6th – 9th November 2025

LAST UPDATED – 14th May 2025

NEW – Adventure Class – on separate routes

HERE WE GO AGAIN.

MadRon’s cult-like following continues to grow, drawing riders from around the world year after year. Set in the breathtaking hills surrounding Porto, Portugal, the event spans four unforgettable days — pushing endurance, skill, and determination to the limit, whether you choose the easy or hard route.

MadRon is the original non-timed hard enduro — a unique blend of challenge and fun that stays true to the spirit of the sport. Once again, we’re proud to run MadRon in association with the legendary organisers of Extreme XL Lagares.

MadRon’s now cult-like status attracts riders year after year from across the world. It takes place in the stunning hills surrounding Porto, Portugal. The event spans 4 days, testing the endurance, skill, and determination of every participant whether riding the easy or hard options. MadRon is the original non-timed hard enduro that is both hard and fun. MadRon is again proudly run in association with the organisers Extreme XL Lagares.

WHAT WE LEARNT IN ’24

OK, we’ll hold our hands up…

Last year, MadRon may have tipped a little too far towards the extreme. The main route proved too technical in the wet, and as a result, very few riders attempted the extreme excursions — which was never the intention.

This year, we’re resetting the balance. The core route will be made more accessible, with the aim that the Grade 1 Extreme Excursion can be realistically tackled by the average rider — keeping the challenge, but bringing back the flow.

And remember, a guided tour is always available at any point if things get too much. We’ve got your back.

NEW FOR ’25

A new addition for 2025 — specially curated loops that start and finish at the main paddock each day. Expect scenic, adventurous routes that are fun and challenging, with food stops along the way. Designed for adventure bikes and large trail bikes, with some road, gravel and single trail. Not too difficult but not too easy either.

Further informantion to follow.

The paddock moves to a stunning hilltop overlooking Penafiel. Below lies a vast natural amphitheatre that will now host several all-new MadRon features.

here

We’ve removed the prologue and shifted the schedule to finish on Sunday, giving the event a more balanced flow and opening up the weekends activities to local riders.

The premium MadRon experience returns: two and half days of GPS-guided riding. Still challenging, but hopefully a touch easier than 2024 — no timing, just the optional extreme sections if you want them.

Starts at dusk with challenges through eerie, floodlit ravines, ending in full darkness with a dramatic scramble to sanctuary — think “Hell’s Gate”. Timed.

A 3-hour, showcase event contained entirely within the valley below the paddock. Timed and highly spectator-friendly.

Across the weekend, we’ll be hosting extra action with supporting races including

  • 110cc pit-bike tag team race (more info to follow)
  • and kids’ races

— fun, fast, and full of energy for riders and spectators alike.

Significantly more water, fruit and carbs

  • The Service packages will be better defined for 2025.
  • There will be additional Service teams to choose from.
  • Because it caused significant backlog last year it will be impossible for riders to sign onto the service package once they have a problem.
  • If you are not on service you can ask for help and pay the going hourly rate, but only once the team has fulfilled its responsibilites.
  • Bike washing will NOT form part of the service package.

The 2025 service is:

  • Nut and Bolt check
  • Check bearings for play (not replace)
  • Chain adjust
  • Re-align forks
  • Pads
  • Oil level check
  • Clean fork stanchions
  • Replace Air Filter (filter to be supplied by customer)
  • Lubrication (not gerabox oil)
  • Return Bike to Parc Ferme

4 Ways to be MadRon

MADRON

Ride the MadRon route and as many of the marked extreme excursion as you feel comfortable with. The extremes are graded from one to three and guaranteed to stop you in your tracks. At an appropriate point on the excursion your card will be punched.

Includes Sabotage

GUIDED

Join local MadRon guides to enjoy a percentage of the MadRon route with plenty of scenic breaks, coffee stops and a relaxing lunch.

ADVENTURE

Big Bike tracks kick off and wrap up at the main paddock each day, with scenic routes that are all about adventure and fun. They’re not crazy hard, but definitely not boring either—and we’ve got food stops along the way to keep you going. On Sunday, you’ll even have your own class in the Super Special!

Includes Sabotage

MADRON SABOTAGE

24 Hour access to MADRON’s competetive side. Two amazing races timed and run under FIM guidlines. Come and bask in the edgy atmosphere steal the MADRON glory.

Day entry available

Key Highlights

6-8 HOURS OF RIDING PER DAY

ACTIONGRAPHERS ©

HOURS of LIVE COVERAGE

KATIERAPP ©

YOU CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE

ACTIONGRAPHERS ©

NIGHT RACE

XL LAGARES ©

SABOTAGE – 3HR SUPER SPECIAL

MADRON ©

Frequently Asked Questions

Spots are limited! A £250 deposit locks in your place at the price showing when you book. The deposit’s non-refundable, but you can pass it on to another rider if plans change. We’ve had to bump it up a bit to help cover some chunky upfront costs.

If you’re on a discounted rate, please try to stick to the payment schedule — saves us chasing and helps keep things fair for everyone.

Pro tip: selling your place last-minute can be a smart move.

Dedicated UK Bike Transport – Now with Two Booking Options

We offer a dedicated bike transport service from the UK, with four carefully selected collection points covering the North, Midlands, West, and South. Final details are usually confirmed closer to the event.

Book directly with MadRon or with our trusted transport partners, European Enduro Transport (run by James Allen and Damo Butler). Both options offer the same high-quality service using the same truck, but this new structure reduces the need for a generic, centralised system.

Both MadRon and European Enduro Transport also offer bespoke collections by arrangement. Pricing is based upon routes radiating from the home hubs. These smaller support vans generally carry up to six+ motorcycles.

Buchungen und Informationen – Haertl-Tours

The event course is strategically designed to accommodate riders of different skill levels. It starts with the main MadRon route, which serves as the foundation for the entire event. This route offers relatively smoother and average technical terrain, allowing riders to warm up and get into the rhythm. Along the main route, there are designated points where harder routes branch off. These offshoots are graded according to their difficulty and lead riders to challenging sections, incorporating slippery climbs, gullies, steep descents and tight singletracks.

  • DAY 1 – MADRON
  • DAY 2 – MADRON
  • DAY 3 – HALF DAY MADRON / NIGHT RACE / PITBIKES / KIDS
  • DAY 4 – SUPER SPECIAL

*there is no prologue for 2025

Hard Enduro is a sub-genre of off-road motorcycle racing that emphasizes extreme off-road challenges.

It typically involves races that are held on extremely challenging terrain, often including steep climbs and descents, rocky terrain, and deep mud or water crossings. These races test the endurance and skills of the riders, as well as the toughness and reliability of their motorcycles.

Hard Enduro events are often held in remote locations, and can last for several hours or even days. They are also known for their spectacular and sometimes dangerous obstacles, which can include high jumps, narrow bridges, and steep cliffs.

The sport has gained popularity in recent years, attracting riders and spectators from all over the world. It is considered to be one of the most challenging forms of off-road motorcycle racing, and is a true test of the rider’s strength, skill, and determination

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. Mad-Ron was born out of a particularly “tricky” evening.

You can pronounce it however you like, but we call it Mad-Ron because that is what it does.

The written form is “MadRon”.

MadRon is as “Easy” or as “Hard” as you choose.

At the core of each days route is a loop that’s accessible to riders that like a engaging trail with a handful of awkward sections, this is great for scenery and to enjoy with friends. This route is called MadRon and it is enough for most riders.

Along the main route, there are designated points where harder routes branch off. These offshoots are graded according to their difficulty and lead riders to more challenging sections.

We monitor all of this using live GPS and log your achievements accordingly.

At roughly halfway along the route MadRon will establish a pop-up service point with water, refreshments and fuel. The refreshments are free, but the fuel you will be expected to pay for (carry some cash).

A gps device is like a satnav for offroad. It is general a handheld unit mounted onto your handlebars. We load on a route which shows as a line on your screen. You then navigate along the route by keeping the line in the middle of your screen.

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

Unlike more formal hard enduro events 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.

You are required to bring your own GPS. Please use the GPS section below to find out which units we can upload our tracks to.

Almost all recent handheld Garmin devices will accept a .gpx file. Our tracks can have 5000 points and older Garmins and most cycling computers just cant take that much data.

We personally approve of the following:

  • Garmin eTrex 10, 20, 30, 20x, 30x, 22x, 32x, Touch 25, Touch 35 (NOT old HCX models)
  • Any Garmin Montana
  • Garmin Oregon
  • Garmin GPSMAP
  • DMD2 for Android is a great option the Adventure riders (but please dont expect to use it straight out of the box)

All participants will be monitored live using the latest GPS tracking system. This technology allows us to analytically monitor a riders progress through the day and communicate with them if they are alone and stationary for any length of time. This is perfect for safety.

MadRon 2025 takes place in Lagares.

Lagares is a small village with a big name in the world of hard enduro. Tucked into the hills just outside Penafiel, it’s known for its steep, rocky terrain and legendary technical sections that have challenged some of the best riders in the sport. It’s raw, real, and packed with the kind of trails that make you earn every mile. But beyond the bike, it’s also a place of quiet charm, with friendly locals and a strong sense of tradition

Penafiel is a charming town just a short distance away. Just 30 minutes from Porto, it blends Portuguese charm with great food.

Porto is a city located to the west and is one of the oldest cities in the country and is known for its rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage. It is located along the Douro River and is renowned for its port wine production.

Partners / Services / Tech

LIVE TRACKING

Our friends at “Crono Bandeira” equip each rider with a transponder to constantly track their position and transmit it to headquarters. The monitoring device is securely placed at the top of the rider’s backpack enabling seamless two-way communication with HQ. This setup also allows riders to send SOS alerts and allows HQ to contact them if they’ve been stationary for an extended period. Whilst expensive to implement, it massively enhances MadRon’s ability to precisely monitor and ensure the security of riders, providing assurance that they are under constant surveillance.

MEDIA

World renowned photographers

YANA STANCHEVA
& ANTON ANESTIEV

MEDIA

Video, Interviews and Social Media

HARD ENDURO MEDIA

ROBBO ROBINSON

BIKE RENTAL

SERVICE PACKAGES

Ride in and forget for – €80

Service Package – €80 (tbc)

Eighty euros covers the 3 evenings during the event (not the last day). You will be expected to pay for parts and significant consumables. Most parts are stocked including extreme tyres, mousses, pads, levers and filters. Professional mechanics. Bikes are transferred into Parc Ferme after service. Bring cash with you to be paid following signing on.

PLEWS “PRIME” TYRE PACKAGE

Hassle Free Tyres – €tbc

Plews have pledged their full support for MadRon and will be out in force. Their super-soft compound is widely regarded as the definitive — if not the only — choice for the demanding terrain of Northern Portugal. Don’t take chances with anything else. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of their excellent-value ride-in supply and fitting service.

Mousses will also be available.

What is included

and what is not

  • THE EVENT - included

    Payment of the entry fee gives you access to the bike storage and the event’s GPS tracks, refreshments during MadRon GPS (not Bounty Hunter). Fuel is not included.

  • 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 one of 3 delivery/collection points. These points are to be confirmed but will be strategically located Midlands and South.  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.

    For riders from the North you have the option to book with James and Damo of European Transport. They are recognised by MadRon as official transport.

    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. There is secure parking with official police guard at parc ferme. Parc ferme is located in a small village 30 mins outside of Porto.

    Parc ferme is also the start/finish each day

    Lagares, Portugal – here

  • ACCOMMODATION - not included

    The convenience of the Monchique Spa is the only element of a previous Algarve MadRon that we cannot replicate. That said, there are some truly stunning hotels so you are not spoilt for choice in the slightest. Because it would be impossible to second guess what each group values we have decided it is sensible for parties to book their own accommodation. Your aim, for hassle free travel to parc ferme should be to look for a hotel to the north east of Porto…north of the river at very least.

    Parc Ferme is 30 mins east of Porto centre and 20 mins from Panefiel centre. There is plenty of parking

    You will need a hire car.

    HOTEL SUGGESTION: Hotels are an issue in the immediate vicinity of Parc Ferme. A popular choice is Park Hotel in Valongo where there will be other riders and many great restaurants…it’s modern and clean with plenty of parking. If you want to find something local you need to use AirBNB. Parc Ferme is here

    CAMPING (tent or campervan). Basic camping facilities are available at Parc Ferme and is a lovely location right on the edge of the suburbs overlooking a steep valley. WC onsite, but NO wash facilities or showers.

  • MEALS - not included

    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 either a hire car, a taxi or use the metro. The bikes are all kept in a guarded compound at Parc Ferme about 20 minutes outside of Panefiel, so you will need ongoing transport over the event days.

What to do and when

scroll left for more timeline info….

  • Now

    Pay £250 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.

  • July

    Book your flights

    Book your flights to Porto, Portugal

  • August:

    Book a Hotel

    There is no central hotel now we have relocated to Porto. It is expected that you will hire a car and drive 20 mins to parc ferme each day. To avoid the worst of the traffic we would suggest booking something just north of the river and slightly east.

  • 31st August

    Pay the Balance

    You will be sent an invoice by way of a reminder.

  • October

    Prepare Bike

  • Saturday 25th October - To be confirmed

    Bike Transport - OUT

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

  • Tuesday 4th November

    Fly to Portugal

  • Wednesday 5th Novemeber

    Registration

    Day 1

    13:00hrs – 20:00hrs (tbc) – Sign On & Leave your GPS

  • Thursday 6th November

    MadRon Day 1

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

  • Friday 7th November

    MadRon Day 2

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

  • Saturday 8th November

    MadRon Day 3

    9:30hrs – Collect GPS and leave in your own time. – 1/2 Day

    16:30hrs – Night Race / Timed

  • Sunday 9th November

    MadRon Day 4

    – 3 hours Super Special / Timed.

    – Awards.

  • to be confirmed

    Collect bikes from depot

MADRON TEAM

Julian Rapp
Main Organiser of MadRon.
Katie Rapp
aka "Boot Camp"
Paulo Melicia
The mind behind the infamous Extreme XL Lagares race. An expert in building trails, knows the whole region like the back of his hand.
Paul Ellis Smith
Filipe Neves
Track Manager
Wendy Ellis Smith
GPS Gnomes #TEAMDRINKIT
Merch coming soon

RAPPRACING UK

Pidgeon Box Farm
Rodley
Gloucestershire
GL141QZ

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