FARO 2011

Article paru en décembre 2010 dans le NewYork Rider Mag

Salut à toi Rider Newyorkais ! Let me tell ya where to go next year when you will come for your European biker summer camp 2011 One of the most important biker event in south Europe his located in Portugal, in a city called FARO. Over four days in July the Moto Club Faro (http://www.motoclubefaro.pt/home.html) holds its annual Bike Meet on the Concentration Showground right next to Faro airport. The Faro motorbike meet is held for the 29th time this year between 15th July and 18th July. The programme of events includes live concerts each evening, a bike show with trade stands, fairground, together with other events and competitions

The rally is in on the edge of Faro Airport in a terrain belonging to the local Diocese (related with Church) and located in a natural and protected park called "Ria Formosa"; that specific small area is named "Vale das Almas / Ludo" (Souls Valley / Ludo).

In the rest of the year nothing happens in that area and is kept clean and cared by the members of "Moto Clube de Faro". It is about 2 to 3 km from the beach. If you fly to Faro Airport you can get the shuttle bus.

When you enter the city by the highway coming from the airport you're facing an enormous monument dedicated to the motorcycle.

Over the years the Faro Rally

has been the one of the largest event of its type outside of the USA. It's busy, lively, noisy, but with non-stop entertainment (of every description), beer, sold everywhere, at €1.40 per pint it's the place to be (available 24 hours per day). All sorts of food are available from Roast Pork Rolls (whole Bar B Q Pigs) to pancakes. Most of the sales - beer, food etc is by ticket which makes things very easy & you don't need change. Do not expect much sleep because it's very very noisy.

There are the inevitable Custom Shows & Competitions, stunt riding etc. This year has seen the 29th annual "Faro Rally" and the third year the custom bike show there have had been an AMD Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building affiliate event. There is an excellent biker market selling just about everything bike. In addition to the market there are trade stands displaying action cameras, security systems etc all seem to offer a good deal at the rally. The atmosphere is good I have never seen any problems, you get a few happy people but that's it. You can take your own food & drink, into any of the areas if you wish, but no fires.

By far the largest motorcycle event in Portugal, the "Faro Rally" is also one of the largest such events in Europe as a whole, and attracts riders from literally all over the continent for four days of music and riding. Last year saw in excess of 20,000 riders gather for the Rally. The ambiance during these four (very sunny) days is unbelievable.

It's a very long trip to join this most southern rally by the road but it's really worth it!!! And if you do not like the place you can go to tan on one of the numerous beautyful beaches or having a very good diner (not expensive) or a beer with local sympatical people. I have had a great time this year in FARO. I hope to attend once again next year. Will you come? See ya on the road (who knows ?). Hervé (http://blog.hdcollectibles.fr)