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Mondego Valley Social Ride: Rice Fields, Castles, and Connection
Bike Universe weekend tour
Friends, it’s time to slow down and savor the Portugal we often fly past at high speed. Bike Universe Community invites you to a special weekend tour—flat, scenic, and focused on the soul of the journey.
What is this ride about?
Forget 15% gradients and endless climbs. For this edition, we’ve selected a route accessible to everyone. Our goal isn’t to break athletic records, but to relax in great company, discuss our interactive map project, and take in the aesthetic beauty of the Coimbra region.
The Route: From the Coast to the Heart of History
We will traverse the picturesque Mondego River valley—a unique place where nature meets history. Our path winds through the famous rice fields, which look like a vast mirror or an emerald carpet depending on the season. This is the flattest part of the region, making every pedal stroke a pure pleasure.
We’ll pass through charming, authentic villages where time seems to have stood still. The highlight of the landscape will be the view of the majestic Montemor-o-Velho castle, towering over us as we roll across the plains.
Distance: 60 – 80 km (depending on the group’s mood).
Terrain: Flat, comfortable for both Gravel and MTB.
Pace: Social Ride (leisurely, with plenty of stops).
Logistics and Meeting Points
We’ve organized the route to make it easy for everyone using the train network:
Starts: Groups will head out from Figueira da Foz and Soure.
Departure: 
Soure — 10:00 (17–19 km) Figueira da Foz — 10:00 (23–24 km)
The Meet-up: We will all gather at the Montemor-o-Velho train station. This is the perfect spot to merge into one large cycling column.
The Journey Forward: From there, we will ride together through the valley toward the historic city of Coimbra.
Coffee, Shopping, and Conversation
What’s a ride without a break? In one of the small towns along the way, we’ll stop at a local pastelaria for a coffee and the aroma of fresh pastries.
The route also allows for a quick pause for some light shopping—perhaps you’ll want to pick up some local products or regional souvenirs. Most importantly, this is the perfect time to discuss our interactive map project and the future of our community in detail.
Flexibility at the Finish
As we approach the final stretch near Coimbra, the ride remains flexible. Since we are a diverse group from different areas, there is no “forced” finish line. Some of us may choose to cycle back to Figueira da Foz or Soure, while others might prefer to hop on a train from Coimbra or other station to their respective home cities. We’ll enjoy the ride together, and everyone can decide their best way home once we reach the city’s outskirts.
Why Join Us?
The space between Figueira and Coimbra is a hidden gem. There’s no hustle of major highways—only storks in their nests, the soft rustle of the river, and the faint scent of the Atlantic breeze. It’s a day to reset, find like-minded people, and enjoy living in one of the most beautiful corners of Portugal.
Ready to roll?
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can ride this Saturday! We look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
Confirm your participation by clicking the button below so we know how much coffee to scout for!