'Heading SouthWest' is a self-supported and adventure-cycling challenge across Portugal in one-stage. The route starts in the Center of the most southwestern country of Europe and finishes in the most southwestern region: Algarve. Along the on-road (set) route with around 1.100KM & 15.000M of climbing, long-distance cyclists will face the diversity of the Portuguese landscapes - from mountains of the Central System to the hills/plains in South. The 2nd edition starts on June 3 2023 in Coimbra and finishes in the 'Portuguese Cycling Mecca': Germano biciArte Café.

MANIFESTO

THE SPIRIT OF THE CHALLENGE

the route

REWILDING SERRA DA ESTRELA EDITION

registration

OPENS ON DECEMBER 1ST 2022

2022 EDITION

REPORT/ROUTE OF THE INAUGURAL EDITION

heading southwest // rewilding estrela

On August 2022 a wildfire ravaged 25% of the protected area of Serra da Estrela. Estrela is the highest mountain range in Portugal mainland and the ‘lungs’ of the country. It’s also an UNESCO Global Geopark and the ex libris national destination for cycling.

'SouthWest' will support the reborn of Serra da Estrela: (1) despite the dark mark on the landscape, the route will cross this territory and we will highlight Estrela as the main spot of the route; (2) we will offer 5% of the participants fee to a local Non Governamental Organization focus on wildfires prevention/rewilding in Serra da Estrela. A symbolic contribution, but with a key message.

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