alentejo | portugal
BIKEPACKING EVENT IN THE LAND WITHOUT SHADOWS
​MANIFESTO​ ​GUIDELINES​
 

'Gravel Birds Ultracycling' is an unsupported bikepacking challenge in the land without shadows: Alentejo, Portugal. A journey across one of the most remote territories of Southern Europe. The 5th edition departs and finishes in Castro Verde. Meeting point on the evening of 8 May 2026 for the event briefing and community dinner.

Three routes available: L’Abetarda, Gravel Birds Classic and Gravel Birds XL 1000.

May 09-15 '26 | Alentejo, Portugal.

[APPLICATIONS OPEN: 1 SEPTEMBER 2025]




THE ROUTE(S)

From the gravel paradise and rolling terrain of Baixo Alentejo, to the historic city of Évora and the breathtaking village of Monsaraz, to the impressive industrial ruins of Minas de São Domingos, to the rough and adverse territory of Serra do Caldeirão in the borderlands with Algarve, and the majestic Atlantic shoreline of Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast. 

Three routes available: L’Abetarda, Gravel Birds Classic and Gravel Birds XL.

[ more ]

GUIDELINES

'The hardest line to cross is the starting line'. The GUIDELINES is the key page for those planning to join us in the Alentejo on May 2026. We're looking for adventure cyclists committed to participate in our event. Here you'll find all the relevant information about the concept behind Gravel Birds Ultracycling, our values and principles, as well as information about the application and registration process.

See you at the starting line in the land without shadows, Alentejo.

[ more ]

What is 'Gravel Birds Ultracycling'?
‘Gravel Birds Ultracycling’ is simultaneously a personal bikepacking challenge and a collective cycling adventure. An opportunity to face your physical and emotional limits while other adventurers are doing the same. It isn't a race or a competition. Gravel Birds follows 'self supported' approach and drafting is not allowed.
Routes Profile and Time Limit
Bikepackers can ride one of the three available routes: the classics L'Abetarda, Gravel Birds Classic or the new longer loop with 1.000 kilometers: Gravel Birds XL. All routes start and end in Castro Verde. 'Gravel Birds Classic' has around 11,000 meters of elevation gain and it is 75% off-road. L’Abetarda has 5,000 meters of climbing and it is 65% off-road. Gravel Birds XL has 15,000 meters of climbing. In all routes, riders will have seven days to complete their journey.
How to Arrive to Castro Verde
The closest airports are located in Faro and Lisbon. Funcheira is the closest train station to Castro Verde: 30 km away. From Faro train station takes 1h30m. From 'Lisboa-Oriente' train station takes 2h. Transport your bike in InterCity trains. You can store your belongings with us in Castro Verde. Faro is around 100 kilometers away from Castro Verde by bike - thats a proper warm-up bike ride.
What Does 'Self Supported' Mean?
Unsupported ultracycling seeks the essence of cycling through the spirit of adventure, independence, autonomy and equality of circumstances among all participants. It's about your experience and challenging your own limits. So makes no sense to receive help with resupplying, accommodation, transportation and mechanical support. You can only use the commercial services available to the public and that are available to all riders.
What Does 'No Drafting' Mean?
Drafting is not allowed: you cannot ride on the wheel of other participants, cyclists or vehicles, thus obtaining aerodynamic advantages.
Mandatory Items for Participants
Helmet, reflective vest (nights and poor visibility conditions), frontal and rear lights (including a backup kit), emergency blanket. The organization assures personal insurance for accidents (expenses for treatment, repatriation, disability and death). Presence at the briefing session is mandatory (on May 8th evening).
gb25_partners_final

THE BIRDS' MAIL ALERTS

BE THE FIRST TO GET NEWS ON UPCOMING EDITIONS