Bike Universe Community

Bairrada Ultra Marathon 2026 - 150 km MTB
2026-05-09 07:00 - 21:00 (Europe/Lisbon) | Praça 1.º de Maio, Águeda, Praça 1.º de Maio, Agueda, Portugal
The Concept
BAIRRADA ULTRA MARATHON is a new MTB format, designed for individual or relay participation, offering riders the opportunity to test their physical and psychological limits while combining hard work with lots of fun and adventure.
New technologies have undoubtedly revolutionized sports as we know them, which is why the Bairrada crossing replaces traditional and environmentally unfriendly ribbons with GPS. GPS brings a greater challenge to the race, and besides being much safer and more effective in route control, it allows accurate location tracking of athletes at any time.
The Grupo Desportivo e Cultural de Recardães will organize the 10th edition of the event called “BAIRRADA ULTRA MARATHON”.
BAIRRADA ULTRA MARATHON is a mountain biking (MTB) activity. It is a recreational/sporting event open to individuals of any gender.

The Mission
It is an innovative concept that aims to harness the energy and unifying effect to bring even more excitement to Bairrada.
Its mission is to promote and develop tourism and bring adventure and sport back to our streets in a sustainable way that stimulates tourism, culture, and leisure, while combating sedentary lifestyles.
Time Limits & Cut-off Points

50 km – 4h

75 km – 8h

100 km – 10h

Final Aid Station – 12h

Important: Participants who exceed these time limits must either follow the alternative road track directly to Águeda or use the official event support vehicles to be transported to the finish line.
Participants who choose to continue on the course after the time limit, or after being advised to withdraw by the organization, do so in total autonomy, without any logistic, medical, or safety support from the event.
From that moment on, participation is considered outside the official event. The participant will no longer be covered by the event insurance, including personal accident and civil liability coverage associated with the Bairrada Ultra Marathon.

Time Limit

Maximum completion time: 14 hours.

Official Finish Line closure: 21:00 (9:00 PM).

The Race

The event is held in a semi-self-sufficiency format and is exclusively guided by GPS.

Distance/Elevation: Approx. 150 km and 3,500m D+.

External Assistance: Any unauthorized external help is grounds for disqualification.

Cooperation: Mutual assistance between registered participants during the race is permitted.

Mondego Valley Social Ride: Rice Fields, Castles, and Connection
2026-03-28 10:00 - 17:00 | Figueira da Foz, Avenida Saraiva de Carvalho 16, Figueira da Foz, Coimbra, 3080-055, Portugal
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!
Join our next tour! Check the Events Calendar for rides to your favorite destinations. You can also watch a video about the tour to this place on our YouTube channel.

GPS EPIC 2026 - ETAPA 1 - EPIC Nascente de Emoções
2026-03-28 08:00 - 17:00 | GPS Epic, Termas De São Vicente, Penafiel, Porto, Portugal
GPS EPIC 2026 – ETAPA 1 – EPIC Nascente de Emoções
A etapa inaugural de 2026 convida-te a celebrar as tuas “Conexões” com um percurso Épico, tendo como ponto de partida as Termas de São Vicente.
Prepara-te para mergulhar na beleza natural de Penafiel e superar o desafio de conquistar a capela de S. Pedro e o ponto mais alto na Serra da Boneca. Nesta etapa, vais percorrer trilhos repletos de história e tradição. Deixa-te encantar pela herança rural na passagem pelo Museu da Broa e pelos Moinhos de Cabroelo. Irás também encontrar a preservada Aldeia de Quintandona, com o seu xisto e ardósia únicos e o imponente Castro de Mozinho, uma das maiores estações arqueológicas da Península Ibérica.
Entre paisagens deslumbrantes e locais que moldaram a nossa identidade, vais sentir a energia de um percurso desenhado para te ligar à natureza de forma inesquecível.Percurso pequeno: 45 kms – 1500 D+Percurso longo: 60 kms – 1800 D+

Join our next tour! Check the Events Calendar for rides to your favorite destinations.

🇺🇦 🚴‍♂️ Route Art — cycling the outline of Ukraine
2026-03-21 06:30 - 21:00 | Soure Castle, Largo do Castelo, Soure, Coimbra, 3130-259, Portugal
✔️💛 I’ll Draw Ukraine 🇺🇦 on MTB in Portugal 🇵🇹
Many of you have probably heard of Route Art, but not many have actually tried riding something like this — myself included. Until now I’d just been watching from the sidelines, always meaning to give it a go.
Well, the time has come. Hope it works out.
The route speaks for itself — I think it needs no explanation 😉
Why it’s challenging:
The route is not within a single city — it’s entirely outside any urban area. Distance: 200 km on an MTB, not a road bike. Hilly and mountainous terrain with 2500–3000 m of elevation gain. And all of this in one go, in a single day.
The map has some inaccuracies — part of the route runs through mountainous terrain where there’s simply no other option, and in some sections along the river and canals there are very few bridges, meaning limited crossing points to trace the outline more precisely. But overall it came out pretty well — thanks to AI 🤖
Weather: overcast, slightly wet in the morning with light rain, +10–12°C at the start and +17–19°C by midday. All in all — close to ideal for a ride like this.
This is my first experience with anything like this. I hope it all goes to plan — and importantly, I hope the roads are already rideable after the recent storms in Portugal, the aftermath of which is still being cleared in many places.
I’ll be posting short updates along the way in our Bike Universe Telegram channel.
Starting tomorrow 🔥
Join our next tour! Check the Events Calendar for rides to your favorite destinations. You can also watch a video about the tour to this place on our YouTube channel.

17.ª maratona BTT LAZER ARCC
2026-03-08 | BTT LAZER ARCC, Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal
17.ª Maratona BTT LAZER ARCC
– Maratona 25 km
– Maratona 45 km
– Maratona 45 km e-Bike
Inscrições brevemente…

Weekend Tour: Montemor-o-Velho 🏰 March 7
2026-03-07 11:00 - 16:30 | Montemor-o-Velho, R. de São Sebastião, 3140-257 Montemor-o-Velho, Montemor-o-Velho, 3140-257, Portugal
Weekend Tour: Montemor-o-Velho 🏰 March 7
We’re heading to one of our favourite spots — a medieval castle rising above the Mondego valley, a hilltop viewpoint with the full panorama of the Velho river valley and rice fields, and a walk along the riverside park.
What’s on:
🏰 Montemor-o-Velho Castle — a 9th-century national monument with ancient walls, the Manueline church of Santa Maria da Alcáçova and sweeping views over the valley.
👁 Hilltop viewpoint opposite the castle — the best angle to see the Velho river valley and rice fields.
🌿 Parque Ribeirinho — a quiet riverside park, storks, local café, lunch.
Departure: 📍 Soure — 11:00 (15–17 km) 📍 Figueira da Foz — 12:00–12:30 (20–22 km)
Easy pace, no rush. Just a good place and good company.
Sign up below 👇

Full list of tours: https://community.bikeuniverse.xyz/events

Mountain Ride to the Metal Windmill — Spring Season Opener! 🌸⚙️ | 01.03.2026
2026-03-01 08:30 - 18:30 | Aqueduto do Louriçal, R. do Castelo 11, Louriçal, Coimbra, Portugal
📅 Event Details

Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Meeting Time: 10:00 – 10:30 AM
Meeting Point: Park near Aqueduto do Louriçal
Distance: ~105-110 km
Elevation Gain: ~1,000m
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging — beautiful but demanding
Bike Type: Gravel, MTB

📍 Getting to the Start

From Figueira da Foz: 25 km to Louriçal
From Soure: 18 km to Louriçal
From Coimbra: Take train to Soure (departure 8:23 AM), then cycle 18 km to meeting point

🎯 Destination: The Metal Windmill
We’re heading to a unique metal windmill (not wood, not stone — metal!) located in mountainous terrain near a quiet, authentic Portuguese village.
What Makes It Special:

🌸 Wild orchids grow on the meadow around the windmill (according to plant recognition apps!)
⛰️ Mountain setting — scenic climbs and peaceful countryside
🏘️ Traditional village nearby — authentic rural Portugal

This isn’t your typical windmill tour — it’s a destination that rewards effort with beauty and tranquility.

🌦️ Weather Forecast
☀️ Daytime: Sunny, calm winds, +20-21°C — perfect spring riding!
🌙 Evening: Cooler temperatures — dress appropriately and bring layers

⚙️ What to Bring

Water and snacks (mountain routes, limited services)
Layers for evening descent (temperature drops)
Basic repair kit
Camera (orchids and mountain views!)
Good climbing legs 💪

💬 Registration & Communication
Confirm your participation:

Register button below in this event
Bike Universe Telegram chat
Bike Universe WhatsApp group
Bike Universe Facebook community

✨ Why Join This Tour

🌸 Open the spring season beautifully!
⛰️ Challenging climbs with rewarding mountain scenery
🌼 Wild orchids around a unique metal windmill
🏘️ Authentic Portuguese villages off the tourist path
🚴‍♂️ Great company and shared adventure

This is a ride you’ll remember!
Let’s kick off spring with something special — mountains, flowers, and a windmill like no other! 🌸🚴‍♂️✨
See you on the road! 🔥
Join our next tour! Check the Events Calendar for rides to your favorite destinations.

Bike Universe Community Tour | After the Floods 22.02.2026 🚴‍♂️
2026-02-22 10:00 - 18:00 | Figueira da Foz, Avenida Saraiva de Carvalho 16, Figueira da Foz, Coimbra, 3080-055, Portugal
Bike Universe Community Tour | After the Floods 🚴‍♂️

Event Details
Date: February 22, 2026
Start Time: 10:00 AM (Soure) | 10:00 AM (Figueira da Foz)
Route: Soure / Figueira da Foz → Montemor-o-Velho → Reveles – Figueira da Foz
Distance: ~90 km (from Figueira da Foz) – may vary due to flooded area detours
Bike Type: MTB, Gravel

Weather Forecast

Conditions: Sunny
Temperature: +20-21°C
Precipitation: None expected
Wind: Practically windless

Meeting Points
Primary: Figueira da Foz – bike path opposite the train station
Time: 10:00 AM
Alternative: Soure
Time: 10:00 AM
Second meeting point: Montemor-o-Velho, riverside park next to the café
Time: ~ 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Tour Highlights
We’re organizing a tour to explore and assess the aftermath of recent hurricanes in the region.
Key Stop: Montemor-oVelho , Reveles Viewpoint
We’ll stop at a high observation point in Reveles offering panoramic views of the entire Mondego River valley down to Figueira da Foz. From here, we can assess the full scale of the natural disaster that hit the region.
Route Conditions:
Expect to detour around and, in some places, cross flooded sections and river overflow areas.

Requirements
Bikes: MTB or Gravel only
Clothing: Dress according to weather forecast
Preparation: Be ready for water crossings and challenging terrain

Additional Info
This is an exploration ride to document the hurricane’s impact on our region. Actual distance may vary depending on the extent of flooding and necessary detours.
Communication & Registration
Please confirm your participation by commenting below or joining the conversation in:
Telegram – Bike Universe chat
WhatsApp – Bike Universe group
Facebook – Bike Universe community

Join our next tour! Check the Events Calendar for rides to your favorite destinations.

Hurricane Aftermath Exploration Tour: Mondego Trails
2026-02-14 09:00 - 18:30 | Portalegre
Hurricane Aftermath Exploration Tour

📅 Event Details
Date: February 14, 2026
Start Time: 9:00 AM (Soure) | 11:30 AM -12:00 PM (Figueira da Foz)
Route: Soure → Figueira da Foz → Reveles → Figueira da Foz
Distance: ~85 km (from Figueira da Foz) – may vary due to flooded area detours
Bike Type: MTB, Gravel

🌦️ Weather Forecast

Conditions: Variable cloudiness with clear spells
Temperature: +13-14°C
Precipitation: None expected
Wind: Occasional gusts

📍 Meeting Points
Primary: Figueira da Foz – bike path opposite the train station
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Alternative: Soure
Time: 9:00 AM

🎯 Tour Highlights
We’re organizing a tour to explore and assess the aftermath of recent hurricanes in the region.
Key Stop: Reveles Viewpoint
We’ll stop at a high observation point in Reveles offering panoramic views of the entire Mondego River valley down to Figueira da Foz. From here, we can assess the full scale of the natural disaster that hit the region.
Route Conditions:
⚠️ Expect to detour around and, in some places, cross flooded sections and river overflow areas.

⚙️ Requirements
✅ Bikes: MTB or Gravel only
✅ Clothing: Dress according to weather forecast
✅ Preparation: Be ready for water crossings and challenging terrain

ℹ️ Additional Info
This is an exploration ride to document the hurricane’s impact on our region. Actual distance may vary depending on the extent of flooding and necessary detours.
💬 Communication & Registration
Please confirm your participation by commenting below or joining the conversation in:
✅ Telegram – Bike Universe chat
✅ WhatsApp – Bike Universe group
✅ Facebook – Bike Universe community
