Story
I’m a man of habit – and, if I’m being brutally honest, a bit on the lazy side. When I find something I enjoy, I’ll happily do it on repeat rather than dream up something new. That’s why, instead of skydiving, mountain climbing, or running ultra-marathons, I keep coming back to ride the length of the Algarve coastline… again.
This will be the 7th time I’ve pedalled the 150 miles from Vila Real de Santo António on the Spanish border to the windswept cliffs of Cape St. Vincent. Along the way, I’ll tick off some familiar stops – Tavira, Faro, Vilamoura, Albufeira, Lagos, and Sagres – fuelled by sunburn, saddle sores, and the occasional pastel de nata.
Sometimes I’ve gone it alone, other times I’ve joined forces with the Portugal Pie Eaters – a ragtag bunch of friends who believe in putting the world to rights over the miles, with plenty of banter and the occasional glass of beer along the way.
This year, I’ll be dragging a newbie rider along for their first taste of Algarve miles. He’ll be on an e-bike. I’ll be going acoustic. He doesn’t quite know what he’s signed up for, but I suspect he’ll find out somewhere between Vilamoura and Albufeira.
Over the years, this ride has raised thousands of pounds for charities like Mind, Lymphoma Action, and Andy’s Man Club UK.
This year, I’m raising funds for Friends of ANCHOR, a charity that has been a lifeline for a close friend and his family as they face the impact of living with cancer. The support and compassion they provide – in hospital and beyond – is nothing short of incredible.
Every mile I ride is for them, and for everyone who benefits from Friends of ANCHOR’s work.
If you can spare a donation, large or small, it will go a long way in helping this fantastic charity continue what they do best.
Thank you.
John W. Hayes