Macieira de Cambra to Oliveira de Frades Motorcycle Route Along Rio Caima

The road section covered in this article is located in Portugal, connecting the towns of Macieira de Cambra and Oliveira de Frades. This route lies within the country’s mainland and traverses a region characterized by moderate elevation changes, ranging from 151 meters (495 feet) to 756 meters (2,480 feet) above sea level. The road runs adjacent to the Rio Caima for approximately 9% of its length, a tributary of the Rio Vouga, which adds a natural water feature to the ride. The route passes through several small settlements and rural areas, with about 10.3% of the road running through inhabited zones. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The total length of the road is approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles). The surface is asphalt with a quality rating of 3.7 out of 5, indicating a generally good but not perfect riding surface. The road is moderately twisty, rated at 2.17 on a scale where 3 represents extremely curvy roads, making it suitable for riders who enjoy some technical riding without excessive complexity. The road width is predominantly wide (about 91%), with a small portion being middle width (7%) and a very minor section narrow (1%). Most of the road (about 84%) consists of two lanes, while a smaller portion (10%) is single lane. This configuration supports comfortable overtaking and passing in most sections.

The route follows several named roads and streets including Estrada Nacional 227, Estrada Regional 227, Estrada das Laranjeiras, Rua Luis Bernardo de Almeida, Rua da Batalha, Rua da Música, Rua Fundo da Laje, Estrada de Santa Cruz, Rua do Padre Joaquim Augusto Tavares, Estrada Principal de Santa Cruz e Vila Nova, Rua da Espinheirinha, Rua Padre Manuel Correia da Rocha Guimarães, Rua da Lavandeira, Rua Santa Luzia, Rua Salvador Coutinho, and Rua do Roseta. The starting point is near Macieira de Cambra, a town located about 1 kilometer from the route’s beginning, and the endpoint is close to Oliveira de Frades, another town approximately 5.6 kilometers from the route’s end. The road’s alignment along the Rio Caima provides a natural corridor that enhances the riding experience.

The road runs alongside the Rio Caima for a significant portion, offering riders views of the river environment. The Rio Caima is a tributary of the Rio Vouga and is notable in the region. Additionally, the route passes near a viewpoint, providing an opportunity for riders to stop and appreciate the surrounding landscape. The presence of this viewpoint adds a point of interest for those looking to combine riding with brief sightseeing. More information about the river can be found on its Wikipedia page.

This article focuses on the road section visible on the map below, which highlights the route’s path and key features. Riders should be aware that the road does not have any known tolls or entrance fees, but conditions may change, so checking local sources before travel is advisable. There are no reported seasonal closures or motorcycle-specific restrictions on this route. For more information about road tolls and fees in Portugal, riders can consult the official Portuguese road authority websites. The road’s asphalt surface and moderate curviness make it suitable for a variety of motorcycles, from touring bikes to sportier models.