Moto Clube Faro - Bikers Paradise

Posted on August 7, 2007
Filed Under Algarve Events

Ever dreamt of seeing Europe on the back of a Harley, or having the wind in your hair, ground at your feet, while straddling your baby along the scenic routes of Europe’s gorgeous roads? Whether you’re an adventurer, a wonderer or a weekend rider and your baby is a Harley, a Vespa or something in between, this year’s Moto Rally in Faro, Algarve was the destination of 40,000 bikers just like you. A mammoth presence doubling this small towns population from 50,000 to 90,000 overnight. The annual gathering in Faro’s, Valley of Souls (Vale de Almas) lasted four days, serving up parties, concerts and a lot of beer.

Moto Clube Faro, Algarve Portugal

The bikes started rolling in a couple of days before the party kicked off, and in no time biker fever was on. Businesses put out welcome signs, the city increased its road safety, gas stations gave out mini packs of snacks, bike parking was sectioned off all over the city, and the Valley of Souls came back to life, opening its arms in welcome of its returning flock.

Although the thought of 40,000 bikers in one place, could be intimidating to some, not Faro. The Moto Clube Faro has been hosting Europe’s largest international Moto Rally for 25 years strong, and has the organization, safety and fun factors all sewn up.

Over the four days of Moto Rally, an entire city was erected from the sands of the Valley, creating a humming nest of motors and riders that coddled every need of this nomadic brood, from bathing and shopping to food, concerts and of course a safe place for baby to rest. Entertainment didn’t disappoint with a great line up of acts, and one causing bikers and non-bikers alike to scramble for tickets to raspy voiced headliner and legend, Joe Cocker. A fantastic concert and a voice that continues to impress, time immaterial. To balance off the rough edges, there was no shortage of beautiful women, and an erotic show finished off the night in good measure.

The final day of Rally concludes with a “Last Lap” (Ultima Volta), bikers pack up and take the celebrated last tour through the city, proudly displaying their chrome candy, before leaving their adopted nest for another year. This year’s last lap was historic in size and created an awesome pounding of motors through well-lined streets of spectators who stood in awe. Young and old alike come to see this spectacle every year, and what a site it is. Even from the side lines its impossible to miss the strong sense of camaraderie and inclusion of every rider here, whether your bike is pink, bad ass or ancient, you are a member of this family and there’s a thick veil of guardianship that blankets all its members.

Faro celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2006, hosting Europe’s largest international bike Rally. Now 26 years strong, another Rally has come and gone, but this years Rally left a little token behind. A stunning stainless steel and stone memento in “Honor the the Biker”, the sculpture was commissioned by the Camera de Faro (City of Faro), and designed by Joao Antonio Eglesias of Leiria. Erected in a well-chosen location in the center of Avenida Gulbenkian in Faro, the striking statue permanently marks Faro as Europe’s Moto Capital.

But the best news was yet to come, after the Rally was all packed up and its flock well on their way home, Moto Clube Faro proudly announced it continues to maintain its successful, ZerOKilled program for safety. Making sure everyone has a safe Rally and gets home safe and sound, no easy feat for a congregation of this size. Força Moto Clube Faro! We look forward to seeing you all again, next year.

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Comments

One Response to “Moto Clube Faro - Bikers Paradise”

Courtney on May 20th, 2009 10:43 am

Sounds great! I’m looking to hire a Vespa when I’m down in September, can you recommend anyone? http://www.vesparent.com doesn’t rent vespas!
Alternatively can you recommend any other bike rentals?
Thanks

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