider is different. A training program certainly helps, especially when talking to a coach who has a wealth of experience and who has completed many cyclo-sportives.

We like to encourage riders that the fitter they are, the more fun they will have. 

We have a range of coaches who we highly recommend. For further details on training programs, costs etc can be found here. 

You're an Australian tour company, do you have riders on your tours who are not from Australia?

We have clients on our tours from all over the world, Russia, Australia, NZ, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic and Spain. Each year many of our riders return to do tours with twowheeltours, which is a great honour. 

Rooming

All prices listed are single supplement. For dual occupancy, other than your husband/wife/partner, please email us on info@twowheeltours.com.au

Wifi - Internet Access

Our hotels all have internet, the majority have it in rooms but once in a while you may need to access it from the lobby. We have never had problems getting on line with multiple devices for the one person - so using your mobile, laptop etc is okay.

What about transporting my bike to the event?

Packing your bike with care and in a specific case. This is the safest way to get your bike to the start of the event in one piece. LINK

I have never boxed my bike before, how do I pack my bike? 

Drop into your favourite Local Bike Store (LBS) and ask them to assist you. You could ask them to do it first then build it up, then you have a go - all for a price. Or you can become a profession via youtube - LINK.

Which bike box should I use?

How long is a piece of string, there are SO many out on the market it is amazing, each year there seems to be something new and improved. We have used the EVOC Bike Travel Bag for the last 4 years - they have now updated to the PRO. We have used the EVOC Travel Bag countless of times for our MTB and road tours. It has NEVER had any issues, NEVER had my bike damaged and we really like it. I also have two ‘bits’ to make life a bit easier - CHAIN COVER & ROAD BIKE ADAPTOR. It may take a little longer to use this bike but once you have done with travel the bag compacts down. When boxing the bike, we would highly recommend removing the derailleur from the derailleur-tip but that takes a few extra seconds - youtube clip - this is a clip is by 'Computer' a Sydney mechanic, excuse his hair and finger nails, he really is a good guy! Other options are : Polaris do some very good models or Scicon Bags or there is the Helium one which gets great reviews OR go to your LBS and get a cardboard box.

Where can I build my bike?

We will have a designated area at the start and finish of the tour which can be used to build your bike. Our mechanic will be there to assist. With a rather substantial amount of cyclists on our tour we highly recommend and encourage that you the cyclist be able build and break down your bike.

Help will be there if necessary

To assist you in building your bike there will be a Toolcase which includes all the major tools. There is also a bike stand, track pumps, torque wrench, grease, chain lube, rags, plastic gloves and hand wipes.

Have you ever had troubles transporting your bike on airlines?

In many years of traveling with a bike, there has never been any issues with boxing and flying with our bikes. Note, some airlines do charge for excess baggage while others do not. We do not know the policy on each carrier but we know that United, American Airlines and Lufthansa charge for bike boxes whereas Virgin Atlantic does not so long as it is under 23kg / 50 lbs & 62” / 158cm total linear cm. Qatar / Qantas allow you to bring your bike as long as it is within your 30kg limit. Please make sure you weigh your bike before you get to the airport and it is also highly recommended that you check prices and the fine print for excess luggage (ie bike bags / sporting equipment) with whoever you are flying with. Please do this before you get to the airport.

Tools and other equipment

twowheeltours will have a full tool kit for your use on the tour as per listed above including track pumps - also our mechanic is there is assist with any other needs.

What should I bring?

It is highly recommended that riders bring tubes, mini tool, brake pads (especially for those using disc brakes!) levers etc which you would normally take on a long ride - recommended packing list.

During the RAP riders will need to be somewhat self sufficient. The event has roaming mechanics and they will be able to assist where needed but will not change tubes for you. It is also recommend that riders bring specific spokes and derailleur tip/hanger - you will be reminded of this during the booking phase. There will be cables, chains and tires, if it gets to that point, available at stage finishes. 

What wheels should I bring?

Over the years we have ridden the RAP with the aluminium wheels, fitted with clincher tires. Please leave tubular tires at home. 

For those bringing disc brakes, please make sure that you bring at least 2 sets, 4 pads in total, of brand new brake pads. 

Bike servicing and washing

All riders, pre RAP, should have their bikes FULLY serviced including, bottom bracket wear/tear, rims checked, new tires, inner tubes, brakes and cables. At each village our mechanic is there to help. If you so wish, you will be able to use our tools for any of your needs. There is NO charge for our mechanical work.

Bike washing

Bikes do not need to be washed each day - they will be wiped down. 

Gearing

It is highly recommended to have a compact crank. Some riders prefer standard cranks, it is up to the rider. About what to run in the rear, ask yourself this question, do you spend much of your time riding in the granny around home? The earlier stages are the toughest, so if you like 'spinning' bring a compact. The majority of our clients have a compact at the front and 11-30 on the rear with some preferring a 32. 

Insurance + cycling licence

You MUST organise your own travel insurance. You MUST make sure all aspects, medical, flights etc. are covered.

Swimming in Europe 

The majority of swimming pools in Europe have a rule that swimming shorts are banned with 'speedos' being required. They state this because of health and hygene reasons. Please make sure you pack your speedos so that you can enjoy a swim after your hard earned ride.

Do I need a Cycling Licence?

No.

A medical certificate signed by your Dr stating that you are fit for cycling is required. You will receive this once you have completed the RAP registration. Once you have it signed by your Dr, please pack it so that it is with you for the start of the tour. 

Diet - Food on Trip

Travelling away from home is always an adventure. The food in Europe is not the same as 'home'. The food in Portugal is amazing and it is one of the highlights of the tour. 

As this is a Fully Catered tour we supply you with all meals. The race organisers supply you daily with lunch and dinner during the event. 

If you have eating requirements/needs please let us know when you book in the comments section and we will endeavour to meet your needs. 

If you are a vegetarian please note that being in Europe it is very difficult to get enough protein and we highly recommend that you bring your own supplements. We have had some clients who have mentioned that getting enough protein was much harder than they had imagined.

Wine

Portugal has become one of the most interesting wine producers in the world, with Portuguese wines winning awards and more and more fans around the globe. The Ride Across Portugal will cross some of the most famous wine regions like Douro Valley and Alentejo, where the participants and companions can taste some of the wines which have put Portugal on the top of the world wine producers.

Sports Nutrition

Everyone has their favourites nutrition companies. Please bring along what you are happy with. Below we list what you will find at rest stops. If you are hoping to purchase supplements along the way please remember that most host villages are VERY remote and most likely will not have what you want.

Want more information about Specific Sports Nutrition for the RAP - Chloe McLeod is a Sports Dietitian who we used to help guide our clients to smarter eating for such events - more information click here. 

Food at rest stops

During each stage there are a number of  Rest Stops and these have: Fresh fruit - oranges and bananas; Dried fruit; Cereal bar; Cake; Water; Hydration powder; Energy bars and Energy gels. Plus local specialities -  a real highlight of the event.

Bringing my own nutrition, any issues with quarantine?

In regards to bringing your own powders and large tubs of powders, we have had clients bring their own from home and they have never had an issue. Most put powder into a zip lock bag, leaving the big tub at home. We would not recommend for you to bring copious amounts of gels/powders etc as there may be an issue. If travel/transit/arrival forms require, please declare what you have in your bag. Lastly, please pack it in your checked luggage. 

Medical assistance during the RAP

Riders’ safety is the N°1 priority of the organisers of the RAP. Each year they entrust medical support to a team of professionals who are experienced with large endurance participation events (cyclosportives, running, trail running, adventure raids...).

The medical service on the RAP will be provided by a team emergency technicians and ambulances. For medical reasons, a participant can temporarily or permanently be withdrawn from the event. A medical emergency number will be put in place so that each participant can easily, in case of a medical problem, let the Event Organisation know.

How safe is the RAP?

The route is not closed to vehicles and ultimately YOU are responsible for your own safety whilst on your bike. The beauty of Portugal is that it is a 'quiet' country, the roads are not busy and with this new route, there will be even fewer cars/vehicles on the roads.

An “end of event” vehicle will close the event. All riders must respect the traffic laws:

• To cycle on the right hand side of the road, at ALL times

• To respect the road signs put in place by the organisation

• To respect traffic lights

• To respect other road users who are not involved in the event

• To wear your helmet at all times

• To display your frame plate on the front of the handlebars at all times

Most stages start with a secured and non-timed convoy of all the participants, at a regulated speed, even for a few kilometers. Each rider has to respect the instructions given by the event management team. 

How fast is each stage, what level of cyclist do I need to be to complete the RAP?

There is no doubt about it, the fitter you are the more fun you will have. The other secret to finishing the tour is being able to complete 6 enjoyable days of cycling, back to back etc. Also do not stop for 30 mins at the rest stops, keep moving.

If you continue to cycle for the entire stage you will have a very good chance of getting back to the hotel at a decent time. The event organisers want people to finish and allowance is made for this to happen. 

Clothing and washing

It is recommended that riders bring at least 4 sets of cycling clothing. twowheeltours gives you a wash/laundry bag [WB] at the start of the tour. We will wash your kits twice during the tour. We will not put the WB in the dryer. On wash days there is a collection bag left near reception. Riders get their WB back before dinner.

Other info on what to bring can be found here. Unfortunately we cannot wash all your day to day clothes. 

Is there gear that I HAVE to wear?

You can cycle in whatever gear you would like. It is not mandatory to cycle in the RAP kit.

Clothing

For the official dinners and functions - there is no dress code. Even at our welcome dinner and farewell dinner there is no specific dress code, jeans, t-shirt and sneakers are more than suitable. There is only so much you can pack.

I've booked my ticket via twowheeltours, what next?

Your main focus once you have booked with us is training and booking your flights. You will be required to complete some twowheeltours paper work which you will be emailed closer to the start of the event.

Paper work

We require you to sign a waiver from twowheeltours. You will also be required to complete a medical form from RAP - this form will need to be completed by a Certified Doctor and stamped by them. This is MANDATORY, if you do not have this you will NOT be able to ride. 

Location of Hotels

How close is the accommodation to the start/finish? Our riders stay at the event hotels and they are generally the start location for each stage. 

Non-riding partners

For non-riding partners - what activities are planned? This varies year to year. We take pride in offering those partners who do not ride the opportunity to have an enjoyable time, not just sit in the van and watch/wait for the riders. When your partner signs up we like to find out what he/she enjoys to do, whether that be hiking, visiting villages, cooking classes and/or markets and provide them with a variety of activities during the tour. Non-riding partners will catch up in the evenings with the riders. We all dine together and you will spend the night together.

Payment

Upon booking a deposit is required, all details of payments will be outlined on your invoice.

How do I make the remaining payments?

Via direct deposit, all details of payments will be outlined on your invoice.  

Payment can be made by Square Up - Amex, MasterCard or Visa* - there are transfer fees associated with Credit Card payments. Please contact us so that we can send you an invoice from Square Up. 

2022 Newsletters

• Number One

• Number Two

• Number Three

• Number Four

• Riders Hand Book 2022