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We have returned from a fabulous time riding from Santander to Tarifa and back to Bilbao. We covered 1993 mies ...to be exact!!

Our journey began early on sunday morning, loading up several times before taking only necessary trip items and discarding some not so important, thus shoes for D reduced to ONLY 2 pairs. So Panniers loaded we are off, sun shone until we neared Plymouth when wind and rain set in, not a bundle of fun. Thus we arrived at Ferry terminal wet and cold, fortunately well prepared for inclement weather so not so bad. Overnight Ferry crossing spent chattering to many  other Bikers and regaling many motorbike tales.

Landed in Santander at lunchtime and interesting exit with 120 other bikes, not too auspicious start as drizzling with rain and finding our way out of the town was a test of D's navigational skills, probably a D-. Eventually found the Mountain road towards Burgos and wound our way up the mountain through some clouds and mist then down through winding roads to find glorious sunshine.Found beautiful Parador at Lermos for food and rest.

Most mornings began with breakfast and route planning and today we decided to aim for Placencia, through Segovia and Avilla. The excitment of the days ride I forgot to keep regular checks on petrol guage, petrol stations are always in great abundance until you desperately need one, whence they disappear, eventually one loomed on the horizon just in time. The other challenge of the day was a very steep and winding road at Tornavacas, terrifying, exhausting but a great learning experience and very thankful I reached Plasencia without an 'unscheduled dismount'. Checking the Motorbikes in the Parador was interesting as we had to ride them into the lift and were then transported up to the garage level, was sure they would then be given a room and a duvet but no only a car park!.

Another day of blue skies.Quick bike maintenance then long ride on lovely roads through Caceras, Seviile, Jerez. Eventually arrived in Vejer early evening, climbing the mountain road ,then through the town and beautful Plaza into the centre.

After day of rest we explored the area and rode to Trafalgar where we parked the bikes on a cobbled slope, never a good idea with heavy bikes, as it took us a while to push them  back to the road.We then took the coast road to Zahara a las Atunes, this was another terrifying event as we encounted a Levante wind, keeping the bike upright and retaining a seated position was a serious challenge for me, on reaching Zahara, stopped to regain composure, John,as always the calm experienced biker, glides along on just another days ride, whilst I have lost the plot and hyperventilating! Anyway all a great experience so off to the Tapas bar to recover.

Today we reached the most southern point.Tarifa. Super road, and although the Levante winds still with us, the experience of the previous day made the journey more relaxed and fun. Met other Bikers from Venezuela on a three week road trip through Spain.

After another day of rest we began the return trip, unfortunately Emily (GPS!) and I fell out yet again due to our Navigational disagreements, unfortunately on this occasion she was right, so our trip to Cordoba was not so straightforward and a detour through Cadiz and Jerez was very nice but not on the route plan, so many stops consulting the map we eventually passed Cordoba and stopped at the small town of Montorro arriving via a mountain road and across a viaduct, both with stunning views. Getting lost is fun and all in a days biking.

After the 'getting lost day' we had a good progress day, fond farewells to all at the Mirador Hotel, we had a lovely send off. Took Autovia towards Madrid, then towards Toledo, oops again forgot petrol guage, and stopped to ask cyclist nearest garage, which eventually found, only then to pass 4 petrol stations on our route in quick succesion. Stopped at Avilla.

A feast for the eyes day!

Apart from Pigeon poo deposit on the Tiger... Bonnie too polished to attract such things! A day of stunning scenery,we took the road to Segovia then the old road to Valladolid, Palencia then towards Santander. Fantastic roads from flat plains to beautiful mountain roads, over viaducts, rivers and through tunnels.

Adios to Espana Day.

Fun road through mountains to Bilbao. Boarded ferry and sadly farewell to spain. 

Overnight journey back to Portsmouth, again chatting to other bikers and hearing their stories of biking in Spain. Before short journey along A27 home.

Thank you to all who have donated to SSAFA, we really appreciate your support to a fantastic charity.

D and J. x

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