A bikepacking and adventure cycling challenge in the Alentejo region of Portugal
Please note: Orders placed after May 6th will be shipped starting May 17th , as soon as we return to the workshop. Thank you for your patience and support while we look for some inspiration (and dust) on the slopes...
All photos in this story, unless otherwise noted , were taken by Fotografamos
Here we go for the Gravel Birds ☀️
A 750km gravel adventure through the remote inland regions of the Guadiana Valley and the majestic Atlantic coast
Here we go with the Gravel Birds. The Castro Verde Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO) is home to the largest cereal steppe area in Portugal, one of the most representative in the Iberian Peninsula and throughout Europe. This ecosystem is recognized nationally and internationally for its importance for several bird species, such as the stunning great bustard (Otis tarda), the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni), the little bustard (Tetrax tetrax), the black-bellied sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis), and the Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus).
Along the 750 km, Gravel Birds passes through dozens of villages and small towns, but in some more remote sections, there will be many kilometers to travel far from civilization. In the open plains of the Alentejo interior, the gravel roads are generally quite smooth and allow for a fast pace, contrasting with the more rugged terrain of the Guadiana Valley and the Serra do Caldeirão.
The vast majority of the route runs along unpaved rural roads, composed of dirt and smooth gravel, which allows for a very brisk pace. Along the coast, between Malhão Beach and Pessegueiro Island, the path is on loose sand, and you'll likely have to push your bike.
Alentejo, land of adventure and contrasts
The succession of landscapes is striking: hard and perfect gravel roads, soothing solitude, remote and almost silent villages, ruins of the past that whisper ancient stories, open pastures, cork oak forests, undulating mountains, all the way to wild beaches and impressive sea cliffs. Every pedal stroke in the Alentejo is an immersion: in nature, in silence, in time. The invitation to adventure is clear, deep, and unforgettable. A region to explore without rushing, with curious eyes and an open heart 💛
Photos Atelier Velocidade by Ricardo Vieira
Changing bikes after the Desertus Bikus
On the road with the AllRoad from our friends at Caminade to devour the kilometers of gravel — heading for adventure!
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Even if it rains in the (normally) arid lands of Alentejo, we are ready: raincoat in the bag, big smile on our face... and unfailing optimism, even when soaked to the bone 😄
Follow us on Instagram to experience the event up close: good vibes, breathtaking landscapes, moments of sharing and effort... We'll take you with us.
Velocidade is the feeling of freedom given by speed, the wind that makes your eyes water, the sound of the air blowing near your ears, a little taste of adrenaline that makes you feel good.
At Velocidade, we believe in cycling as the future of transportation! We've created a set of responsible bike and backpack luggage, designed and handcrafted in our workshop in Mirepoix, Ariège. To learn more about our commitments, click here .
MADE IN FRANCE
We wanted to create our bags with a waterproof and UV-resistant canvas certified Oeko-Tex made in France.
DESIGN
Products designed to last a long time with savings on raw materials and that can be repaired, a sustainable design.
REPARABLE
If it breaks, don't worry, we'll repair your bag!
COMMITMENT
As a committed brand, we donate 1% of our turnover to help preserve the environment.
RICARDO VIEIRA - FOUNDER/DESIGNER/COUTURIER
Ricardo has long been thinking about reducing his environmental impact, whether through his sporting practice of cycling, running, or in his everyday life, having decided to be vegetarian more than 20 years ago. Curious and passionate, he started creating and manufacturing his first objects when his grandfather gave him a sewing machine for his 17th birthday, and since then, he has worked to create, repair, and manufacture with the same energy and in the same direction, that of sobriety and localism. Convinced that the bicycle is the ultimate low-carbon solution for everyday travel, Ricardo decided to create Velocidade, and began designing and creating handmade bags, in a completely artisanal way.
