FANCY A NEW CYCLING HOLIDAY DESTINATION? TRY THE SOUTH WEST ALGARVE, SAYS PETER WARD

• Thursday, 9 August 2007
• Cycling Weekly
• 0 Comments

LOOKING for somewhere new for a cycling holiday?

Why not follow Peter Ward’s wheel marks in the South West Algarve?

Ward, who a few years ago pioneered league racing for third and fourth cat riders in North West England, has turned his hand to charting cycle routes in Portugal.

He’s designed 21 route cards from Portimao and Praia da Rocha? And also sussed out accommodation.

Ward, a former international and author of “King of Sports”, says: “In my long experience of cycling abroad, in several countries, this area offers the best combination of warm, dry weather; good surfaced – traffic-free – country roads and a wide variety of terrain.”

What began as simple wish to share his discovery with other riders –cyclists out of season largely neglect the area – soon took on legs of its own when he made the acquaintance of the chairman of the Jardim doVau hotel.

He told Ward he was a member of Manchester Wheelers and used to know Reg Harris!
By his own admittance, Ward gets carried away by his own enthusiasm when organising bike events. And although he had support for the initial printing of the route cards, he’s largely spent his own money.

So, to offset costs, he makes small charge of £8 for three route cards and map. Five per cent will go to supporting cycling safety.

“Any cyclist who organises 10 members/friends, or books 10 apartments during the off-peak periods can qualify for a 10 per cent discount, or one of the 10 apartments free,” says Ward.

To buy three route cards and map, send £8 (10 Euros) to P. Ward, 8 Lappet Grove, Preston, PR4 ODF. Tel: 01772 723318.

Or email: pete.ward@hotmail.co.uk.
For more information: www.algarvecycleroutes.com
For details of accommodation: www.algarveselect.com