VOLTA DE PRADOS

Rota de SJDR - Tiradentes - Estação velha de Prados - Prados - Bichinho - Tiradentes - SJDR. Description of the stretches:

• Stretch 1: SJDR - Tiradentes: From SJDR, passing through Santa Cruz de Minas, take the Estrada Real and continue to Tiradentes. In this stretch, the Estrada Real is paved with cobblestones. In the corners of the street, it is easier to pedal, due to the accumulation of dirt which decreases the shaking.
• Stretch 2: Tiradentes - Estação velha de Prados: Just get to the Tiradentes station and take the dirt road to the north of the station. Follow this road in the general easterly direction. Quite flat section. In the middle of this section, you will see to the side of the road an old water tank, which was used for supplying the "maria fumaça" known as "water tank of hope".
• Stretch 3: Estação velha de Prados - Prados: Arriving at the ruins of the old station of Prados, you will enter the first left (general direction North). At the beginning of this stretch, the road will still be dirt. When the asphalt starts, after a descent, you will see to your left an entrance with a sign for Bichinho and Tiradentes (Estrada Real). Pass by and continue to Prados.
• Stretch 4: Prados - Bichinho: If in doubt, just ask in Prados where the exit to Bichinho is, passing through the Serra. Leaving Prados on this dirt road, you will see to your right the Copasa water tank. Continue straight along the "Estrada Passo dos Fundadores". You will pass by the "rest area Esperança" and the ruins of a farm. You will reach a fork, where the road to the left has a gate and a sign to Bichinho. Enter this road. Be careful with the descent which is quite steep.
• Stretch 5: Bichinho - Tiradentes: In Bichinho take the Estrada Real to Tiradentes. Stone road. A lot of bumpiness. The slowest section of the route.
• Stretch 6: Tiradentes - SJDR: at the station of Tiradentes, take the side of the track to SJDR. There are many little bridges where it will be necessary to dismount. On these little bridges, there is no space for a cyclist and the train, so be aware of NOT taking this stretch during train times. If in doubt, return via the Estrada Real to SJDR. The trail is long and should be done at least in pairs. Don't forget basic materials like tubes and patches.