The Portuguese Motorcycling Federation (FMP) has again associated Portugal de Lés-a-Lés Off-Road with forest defense through the 8th Reflorestar Portugal de Lés-a-Lés Campaign, which accompanies the 11th edition of the off-road event. The initiative seeks to raise awareness about the importance of preserving native species and the risks of fire and soil erosion. Although this year's route does not cross the Trás-os-Montes Northeast, the organization highlights the harshness of the region's mountains and the Douro Internacional as an example of the challenges encountered in previous editions.
The campaign starts on October 1st in Vila Verde, with environmental awareness actions aimed at students and planting of trees suitable for the region's characteristics. Participants will also receive educational materials developed by FMP to raise awareness among the youngest about the importance of native forests.
The 11th Portugal de Lés-a-Lés Off-Road will link Vila Verde to Portimão, with a stopover in Viseu and Almeirim. Along approximately 300 kilometers daily, participants mostly travel on dirt roads, rural paths and more challenging sections, crossing different landscapes and ecosystems of mainland Portugal. The first stage includes the mountains of Valongo, Freita and Arada, then moving to drier areas marked by eucalyptus plantations, before passing through Ribatejo and descending to the Algarve, including the area of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
The initiative maintains a tourist and non-competitive nature, combining the discovery of the territory with environmental awareness. Registrations are open until September 14th.
