MX Spot

MX Spot is a motocross track at Santo Isidro de Pegões, in the Montijo countryside beside the A13 motorway. It has two tracks: the MX Spot motocross track itself and a second, wilder off-road track called Wild Spot. For a child who spends their free time watching riders launch off jumps, it is a place to learn to do it themselves.

The track has been under its current management for about a year, which the owner recently celebrated. Children’s lessons are on offer on quad bikes and on motocross bikes, so children can learn on four wheels or on two. The owner speaks English, which makes this one of the easier places for a newly arrived family to arrange motocross lessons.

The track offers lessons for children on quad bikes and motocross bikes. There is no website with a price list or timetable, and MX Spot’s only web presence is its Facebook page. The best way to arrange anything is to phone the owner on 910 435 977 and talk through your child’s age, experience and what they want to try.

Children need to bring their own riding equipment. Before you phone, check what your child already has. A motocross helmet, goggles, boots, gloves and body protection are the usual kit for the sport, and it is worth asking the owner exactly what they require for a quad bike lesson compared with a motocross lesson.

Pegões has hosted motocross for a long time. A 2015 report on a regional championship round said the area had held championship races in the 1980s and once had two tracks. That round, in March 2015, ran on a new sandy circuit of about 1,200 metres, reached from the A13, and included a race for the Infantis (children’s) class.

In February 2016, the motocross school of the Federação de Motociclismo de Portugal, the national federation, held a one-day training camp at MX Spot for young riders in the Infantis B (65cc) and Iniciados (85cc) classes. It was run by Hugo Santos, a former national motocross and supercross champion.

The track’s Facebook page posted about the last days of MX Spot in May 2024, before the change of management. The track is open under its new owner.

This is a sandy, outdoor motocross track. Expect dust in summer and noise from the bikes. Facilities such as toilets or food are not described anywhere online, so ask when you phone, and bring water, snacks and sun protection.

Because children must bring their own kit, MX Spot suits a family that has already caught the motocross bug more than one looking for a first try. For a first ride with everything provided, including the bike and insurance, BA Motopark in Seixal starts children from four. For a child who likes engines but isn’t ready for a bike, KartMontijo in the same council area has indoor electric karts from four.

The free Museu Agrícola da Atalaia, also in Montijo, has a working olive-oil mill and a farm to wander round, a calm contrast to the noise of the track.

Does MX Spot in Pegões have lessons for children?

Yes. It offers children’s lessons on quad bikes and on motocross bikes. Phone 910 435 977 to arrange them.

Do children need their own kit?

Yes. Children need to bring their own riding equipment.

Does the owner speak English?

Yes, the owner speaks English.

Is MX Spot still open?

Yes. The Facebook page announced the last days of MX Spot in May 2024, before the change of management, but the track has been open under its current owner for about a year.