The most demanding Portugal Lés-a-Lés in recent years is over – The genuine spirit in a small village found in Trás-os-Montes – MotoNews
After, the day before, the Conquistadors of Guimarães made ‘damage’ in Penha Garcia, ‘returned to load’ with fence of fifty extras in the smallest village in the Parish of Vila Chã de Braciosa. Where Dalila Valentim, the ‘dear daughter’ that all the inhabitants of Freixiosa attend, goes far beyond the functions of treasurer of the board, no training was spared to create an unforgettable moment. In love with her native village, she has not forgotten her cradle even after spending her life in France, Porto and Lisbon. “Three years ago, the opportunity arose to return and was soon accepted without hesitation. From then on, all the work is done for the benefit of the population, of a much, but even much, higher average age”. And those who are the youngest couple on earth, parents of the youngest inhabitant of the village, Matilde, 10 years old, all done in the last few weeks to gather the conditions for a great party.
“The challenge launched by the municipality of Miranda do Douro was taken very seriously, motivating the entire population and arts of Freixiosa and Fonte da Aldeia, in an event that will surely be recorded for many years to come”. This is, after all, the essence of Portugal de Lés-a-Lés, created in 1999 by virtue of the charm of five motorcycle clubs (Porto Lisboa, Estarreja, Mototurismo do Centro, Motards do Ocidental). Discover the essence of Portugal, its landscapes and people, its roads, pieces and handicrafts, such as Palaçoulo’s razors, bagpipes and castanets, those created from burel.
The passage through Miranda from the top of the Douro and understanding the importance of the Mirandese As well as the value of the Miranda donkeys, a breed that was almost extinct and was recovered by some associations such as the Iberian Nature and Adventure Park of Vimioso where one of the last of the 18 controls that attested to the total fulfillment of the route outlined by the FMP Motortourism Commission.
And, of course, Lés-a-Lés without land paths is not an adventure worth its salt. Therefore, even before arriving in Bragança, time for a detour with the right to cross the Visigothic bridge over the Maçãs River, built in the 14th century. Solid as the biggest motorcycle tourist adventure in Europe and, perhaps, in the World. With a new episode already scheduled for 2024. And with the particularity of celebrating the silver anniversary.
In celebration, the highlight of this edition was an unusual proposal to speak on the arrival platform of motor-rally regular João Correia to his longtime companion, Rita Martins. Who said yes!