The bicycle and the train complement each other harmoniously.
In everyday life, the train and bicycle work well togetherthe first for longer distances, the second for the last kilometer. In the context of a tour, we can also have a perfect marriage: the bicycle can, in this case, serve us for longer distances, while we pedal through new landscapes and territories, and the train allows us to reach the point from which we want to leave (or to make our way back).
Paulo Guerra dos Santos, which has dedicated itself to mapping the National Cycle Tourism Networkan annual guide to the best cycling routes in the countrylaunched this year an extra work: a map of trains that allow the transportation of bicycles and their conditions of transport. The map was created in collaboration with Dario Silva, a CP train driver, and includes both CP and Fertagus services.
O bicycles are allowed and free of charge on almost all CP and Fertagus trainsbut there are several constraints. For example, on Alfa Pendulares trains, only folding bicycles or "normal" but disassembled bicycles can be carried. Paulo's map shows, on a scale of green, yellow and red, the train connections where there are guaranteed seats, restricted seats or very restricted seats. You can also see how many bikes can be carried on each train.
You can download the map here:
A National Cycle Tourism Networkcreated by Paulo Guerra dos Santos, features tourist routes "to travel by bike in slow travel mode and discover every square meter of a territory so varied in environments and heritage". Around 7300 km of routes are mapped, organized into three itineraries, over 380 pages with maps and photos, and with 184 tracks for use in a GPS navigator. The complete work costs 100 euros. On Paulo's websiteHowever, it is possible to download some free maps and routes.
