Dave was recently asked to do a photo shoot for the fabulous Bike my Side company and we were both lucky enough to be treated to a two hour Bike my Side experience around Portimão and Ferragudo.

We met our guide Delfim over at the Naval Club at Portimão one sunny morning and we were both instantly impressed with the shiny black motorcycle and sidecar waiting for us.

It’s a classic black Russian Ural sidecar motorcycle, whose history dates back to the 1940’s – although this one is actually a 2012 model so it’s got modern technology to support its authentic look. It’s still a quirky bike though, and one that was handled perfectly by Delfim throughout the ride. 

The helmets come fitted with a state-of-the-art intercom system to enable you to communicate as you are travelling, and Delfim will share snippets of information with you that only a ‘local’ would know – it really adds to the sense that you are experiencing something unique and special as you travel along side streets and areas that a car just cannot travel.

We stopped frequently to take photographs or enjoy the view – it really is a unique way to travel, we enjoyed seeing White Storks circling overhead, and felt that we had explored somewhere that we already knew well with completely fresh eyes, as you have a different viewpoint and perspective as you travel along.

The company’s motto is “Private guide with a smile” and they have nine different planned tours available to book. You can also fully customize your own tour with a personalized route, or a picnic, or you could even be taken to church in the sidecar on your wedding day!

Tours usually last between two and four hours and the price ranges from €35 to €100 per person – which seems really good value for the unique and personal experience this gives you. Along with your guide, only two people are allowed on each ride – one on the motorcycle, along with the guide, and the other in the sidecar.

We also enjoyed being waved at and smiled at as we travelled along, there is something so engaging about this little bike and sidecar, and we were really made to feel special on our tour.

The company also have a similar package available in Lisbon and we are definitely going to book them to explore the beautiful city of Lisbon next time we are there. The company are also very eco-friendly and pledge to plant trees equal to their CO2 emissions.

We can highly recommend this as a truly unique way of exploring the Algarve – and we wish the company every success with their tours.

For more information about the Bike my Side Tours you can click this link here to visit their website.

Happy touring everyone – and if you travel past us – do give us a wave!