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4th – 7th November 2020 – PORTO

4th – 7th November 2020 – PORTO

MADRON IS NOW IN PORTO

The same Mad-Ron you know and love, but with more epic-ness. In association with XL Lagares.

We have been keeping a secret and it’s been far from an easy decision. Holding the event in the Algarve has become problematic to such an extent that it is now impossible for us to operate in a responsible, bona fide way. Having been friends with the XL Lagares team from Porto for a while they have made it very easy for us to consider operating MadRon in a legitimate and professional manner there. The riding is amazing, more diverse and the format will be typically Mad-Ron. Porto is simple to fly to and very cultural, with fantastic hotels, food and bars allowing you to relax and have a great time. So the decision is made….PORTO it is.

Julian Rapp

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site.

World renowned photographers for PORTO 2020

YANA STANCHEVA

&

ANTON ANESTIEV

A big party with awesome riding..

MadRon is a Hard Enduro Rally staged over four consecutive days. Hard Enduro is technical riding designed to test your skills and stamina over natural obstacles. With an average speed of less than 8 kph it’s a mash-up of trials riding, rally and determination.

With MadRon there is no timing and no penalties, just the satisfaction and enjoyment of the ride. If you don’t finish on one of the days, just put your feet up knowing that tomorrow is a new day.

Like other events of this type MadRon uses a GPS and a few hanging tapes to mark the 50-80 km route.

The name MadRon is derived from the locally distilled Aguardente de Medronhos which is a traditional fruit brandy obtained from the fruit of the Medronho bush that grows wild in the rural regions in which we ride.

Over the years the event has grown steadily with hardcore patronage. The team has grown a fair bit and each year they all give their time for surprising little return to build the brand and reputation. In 2018 MadRon welcomed, for the first time, riders from Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.

MadRon’s tracks, it’s core value, heart and quality make it an authentic bucket list event. It’s now referred to in the same breath as the best events in Europe, but with cheap flights, inclusive transport and such a fantastic luxury boutique hotel it’s truly in a league of its own.

To further the event it is necessary to garner the support of the locals and 2020 sees the event move from Monchique in the Algarve to Porto in the North. Porto promises to add considerable gravity to the event. We are teaming up with Paulo Melicia organiser of the WESS event “Extreme Lagares”. Whilst there will be no attempt to replicate his event we will form MadRon around his knowledge and contacts.

EACH MORNING YOUR GPS IS RETURNED TO YOU WITH THAT DAY’S ROUTES

You leave when you are ready either in a small group or alone, it’s your choice. Static and riding marshals will monitor areas and offer some help and encouragement, then sweepers will close the track after the last rider has passed through.

HOURS OF LIVE BROADCAST ON FACEBOOK

  • THE EVENT - included

    Payment of the entry fee gives you access to the bike storage and the event’s GPS tracks. Fuel is not included – see note on Fuel

  • BIKE TRANSPORT - available option

    UK

    We transport your bike from the UK to Portugal and then back again. Unless by prior negotiation and quotation you are now responsible to bring your equipment directly to us at the central delivery point. They will be unloaded at the secure paddock / pits outside Porto. Your bikes and kit are handled with the utmost care so they arrive ready for you to “trash” at your will.

    Your bike will be required on ************ and will be returned on the *************.

    *could be earlier/later being dependant upon 3rd party timetable.

    GERMANY

    If you are travelling from Germany please contact Andreas Haertl at haertl-tours.de

  • Parc Ferme - Secure over-night parking - included

    It is very strongly suggested and requested that bikes are not taken into Porto. To this end the XL team have arranged secure parking in a small village 15 mins outside of Porto.

    There will also be camping at the same location.

    Ferreirinha, Foz do Sousa, Portugal – map

  • Event Shuttle Service - included

    There will be a regular shuttle service between the Port area and the Parc Ferme.

  • ACCOMMODATION - not included

    We have decided it is sensible for each person to book their own accommodation this year.

    The suggested Hotel is “Pestana Vintage Porto” – map

  • MEALS - not included

    Lunchtime and Evening meals are NOT Included. Because everybody is different, you are free to make your own choices regarding when, where and what you eat.

  • FLIGHTS - not included

    BOOK YOUR OWN – Flights to Porto, Portugal – Book and Pay for your own flights (approx £75)

  • TRANSFERS - not included

    It is also your responsibility to arrange a either a hire car , a taxi or use the metro. For security the bikes are all kept in a compound about 10 minutes outside of Porto so you will need ongoing transport over the event days.

CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE

and switch at your leisure.

BIKE RENTAL

Bike rental options are available through a highly reputable third party. Please make direct contact with us. KTM or Husqvarna 2T/4T

GPS DEVICES

Compatible gps devices are those that operate to a specific standard that we can easily upload the routes to.

There are not enough track tapes (markers) to navigate the routes therefore you must bring your own GPS. Please clear the memory beforehand as it will be deleted. As soon as you arrive please hand over your GPS to us for the initial days track. When you return in the evenings your GPS must be handed in for the next days route.

Colorado Series:

Colorado 300, Colorado 400c, Colorado 400i,
Colorado 400t

Dakota Series:

Dakota 10, Dakota 20

eTrex Series:

eTrex 10, eTrex 20, eTrex 30, eTrex 30x,
eTrex Legend C, eTrex Legend CX, eTrex Legend H, eTrex Legend HCX
eTrex Summit HCSave
eTrex Venture CX, eTrex Venture HC
eTrex Vista C, eTrex Vista CX, eTrex Vista H, eTrex Vista HCX

Foretrex Series:

Foretrex 101, Foretrex 201, Foretrex 301, Foretrex 401

GPS Series:

GPS 60

GPSMap Series:

GPSMap 60, GPSMap 60 C, GPSMap 60 CSX, GPSMap 60 CX
GPSMap 62, GPSMap 62 S, GPSMap 62 SC, GPSMap 62 ST
GPSMap 62 STC, GPSMap 64 S, GPSMap 64ST
GPSMap 76 C, GPSMap 76 CS, GPSMap 76 CSX, GPSMap 76 CX
GPSMap 78, GPSMap 78 S, GPSMap 78 SC
GPSMap 276 C, GPSMap 376 C, GPSMap 378, GPSMap 478

Montana Series:

Montana 600, Montana 650, Montana 650 T

Nüvi Series:

Nüvi 500, Nüvi 550

Oregon Series:

Oregon 200, Oregon 300, Oregon 400 C, Oregon 400 i, Oregon 450, Oregon 450 T, Oregon 550, Oregon 550 T, Oregon 600

Rino Series:

Rino 520, Rino 530, Rino 610, Rino 650, Rino 520 HCX, Rino 530 HCX, Rino 655 T

Zumo Series:

Zumo 220, Zumo 340LM, Zumo 550, Zumo 590LM, Zumo 660, Zumo 665

see list

What to do and when – swipe from right

  • Now

    Pay £50 Deposit

    Choose your package and go through the checkout process. Use the “pay deposit” facility to reserve your spot. Your next payment will be due 8 weeks before the event. Invoices for the balance will be sent by way of a reminder.

  • August

    Book your flights

    Book your flights to Porto, Portugal

  • 9th September

    Pay the Balance

    We should know where we stand regarding Covid 19 at this point. If not we will ask for an interim payment. You will be sent an invoice by way of a reminder.

  • October

    Prepare Bike

  • Saturday 24th October - To be confirmed

    Bike Transport - OUT

    Take your bike and 50 kilos of kit/equipment to the assigned depot.

  • Tuesday 3rd November

    Day 0

    Fly to Portugal

    19:00 – 22:00: Sign on

  • Wednesday 4th November

    Day 1

    Day 1

  • Thursday 5th November

    Day 2

    9:30hrs – Collect GPS and leave in your own time.

  • Friday 6th November

    Day 3

    9:30hrs – Collect GPS and leave in your own time.

  • Saturday 7th November

    Day 4

    9:30hrs – Collect GPS and leave in your own time.

  • Sunday 8th November

    Home

  • to be confirmed

    Collect bikes from depot

BIKE PREPARATION:

Working lights:  There is always a chance you will arrive home in the dark. We also suggest you carry/fit a head torch.

Fully Road Legal:  Your bike should be fully UK road legal. Documents should be kept with the bike at all times.

Tools:  Please carry a tool kit for your bike.

Mobile phone:  At least capable of international calls. A smartphone with Google maps of the area pre-downloaded could save your bacon if you get lost or need an alternative route home as many of the tracks, only meters from where we ride, are actually part of the road network. Google maps will actually navigate you out from the deepest forests.

Tyres: Tyres with large tread, such as Mitas 754 are proven to be NOT your best option. The terrain is not muddy, but has a lot of grit instead, this generally gives a lot of grip especially when wet, so a medium/soft rear with regular FIM tread such as a Mitas EF07 single green is the way forward. One set of tyres will generally hang on for the three and a bit days. 

Mousses: With a lot of large sharp sticks in the ground. Unless you are carrying ALL the equipment to change a tube, Mousses really should be used. You are at best, a horrible push away from the nearest road.

Bike Protection:

  • Sump protection is most definitely required.
  • Exposed linkage protection is highly recommended.
  • Clutch/stator cover protection is advised.
  • Hand Guards are definitely essential (wrap-arounds if you’re a serial crasher)
  • Disc Guards optional. Bent disc are rare but do happen.

Fuel:  Routes are based upon a standard 2T fuel tank with a range of 50 miles, we try to use existing fuel stations where possible, so you will need to carry Euros and some 2 stroke oil. At other times we use a remote fuel point, usually a van at the end of one of the gps sections. In this instance we will provide the fuel containers and monitor your use and either keep a float or reclaim the cash at the end of the day ( no money no fuel ).

GPS and GPS Mount:  See GPS section.

Mad-Ron Team

Julian
Main Organiser of MadRon.
Katie
Event co-ordination
Paul
Wendy
GPS Gnomes (DRINK-IT)
Simon, (imposter), Adam, Mark & Phil
"DRINK IT" Merch coming soon.

STUFF to LOOK AT

ENTER or SHOP

RIDER LIST

NAME GROUP D F
1 Steve Thomas
2 Cliff Barnett
3 Jordan Brigden
4 Geoff Brigden
5 Thomas Smith
6 Neil Challice
7 Joe Beard
8 Andrew Black
9 Terry Higgs
10 John Gilbody
11 Chris Green
12 Richard Manser
13 Robert Parry
14 Robert Parry #2
15 Oliver Cleverne
16 Saxon Nel
17 Nathan Evans
18 Paul Williams
19 Tom Griffiths
20 Jason Gibbons
21 Paul Robson
22 Torsten Valentin
23 Ken Powell
24 Brian Roper
25 Ivan Coufal
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NAME GROUP D F
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NAME GROUP D F
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RAPPRACING UK

GRANGE FARM
LLANFIHANGEL YSTERN LLEWERN,
MONMOUTHSHIRE
NP255HW

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