Stage 2: From the Ria of Aveiro to great engineering — Discovering Aveiro
Michael Poepke | 22. October 2025
After a misty and magical start in Porto, our igus:bike Tour Portugal continued its journey south to one of the country’s most fascinating natural wonders, the Ria de Aveiro. Stretching 45 km along Portugal’s western coast, from Ovar to Mira, this vast lagoon is where land, sea, and innovation meet. 🌊
Our day began in Ovar, where we visited Flex2000, a long-standing igus partner known for their expertise in advanced industrial solutions. There, we had the chance to see one of our favorite technologies in action igus e-chains® for long travels, operating outdoors under real-life conditions. It’s always inspiring to witness how our products perform in demanding environments, rain or shine, ensuring reliable motion every single day. ⚙️
After the visit, we got back on our igus:bike and followed the peaceful trails along the Ria de Aveiro. The landscape here feels like a dream, calm waters, wooden piers, and the colorful reflections of the traditional moliceiro boats, once used to harvest seaweed and now carrying visitors through the city’s canals.
Of course, no stop in Aveiro would be complete without a quick photo at the AVEIRO letters, with the lagoon as our backdrop! The sun was shining bright, perfect for cycling, but we couldn’t linger too long.
Our next destination awaited: Motofil, one of igus’ key partners and a benchmark in robotic and automation solutions.
At Motofil and ACN, we were warmly welcomed by their team, who had the chance to test the igus:bike and even compare it with their factory bikes, a fun side-by-side moment that got everyone smiling! We also had the pleasure of speaking with João Carlos Novo, the company’s CEO, who shared how igus motion plastics are integrated into Motofil’s robotic systems to enhance reliability and reduce maintenance.
It was the perfect ending to a sunny and inspiring day, a mix of industry, innovation, and the beauty of coastal Portugal. ☀️
As the sun began to set over the Ria, we packed our bike and looked ahead. The Igus Bike Tour is crossing oceans next, heading to the United States, where new roads, new partners, and new adventures await. 🌎🚴♀️
See you on the other side of the Atlantic, the tour rolls on!
Our rider:
Ricardo Carvalho
My name is Ricardo, and I’m part of the Inside Sales Department at igus Portugal. I joined the company in 2021, and since then I’ve been focused on supporting our customers and helping them find the right solutions for their applications. I’m from the city of Porto and outside of work, I like to stay active, handball has always been one of my biggest passions, and I also enjoy surfing whenever I have the chance.
Daniel Silva
My name is Daniel and I work in the Sales Department at igus Portugal. I’m from Vila Nova de Gaia, and I really enjoy connecting with customers and finding the best solutions for their needs. Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors and discovering new places.
Map of the stage:
