[Originals] Geotour Aldeias de Xisto 2024 - An epic adventure

It had been a desire for some years, but it took shape at the end of the summer of 2023 in a conversation with our friends Carlos and Pedro, where we decided that this was the year we had to take part. 

Arriving on February 16 and with all our gear ready, we set off in the direction of Fundão to begin this adventure with the prologue.

At the campsite, after picking up our headtorches, we geared up for the time trial, which was almost 4 kms long and pure fun.

With carousel-like up and down sections, altered by small drops and a constant zig zag through the trees, it was a delight for those who had the chance to complete it.

For Stage 2, with a length of almost 90 kms and a positive accumulation of 2,500 kms, it was expected that the legs would be very sore, even with an extra battery for the e-bikes. 

Barroca do Zêzere, the seat of the Schist Villages territory, was chosen as the starting and finishing point, which made perfect sense.

After the start, we headed to Dornelas do Zêzere and then along the left bank of the Zêzere along a fantastic trail to Janeiro de Cima.

After a long climb (so many) we arrived at Casal da Lapa, where the beauty of the Santa Luzia Dam will have remained in the memory of all the participants. We then headed to Unhais-o-Velho (the place we had chosen to stay overnight) and followed another spectacular old trail to Meãs. 

The streams and crystal-clear waters are a constant in a territory that looks like it's straight out of an old storybook.

After another of the day's many climbs, we descended along another spectacular single-track to São Jorge da Beira, where the refueling station was set up and where we opted to change batteries.

With renewed energy, we went on to visit Srª do BTT, and descended a single track where the locals encouraged the participants to take part in their festival.  Passing through Sobral de São Miguel, always on ancient paths and trails carved into the mountainside, where streams abound, we arrived at the Ourondo River Beach to then continue on to Silvares and finish with the most famous of the Geotour trails, Cabeço do Pião, and what a beautiful surprise it was for us. The images seen above fall short of the experience of walking that trail... only those who have done it can understand...

Geotour 2024 - Mythical Routes. An epic adventure