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BIKERS...
Many men (and also women) besides the company of people of the same gender, also have a hobby: motor bikes. Although the phrase "a bike isn't only a means of transportation - it's a way of life" it's a little worn out, it's still true. And many gays share this other passion (the first one is undoubtly people of the same sex!). The freedom sensation, the open spaces, the boots and the other leather gear, the simple social (or..:))!) contact, you name it!...it's all that turns so attractive de life of a biker. And for a gay biker...!  The first objective of this site is to (try to) gather portuguese bikers, beeing gay or bisexual (or even straight), without prejudice or descrimination.
Infos: ABOUT BIKERS AND THE GAY SCENE IN PORTUGAL BIKERS EVENTS USEFULL INFORMATION FOR BIKERS (Camping sites, currency, food, speed limits and other traffic information and, finally, weather/cliamate). We're "allways Under construction". So any sugestions and informations that might be usefull for this page are welcome! Just send us an email... g_byker (webmaster)

ABOUT BIKERS AND THE GAY SCENE IN PORTUGAL

As you allready might know, the gay scene in Portugal is yet a little bit "incipient". First of all because the country was until a few years ago a right wing dictatorship, with a very conservative way of regarding social and sexual behaviours. In those times, consented sex between to adult males was considered a crime. Although now that the constitution and laws of our country have changed in that regard, many people still regard gays and lesbians as "sick people neeeding treatment". That is due to a cultural and educational heritage, which - in part - is influenced by the catholic church and their influence in the way people think. Now it's very rare to happen situations, for instance, of police harassment. But even in the judicial system there's still this "tiny little principle" called "correct social behaviour", that judges sometimes use to condemn gays, in the lack of other crimes!!! But don't think everybody is "hidding in the closet". Some people as to remain "closed" - because they fear to loose their jobs, but many other people have came out. For those of you that are planning a visit to our country, we only recomend some discretion when in public: that way you 'll be assured to be left in peace (meaning: no one will interfere with you). This will be imperative in the countryside, but not necessarily so in Lisbon and in the Algarve. The same recomendation we gave above also aplies when you are amidst portuguese bikers (the straight ones): this is because almost everyone of them - when in groups - have this "macho latino" atitude, and if you show too much you're gay, you risk - at least - to be "the clown of the party". When the portuguese bikers are alone... that's another thing! And when we speak about portuguese gay bikers we could give you this "picture": the Sahara desert. Meaning: it's easier to find a tree in the desert that a portuguese gay biker that states his "gayhood". Yes, the problem it'not that there are not gay bikers here, but they haven't came out yet (with some rare exceptions, of course!) The best way to meet gay bikers here, is to go to a straight bikers meeting/gathering. If you watch closely, you'll find gay bikers. Of course you have - usually - to pretend to be just another straight biker, but as you know, gays "smell" other gays at distance! And after you've spotted one, you will know what to do to capture their attention ;) It will only depend in your skills to the situation... GOOD HUNT!!

OTHER USEFULL INFORMATION...

CAMPING

There is a good coverage of camping sites, specially in the coastal areas. Almost every one is open the year round (except December, when most of them are closed). The prices are usually low and the conditions and service reasonable. Interested in camping sites listings? We suggest the following sites: The most complete guide to camping sites in Portugal: ROTEIRO CAMPISTA The major camping sites company: ORBITUR

CURRENCY

Portugal has joined the "Euro" club. So 1 EURO = 200.482 ESCUDOS. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. You can also get money from the thousands ATM's spread almost everywhere (but beware: on weekdays it's sometimes very dificult to get money, because we portuguese tend to get them dry!)

FOOD

As you might have heard before, here you can eat decent meals - to say the least! From the traditional cookings to the international cuisine; from the fast food :-( to the foreign restaurants, you have a wide choice. And of course don't miss our wines! As our law determines, all restaurants should have a price list outside, so you can chose the most convenient. If by any chance service isn't at your pleasure you can file a complaint in the "complaints book" (LIVRO DE RECLAMAÇÕES in portuguese) that every establishment has to have. If this book is missing or the staff refuses to present this book to you, you can file the complaint in the nearest police station stating that fact (there are severe penalties for the owners and/or staff that act like that).

SPEED LIMITS and other traffic information

OK! You don't worry much about that! But nevertheless the speed limits are: MOTORWAYS (AUTOESTRADAS) - 120 kph (until 140 kph you might be free from getting a "ticket") OTHER ROADS - 90 kph WITHIN VILLAGES OR TOWNS - 50 kph Usualy police is more strict within populated areas. BUT WE MUST WARN YOU THAT IN SOME ROADS THERE IS THE "ZERO TOLERANCE" POLICY: in the EN 125 (Algarve), EN 10 (between LISBON and SETUBAL, IP5 (between VILAR FORMOSO BORDER and A1) and EN 1 / IC 2 if you're caught even 1 kph over the limits or "forget" any traffic rule you have a good chance of getting a "ticket" (as a foreigner you'll have to pay on the spot or...) If you like to drink a lot beware: over 0.7 gr/litre of alchool in your blood, if you're caught by the police, you have a good chance spending the night (or the weekend) in jail, waiting for trial! Finaly, beware with other drivers in portuguese roads (no, not only portuguese): because our "fame" has spread, many foreigners tend to imitate the portuguese way of driving - excessive speed, red light, priority rule and stop sign desrespect and so on...

WEATHER / CLIMATE

Our weather is moderated, hotter in the south, cooler in the north. In summer temperatures span from (IN DEGREES CELSIUS): 35 (daytime south) / 16/20 (nightime south) to 28 (daytime north) / 12/16 (nightime north) In winter: 20 (daytime south) / 8/10 (nightime south) to 14 (daytime north) / 0/8 (nightime north) Sea temperature (in the summer): 18/24 (south) to 16/18 (north)

bikers_b.html * Ed. 2004/07/23