- Day 0 – Arrival and welcome dinner
- Day 1 – Training Day
- Day 2 – Santarem to Vila Velha de Rodao (170Km)
- Day 3 – V.V Rodao to Serra da Estrela (140Km)
- Day 4 – Serra da Estrela to V. Rei (170Km)
- Day 5 – V.Rei to Santarém (130Km)
An off-road ascent into Portugal’s wildest heights
From sun-drenched river valleys to the rocky heights of Serra da Estrela, “The Summit Run” is a 620 km off-road journey built for riders who like their trails steep, their air crisp, and their views unmatched.
This 5-day adventure (including a training day + 4 epic riding days) takes you from Santarém to the towering summit of mainland Portugal (Serra da Estrela) — and back — passing through hidden forests, granite ridgelines, and mountain villages that feel lost in time.
It’s the perfect summer escape: cooler air, wilder terrain, and unforgettable riding from the lowlands to the roof of the country.
Logistics:
We’ll carry what we need for the 3 overnight stays on our bikes (If the group gets large enough, and the organization feels necessary, a support vehicle will join us to transport luggage, tools, spare bike, etc).
Day 0 : Arrival Day
Riders should arrive in Santarém the day before the tour date so they can enjoy the welcome dinner. This first night in hotel is included and so is the welcome dinner (around 7h30pm), an awesome opportunity for all of us to get to know each other and to savour some typical Portuguese delicacies as we talk about the details of the upcoming tour.
Check the FAQ to get instructions on how to get to Santarem (from Lisbon)
Day 1 : The training day
We’ll spend the day training essential skills like understanding traction, body positioning, emergency stops, hill climbing (and descending), etc. Everything we will need to make the best out of the upcoming tour. The difficulty and complexity of the exercises will be adjusted to the level of the participants, so you will certainly learn lots!
At the end of the day we return to Santarém for another dinner together and a good night’s rest
Day 2 : Santarém-Vila Velha de Rodao (~170 Km)
We leave behind the rolling farmlands of Santarém and head deep into Portugal’s rugged interior, carving our way through cork forests, remote hamlets, and winding hilltop tracks. It’s a long day in the saddle — around 170km — but packed with variety, from dusty doubletrack to flowing forest trails.
Our destination is Vila Velha de Ródão, a small town with big drama, sitting dramatically by the Tagus River, framed by towering schist cliffs and overviewing the iconic Portas de Ródão — a natural gateway carved by the river over millennia.
The day ends with beers by the water and maybe a few questionable retellings of the day’s heroic saves and near misses. Welcome to the start of the Summit Run!
Day 3: V. V. Rodão – Serra da Estrela (~140 Km)
Today’s ride starts with a gentle warm-up — scenic dirt trails winding through valleys and past sleepy hamlets that haven’t changed much since the Romans lost their GPS signals. But don’t get too cozy: soon we’ll start our climb toward the roof of mainland Portugal — Serra da Estrela.
The terrain gets steeper, rockier, and wilder as we go. You’ll shift from cruising through farmland to navigating switchbacks lined with granite boulders and gnarled pine trees. The views stretch farther with every kilometer — until, eventually, you’ll find yourself riding above the clouds (or into them, depending on the mood of the mountain).
At the summit, we’ll take a breather (and a selfie) next to the iconic stone tower… after all, It’s not every day you get to ride a dirt bike to the top of a country.
And the reward? A hearty mountain meal and a night in a place where the air is cooler, the cheese is stronger, and the stars are so clear it’ll make you question your life choices… like not coming here sooner.
Day 4: Serra da Estrela – Vila de Rei (~170 Km)
After waking up in the highest village in mainland Portugal (and probably glad you’re not dealing with ocean level temperatures), we start our descent — and what a descent it is: 18km of one of the most beautiful roads you will ever ride, overviewing alpine pastures, deep valleys and the glacial boulders scattered all around…oh, and dont be surprised if we have to stop for a goat traffic jam!
We leave behind the crisp mountain air and head south toward greener, warmer horizons.
As we ride SouthWest, the landscape shifts dramatically — trading stone and the crisp mountain air for rivers, eucalyptus forests, and rolling ridgelines. The terrain becomes faster, looser, and a little more playful, just like our mood after a day up in the clouds.
Our destination is Vila de Rei, the official geodesic center of Portugal — yes, we’re literally hitting the heart of the country. It’s a quiet, picturesque town surrounded by wooded hills and crystal-clear streams, and the perfect spot to unwind after a long, rewarding day in the saddle.
Dinner will involve large portions, cold drinks, and several exaggerated retellings of today’s ride 😛
Day 5 – Vila de Rei – Santarem (~130 Km):
Our final riding day kicks off with a short but scenic detour around Vila de Rei’s hills and rivers, where you’ll squeeze in a few last moments of trail magic.
From there, we start carving our way South, swapping pine forests for rolling farmland and sunbaked plateaus. The terrain changes once again, giving you a bit of everything: fast-flowing dirt roads, rocky scrambles, and that perfect, dry summer dust that leaves you and your gear looking 10% cooler (and 30% filthier).
As Santarém comes back into view, you’ll feel it — that bittersweet “end of the ride” vibe. Muscles tired, heart full, chain a little rattly, but you’ve done it. You’ve Summited, coasted, climbed, and conquered.
Once back at HQ, we’ll wrap things up with a shower, a cold drink, and some well-earned lounging. If you’re staying in town an extra night, we’ll sort your transfer to the hotel. If you’re heading out, don’t worry — we’ll send you off fresh, fed, and probably a little sunburned.
You came. You saw. You rode. You’ve earned the right to brag — and we fully encourage it.
