Client Comments2
Motorcycle Holiday
in Central Portugal
Mix it up with mountain on road/off road experience, awesome roads climbing to a 2000 meter height in the national park thousands of unspoilt roads, breathtaking views with kilometres of forest tracks, valleys. river crossings and medieval stone villages.
Just finished Day 5 of my motorcycle week – up to the mountains... the icing on the cake!
This is my third visit to Casa da Roda. The first two were in 2008 and included an introducing to off road riding and a trip to Estoril to watch the MotoGP, plus lots of good riding on the local roads.
I cannot say enough about Geoff's patience and skill, especially this time, dealing with someone who had broken their shoulder exactly a year ago, two days before I was due here for a motorcycle week, which I had to postpone.
So... not having been on a bike for 18 months, not having ridden here for several years and being “that much older”.... Geoff had me get my sea legs on his Kawasaki 100 – Aagh!
But it turned out to be a lot of fun.
On Day 3 having graduated to the BMW650, we went to Aveiro. A Bank Holiday Monday, the weather was excellent and more traffic on roads. Me? Well.... not so good, as I had felt challenged right off the bat not being able to touch the ground. Geoff was great at planning accordingly and I and the bike made it home in one piece. However, we both figured “that was it” for my riding the 650.
On Day 4 I pillioned on the back of Geoff's FS800 to Caramulo. Another lovely day of sun and very relaxing for me on the back. Then.... surprise, surprise..... after we got home Geoff “softened” the 650 suspension and I was able to touch the ground.
So.... Day 5 just completed – (Smiley Face!) - I was so much more comfortable and had my confidence back. THANKS to Geoff – smiling in my helmet – Woo Hoo!!
Still one more day to pack and relax, have a wander around the Thursday market in Arganil.
Linda's cooking is still yummy especially the veg chili and Thai curry and our morning walks with Bobi and Cleo plus the superb weather (and wildflowers) were lovely,
I
could not have had a better week - Thanks
so much to both of you
Cecily May, British Columbia
It would be easy to “ditto” all the superlative comments in the guest book already. I agree, I find them also so true.
This was my second time at the villa/motorcycle week and the weather conspired to make it “different” to my first stay.
Different, but no less enjoyable, thanks to you both. Like the magician you are Geoff, you kept pulling rabbits from the hat of local entertainment, ie. Swimming, saunas, etc.
The ability to turn a damp day into a bright entertaining day is a special skill which I think you both have.
Many thanks for a great week.
Like Arnold..... “I'll be back”!
Andy Fitton, UK
Family Fun - Catherine Coop says:
Thanks for a fabulous week- our third visit to
this beautiful villa, with stunning views and great biking- on road and
off road! Geoff and Lin are such good hosts and made sure we were well
looked after. The biking along though winding mountain roads is just
exhilarating!
James Woolliscroft learning to ride a motorbike
Although I could ride a bicycle and drive a car, I had never ridden a motorbike until I came here. I was pleased that after a day with tuition from Geoff and practice on the tracks around the villa, on my second day I was out riding the local trails and tracks and having fun.
I set out to find a holiday with the intention of learning to ride a
motorbike and with gentle coaching from Geoff I left having ridden muddy
tracks, forest trails, mountain roads, tarmac roads and more. I certainly left
keen to do more on a bike!
Warm welcome- I arrived to a fully stocked cool box and bed in the back
of the people carrier - for the late 2 hour trip to the villa. Geoff had
guessed it had been a long journey- so made sure I would be comfortable - one
of the many thoughtful gestures I experienced during my stay which went beyond
the call of duty.
The hosts- Geoff, Lin and the pooches felt more like family, nothing was
too much trouble.
Geoff knows the area inside out, experienced enough on the bike to ride
at every level. He is also astute enough to easily work out what an individual
may want from a trip and make it happen. He takes great pleasure from seeing
people enjoy their biking and the area. So from a novice like me to an
experienced rider who wants to explore some on or off road hidden Portuguese
gems and improve their riding Geoff is definitely the man for the job!
Lin provided delicious, nutritious meals 3 times a day, kept the fridge
stocked and the pair of them were fantastic company with many great tales from
their lifetime of adventures sitting by the fire with a beer.
The villa is situated in a magical spot, great views down to the lake and
comfortably furnished to feel like home. There are plenty of trails to be
explored and even managed an end of season dip in the lake. The area is
stunning with lush green mountains, sleepy villages where time has almost stood
still built from local materials, open moorlands, cobbled streets away from the
tourist trail.
I am definitely looking forward to another visit.
Hayley Brown - Moscow
David and Sylvia Smith came for their sixth visit to enjoy riding with Geoff through the Portuguese mountains - on and off road riding.
We had an amazing week with you. We loved your villa and you are outstanding and kind hosts. Time flew - we gonna be back. Thank you so much - can't wait ......
Geoff - great off road teaching and guiding through the beautiful mountains of Portugal. We can definitely do with more of that!
Suzanne and Sybille - Germany
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Obi Oji - UK
Thank you for letting us stay with you and looking after us so very well.
We have taken our motorcycles across Europe to Austria and the Czech
Republic, Spain, the Pyrennees, Andorra, France and more – BUT this tops
it all!
Geoff took us on different rides which gave us all an experience to suit our needs. Fabulous selection of motorcycles for both on and off road.
Lin looked after us well – the food each day was great.
What a lovely break – not having to think at all – relaxing and having mega fun.
Breathtaking week!
Paul and Lesley/Eddie and Jo
UK
To whoever is lucky enough to be on holiday reading this:
Great hosts
Friendly and welcoming - its like staying with friends
Great roads
Superb bends
Breathtaking views
Heart stopping drops
Adventures at every turn rain or shine the smile goes on
Geoff tells us there's even better to come - pity its our last day!
A week to remember
Many thanks to you both
Mark and Melvin
UK
Our third time here - so what can we say?!
We must have covered all the roads within a day's ride by now?!
We love the area so much it seems we will never tire of it.
Geoff doesn't seem to and is a great leader giving us fantastic days out
and when we return to the villa, Lin takes over and feeds us so well.
Cleo and Bobi get us up early to walk around the lake - then the sun shines all day. Seems like a dream.
Well done Lin once again for looking after us so well. I think you will have to come back home with us - Margaret
Roy and Margaret Palmer
UK
Catherine and Russell first visited us in 2011.
This year they arrived with other members of their family.
Catherine and Russell went out for some on road ride outs.
Guy took advantage of improving his off road riding with the GasGas Randonne.
While Emily and James "chilled out" and went off road riding with Lin's quad!
Catherine, Russell, Emily, Guy and James
UK
Ekaterina (Kate) first came to Portugal as a pillion rider in 2011. Geoff taught her how to ride a motorbike and she then went home to Moscow and passed her motorbike test. Since then she has bought her own motorbike, taken motocross lessons and ridden (solo) to Vienna and back from Moscow.
Kate returned to us in 2013 for a motorbike holiday and you can see
from the smile on her face exactly what motorbiking (on and off road) in
Central Portugal means to her!
Ekaterina Loss
Moscow
My friend and I came here to relax and have fun. Our week has been great – no wives to nag us – just Lin to keep us right!
Geoff and Lin have made us very welcome and the bike riding has been fantastic both off road and on road.
I loved all the bends and amazing views.
We highly recommend this as a “chilled out” relaxing break from work.
Hugh Bell/Ross Stirton
Aberdeen, Scotland
We loved the villa, we loved Lin’s cooking, we loved Geoff’s biking tours …..
A fantastic week’s holiday with slippers thrown in!
The trails were awesome – going home happy, proud and aching!!
Helen and Mark Bray
UK
This is our second visit to Thrustforth Motorcycle Holidays.
Geoff and Lin are remarkable people having led a life which most
people only dream about but few of us ever do. From motorhome, around
half the world on a shoestring to building their remarkable house almost
single handed which is almost utopia.
If you enjoy your visit half as much as we have done then you are in for a great time.
It’s an interesting life – world travellers on bikes – looking through the comments I see Sylvia and David came here – our paths crossed in the Pecos some years ago.
Whilst here we continued our worldwide
search for the “Number 1 Nata” (Nata = Portuguese custard pastry) –
Geoff immediately took up the challenge and astride his trusty BMWs we
scoured Central Portugal searching out bakeries in monasteries, villages
large and small, castles, swimming pool cafes even resorting to help
from Donald Duck!
Margaret and Roy
Northampton, UK
Lovely restful holiday for me – no shopping – no cooking – Lin, you do a lovely job – much appreciated
Margaret
Northampton UK
I came to Thrustforth Motorcycle Holidays looking for a “2 wheel experience” and I leave having had a wonderful time.
I love a variety of challenges and Geoff was patient and knowledgeable in improving my skills for the road bikes and dirt bikes.
Being able to follow Geoff’s rear tyre all day is fantastic for
letting you just concentrate on the road whilst seeing rustic Portugal.
Thanks to Lin for the fabulous food.
All in all, a great holiday – I’ll be recommending to other bikers.
Thanks Geoff and Lin
Warrington, UK
Geoff and Lin have been wonderful hosts with superb food and great company.
The villa is wonderful – the views from the balcony are beautiful.
The roads are great, quiet and with plenty of bends. Geoff takes you
off the beaten track into little mountain villages – the choice of
picnic spots was great – always by a river, stream or waterfall.
The off road riding was something we had never done and was a challenge – Geoff instilled confidence and knowledge
I would recommend anyone come and visit Geoff and Lin whether for biking or just a holiday.
You could want for nothing more
London, UK
This was our second trip to Thrustforth Motorcycle Holidays/Casa da
Roda and we were just as impressed with the warm hospitality, fabulous
views and the breathtaking scenery as we had been on our previous trip.
We had travelled up from Faro airport which was about a 5 hour journey and due to the fact that we had been travelling from the early hours of the morning we were quite fatigued, when we arrived Lin as always had a welcome pack waiting for us and also a lovely pot of tomato and lentil soup which saved us having to worry about what we were going to do about dinner that night, this was most welcomed and very thoughtful. .
Unfortunately the weather wasn’t that great during our trip but
didn’t stop us getting out on the tracks and trails with Geoff. Geoff
has an abundance of knowledge and experience in off roading in this area
of Portugal and has quite a number of fellow off roading friends which I
had the pleasure of meeting, riding and socialising with. The helpful
tips and words of encouragement that both Geoff and the guys offered
were well received and put into practice, although it still didn’t stop
me taking Geoff out, apologies once again Geoff. .
The Villa has a log burner and central heating which was great to
sit in front of after a hard day on the trails. Just sitting relaxing
and chatting with Geoff and Lin in the evenings in a peaceful and
tranquil setting was just magical and a far cry from the rigors and
stress of home. .
During our stay my wife was unwell and Lin and Geoff without
hesitation made sure we got to a pharmacy to get the correct medication
and also offered to take her to their local doctor, this again compounds
the fact that Lin and Geoff are two very special people who really care
about their guests and are always willing go that extra mile to ensure
your stay is comfortable, enjoyable and truly unforgettable. .
We could write for ever on our adventures with Geoff, Lin and
Casa da Roda but that would only be our experiences, so go and
experience it for yourselves, I can assure you that you will not be
disappointed. .
We have already booked to return in September 2012 and we are really looking forward to seeing you all again soon. .
Northern Ireland
.
Linda and Geoff made us both feel very welcome. The food was fantastic and the hospitality second to none.
I have never ridden off road and with Geoff’s expert help, I did things on a trail bike I thought was impossible.
Although I have ridden bikes for more than 30 years, following Geoff
through the twisties made me realise I still have a lot to learn!
We both thought the roads and scenery were amazing.
Thank you both so much.
This has got to be the best holiday we have ever had.
It is motorbiking heaven on road and off road.
The villa is fantastic with beautiful views
Thanks to Geoff taking us up the mountains – what an amazing time we had with all the little coffee stops – he knows them all.
We also loved walking Bobi and Cleo – we will miss them greatly.
Thanks to Linda for feeding both of us – we both loved your cooking and think you are a great couple
Thank you so much for making our holiday a one to remember!
We will recommend you to everyone.
Liane and John Banham
UK
Luxury Touring in Portugal
www.motorcycle-holiday.com
155 Rua do Fundo, Rua Principal, Roda,
Pombeiro da Beira, Arganil 3300-323 Portugal
Telephone 00 351 235 296452
©copyright 2005, Geoffrey Phillips, All rights reserved