WHAT IS PPX?
Pampilhosa Pedal Xperience (PPX) is a cycling experience brand born from the connection between people, territory, and mountain.
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3
DAYS
3
DISCIPLINES
1
EXPERIENCE
full program
DAY 4 | FRIDAY
| 5:00 PM
Secretariat Opening
Reception of participants, bib numbers, participant kits and accreditation.
| 7:30 PM
PPX Welcome Ride – Guided Tour of the PPX Universe
A short ride to start easing into the weekend’s rhythm. More than a leisure ride, it will be a guided tour of the PPX Universe, its spaces, and the surroundings of the Santa Luzia Dam, the stage for the following days’ adventures.
| 8:00 PM
Welcome Dinner
Informal dinner welcoming participants and companions.
| 9:00 PM
General Briefing
Presentation of the festival program, routes, logistics, and useful information for the weekend.
| 9:30 PM
PPX Welcome Party
Informal gathering and celebration that officially marks the start of the PPX Bike Fest.
DAY 5 | SATURDAY
| 5:00 AM
Road Epic 200 Experience
The biggest challenge of the PPX Bike Fest. 200 km and around 4800 m of elevation gain through the most iconic roads of the mountains of Central Portugal… and others yet to be discovered. Available as a single stage or split into two stages in Bikepacking mode, with logistical support from the organization.
200 km | 4800 m D+
| 9:00 AM
Main Activities:
BTT 1 – Explorer
A route designed to explore the area surrounding the Santa Luzia Dam. 35 km of dirt roads, accessible singletracks, mountain villages, and climbs that lead us to discover landscapes at the foot of the sky. An experience designed to prioritize discovery of the territory, camaraderie, and the pleasure of unhurried riding. Because it’s no coincidence, after all, that it’s called Pampilhosa da… Serra (Mountain).
35 km | 700 m D+
BTT 2 – King of Xisto
The most demanding MTB route of the PPX Bike Fest, climbing to Picoto Cebola (1,418 m), the highest schist (xisto) point in the country. More physically than technically demanding, this is a route designed for those who love the mountains, great views, and the pleasure of conquering every climb.
65 km | 2000 m D+
Gravel 1 – Discovery
A route designed to discover Pampilhosa da Serra at the right gravel pace. Mountain dirt roads, forgotten secondary roads, and mountain villages make up an experience designed to prioritize exploration of the territory and the pleasure of discovery. The terrain is mountainous and the climbs are part of the journey. But they are also what lead us to the best views and the least obvious paths.
45 km | 1000 m D+
Gravel 2 – Expedition
The most challenging gravel route of the PPX Bike Fest. 60 km of mountain dirt roads, mountain villages, and paths that seem made to disappear from the map and remain only in the memory of those who ride them. More physically than technically demanding, this route is designed for those seeking adventure, exploration, and the satisfaction of conquering every climb. Because in this territory the mountains are part of the experience, and the best views rarely lie at the bottom of the valley.
60 km | 1.600 m D+
Road 1 – Santa Luzia Ride
A route designed to discover some of the most beautiful and lesser-known roads around the Santa Luzia Dam. 30 km of quiet roads, mountain villages, and mountain landscapes, in an experience designed to prioritize discovery of the territory and the pleasure of unhurried riding. There will be climbs — after all, we are in Pampilhosa da… Serra (Mountain) — but also views that make every meter climbed worthwhile.
30 km | 800 m D+
Road 2 – Açor Ride
A route for those who believe the best roads are the ones that haven’t yet made it onto the “must-ride” lists. Over 60 km through secondary roads, mountain villages, and the slopes of Serra do Açor, in an experience designed to prioritize exploration of the territory and the pleasure of riding deep in the mountains. Physically more demanding than the Santa Luzia Ride, this route rewards every climb with vast landscapes, silence, and roads that seem made only for bicycles. Because in this territory the mountains are part of the experience.
62 km | 1.700 m D+
“Fajão Experience” Walk/Guided Tour (activity for companions)
An experience designed to discover another side of Pampilhosa da Serra. Participants will be transported from the Santa Luzia Dam to the Schist Village of Fajão, where they will have the opportunity to take part in a guided tour through the streets, stories, and traditions of one of the most iconic villages of Serra do Açor. The experience also includes a short interpretive walk and a visit to the Geoscope – Fajão Astronomical Observatory, where landscape, mountain, and sky meet. Because PPX also happens off the bike. Transfer included between Santa Luzia Dam and Fajão. Short walk included. Guided tour of the Geoscope included.
PPX Bike Fest Lunch
A time to gather and share the morning’s stories.
| 3:00 PM
PPX Bike Kids
Because PPX is also for the little ones. A fun and safe circuit designed to give children their first experience in the atmosphere of a cycling festival, fostering a love of biking, nature, and adventure. Small circuit adapted for children, always in a relaxed and sharing environment. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Bicycle and helmet mandatory.
Multi-activities at the Santa Luzia Dam
Because this territory can also be discovered from the water.
An afternoon dedicated to water activities and the discovery of one of Pampilhosa da Serra’s most iconic landscapes.
| 5:00 PM
Round Table
“Getting Lost to Discover: the return of adventure in cycling” A conversation about exploration, preparation, adventure, and territory. Because sometimes you need to leave the usual routes to understand why you started cycling in the first place.
| 6:30 PM
Sunset Concert
A moment to slow down, recharge, and watch the sunset over the mountains that served as the backdrop to PPX’s adventures throughout the day.
| 8:30 PM
PPX Bike Fest Dinner
The event’s official dinner and a central moment of gathering among participants, companions, partners, and organizers.
| 9:30 PM
Astrotourism | Stargazing
When the bikes stop, the territory keeps surprising.
A night sky observation experience, part of Pampilhosa da Serra’s astrotourism offering.
| 10:30 PM
PPX Party
Because some stories start on the bike and end at the table or on the dance floor.
DAY 6 | SUNDAY
| 9:00 AM
Coffelhó Ride (Road, BTT, Gravel)
The last ride. A relaxed and accessible route, designed to recover from the previous day’s emotions and bring all participants together on a single route. The destination is the Atelier da Filhó, where freshly brewed coffee and freshly made “filhó” (traditional pastry) await participants for one last moment of sharing before heading home. There will be some climbs, but this time the reward arrives faster than the effort.
| 9:30 AM
“Aqui Espicho Eu” Walk (activity for companions)
All roads lead to the Atelier da Filhó. A walking route designed to discover Pampilhosa da Serra at a walking pace, ending at the mountain village of Cabril. The experience also includes a visit to the Atelier da Filhó, where participants can learn about and try one of the region’s most authentic culinary traditions.
Difficulty: Easy | Ideal for Adults and Children
| 10:00 AM
Hangover Ride (Road/BTT/Gravel)
For those who went to bed late, talked too much at the table, or decided to test the limits of craft beer and medronho (arbutus berry spirit) tastings. A short guided ride, with the route decided on the day, relaxed and unhurried, meant to get the legs moving again, share stories from the night before, and stretch out the PPX Bike Fest spirit a little longer. Because a festival’s best memories rarely happen only on the bike.
| 1:00 PM
Closing Lunch
The last moment of gathering and farewell among participants, companions, partners, and organizers.
| 2:30 PM
Closing of “PPX Bike Fest 2026”
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