Hello

Im going to have a holiday at Madeira in the beginning of july. Id like to know is there any possibilities to rent a bike in Funchal? Is it even possible to ride a bike among all the hills and mountains?!

:-)

You will find it very hard work to go any distance without a long climb. I have only ever seen a few cyclists here and they must be real atheletes. Der

I took my bike along with me for 8 days of unforgettable climbs on the mountains. It's true that only in the cities you can bike for longer than few kilometers without encountering a mountain! Then again thats why I chose it as a holiday destination. It's difficult to find good bike rentals, expecially for road bikes with proper gears for climbing, better luck for people that like MBs. Luckily we knew this in advance and went trought the trouble of transporting our own.

I am going to Funchal in September and taking my road bike. I love hills which is why I am taking my bike. Can you offer any advice about places to cycle etc.
I have read the climb to Pico do Arieiro via de Poiso pass is one to do.

Hi dodge,

on Madeira there are only hill roads (besides the ViaRapida and ViaExpresso).
But the drivers on Madeira are not used to bikers (like on Gran Canaria).

You can take all roads to Poiso (Funchal, Faial, Santo da Serra, Areeiro).
Especially the north-east part of Madeira has nice mountainous roads with less traffic.

I recommend also the route from Arco de Calheta to Pico da Urze (Jungle Rain) and down to Ribeira da Janela via Fanal.

The cobbled road from Calheta to Rabacal is not recommended.

Regards - Anton

[mac-im-netz.de]

I am staying at the hotel savoy gardens 6th -20th september.I will have my road bike with me.Is there anyone near Funchal I can chat to when there about rides etc?
Can anyone else give me more information about cycling here?
Is mountain biking available?
Dodge