More than a local business, the Germano biciArte Café, in Alte (Loulé) is a mandatory meeting point for cyclists who travel along the roads and paths of the Algarve coast, as well as a stop for rest and, perhaps, tasting the gastronomy typical, for tourists visiting the well-known attractions of the village.
Coming five years since its inauguration, the Germano bicArte Café, «a bike café dedicated exclusively to bicycles and cyclists», appears in a tribute by Pedro Domingues, owner of the establishment, to his grandfather Germano who, «in the 30s, had had a bicycle house here», he confides in an interview with Sul Informação.
“My grandfather had a bicycle house here, where he rented or arranged them when necessary, and then there was a tavern right next door. Therefore, the idea arose to unite the two old spaces in a tribute and create the Germano brand, which is registered», explains the owner.
After the establishment was sold to become a bakery, Pedro Domingues bought it, «with the aim of having a space dedicated to bicycles and another to the cafeteria, which sells local products from here in our municipality».
However, over time, the Germano biciArte Café “became a pilgrimage point” for cyclists and tourists who, “when passing the EN124, or when visiting Alte, end up stopping, resting and even eating some small snacks that we have».
«A lot of people have come from the cycling area, from amateurs to professionals, who usually come to this area to train. We are close to Malhão, a good road, very interesting routes for them to train and, therefore, we have received these cycling lovers as if they were at home».
Passionate about these two-wheeled vehicles from an early age, Pedro Domingues put aside his training in the field of plastic and graphic arts, «because things didn't go well», and dedicated himself to opening his own business, in which he managed to « have comfort and emotional well-being", because "I'm producing and handling what I like: bicycles".
Pointing to the small area created in the corner of the Germano biciArte Café, «which cannot be called a workshop», Pedro Domingues says he has «an SOS space» to help cyclists who «happen to have a problem with their bicycles and instead calling someone to help them, we arrange it while they can have a coffee and rest their legs».
“Sometimes I'm also here to make some parts by recycling bicycles. It's more for people to see what we produce. We have earrings, key rings, watches, lamps. All made with the remains of bicycles that are thrown away. It's like a small studio!».
«This small “workshop” becomes a key point to help cyclists who need help around here», exclaims Pedro Domingues.
With more and more people visiting the space, «who come, get to know, like and come back again», the Germano biciArte Café has received many cyclists who, after having started pedaling, «come back without their bikes and bring them right away. the family to get to know the establishment and take a tour of the sights of Alte», stresses Pedro Domingues.
This is the case of José Miguel, an amateur cyclist, who on his morning pedal trips, stops every day at the café and admits that “it's a good place to stop and rest your legs”.
“It's a cozy place where you can spend a good amount of time. A mandatory stopover for all cycling lovers», José Miguel tells Sul Informação.
The owner of the establishment emphasizes that «many of the customers with whom we already have constant friendships feel a connection with the space» and, «when they enter here, we feel a connection with the people, we ask what they are doing, whether they are good or bad» . They are also “help when we make mistakes”, because “we listen to them and try to learn so that we can do things differently and improve our services”.
Over these years, Pedro Domingues confesses, with a twinkle in his eyes, that «the feedback it has been excellent and this gives us strength to have new projects and new things in mind».
The next step, «which is being devised», is «a new project for local accommodation that will also have bicycles and cycling as themes for the decoration of the space», and which will appear on the upper floor of the Germano biciArte Café building.
This new project, which had its process hampered due to the pandemic, «is planned to open later this year» and to be «a stopping point for cyclists or tourists who want to stay overnight in Alte».
Establishing itself especially as «the cafe for cyclists in Alte», but also «the one of many tourists who pass through here», the Germano biciArte Café, despite having «a small space and a large affluence, especially at weekends» , hopes to continue «working for many more years» and to be «the home of all cycling lovers».
Photos: Rúben Bento | Sul Informação
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