Returning to our bikes in 'the black hole of Calcutta' (Deck 2 of the ferry) is always a real treat, especially when the stay is extended due to a car driver (on the ramp out) still being in his cabin when all the other vehicles have left. This also put us further back in the long immigration queue. All this meant was being released into the Plymouth rush hour. Fortunately, motor bikes can use the bus lanes in Plymouth so it was on to the fast slog of the motorways.
Our overnight stop was near Monmouth. The final 30 miles were in the dark, on country roads. (The first ride in the dark on unknown roads for several years). We kept a reasonable pace, navigating as much by gps as by vision.
A very unhealthy dinner of Hammy Mcbeardface for John and a 'sharing platter' of deep fried goodies for me was accompanied by anti-Scottish comments by those locals watching a World Cup qualifier on TV. I didn't join the conversation but hope a few of them spotted my t-shirt on our departure.
The final journey home was spent 50% on the motorway and was very cold. With only one murder attempt by a car driver (who was very amused by the incident!) We arrived home, frozen and stiff just before dark.
Bikes packed away for future cleaning, the final trip statistics will follow.
Setting off on our last morning in Spain we admired the clouds billowing over the cliff tops, only to head straight there ! Fortunately we only spent a couple of miles in the fog.
We agreed that the scenery today was the most spectacular of the entire trip. We were constantly wanting to stop for pictures.
Spain obviously has similar problems as the UK with regards differing priorities by their 'councils'. We often found that after some superb roads up mountain passes, we would crest the summit (change council) and find ourselves trying to retain our fillings during the descent.
We arrived at Santander in plenty time and checked in at the port then went to buy a picnic, have a drink and some stickies in town.
We started boarding at 7.15 but didn't get in to the cabin until 8.45.
It's going to be a rough crossing !
One question from today's ride remains unanswered - Why did the chicken cross the fecking road ? stupid little cluck !
I should really write these things before beer o' clock.
The day started with one of my favourite rides through the woods north of Burgo de Osma. The parched south was over and we now had autumnal wooded hill sides to ride through, although the red squirrels playing did sometimes distract from noticing cow spoor ( and the inevitable herd of cows on the road).
The further north we rode the more autumnal the colours. Very petty.
I had been looking forward to the ride today through the Basque country, however in the end it disappointed. Latterly the roads were either covered by a carpet of (falling) fresh leaves or cars. The roads here are very nadgerly and/or very busy. Although the area can be beautiful, it is definitely not our favourite region to ride in.
The last section we were accompanied by a couple of local bikers that pestered John but wouldn't pass him. When eventually waved through they failed to get away from us despite cutting all the corners/speeding through towns and us having full luggage.
We are now at our last hotel and enjoying beer.
I waved goodbye to John and set off to Alicante. I arrived outside Pedrosa Motos at 9am. When no-one had arrived by 10 I went to the other dealer and obtained john an acceptable helmet.
To add insult to injury someone else parked their bike beside outs at lunchtime and left their helmet on their bike. It was still there at 8am this morning!
By the time we meet up again we had 2 days of travel to catch up. Even altering or routes meant a lot of straight roads (although we still managed the odd 15 mile GLT)
We arrived in Burgo De Osma at 6.30 after (for me) a 366 mile day fuelled only by 2 coffees and some water.
A pleasant evening was spent watching the street life in the main square.
At the conclusion of day 14, we had to park our bikes on some waste ground. We removed all valuables from the bikes unfortunately John left his helmet beside the bike and only discovered that on the morning. By which time it had gone.
Our lack of any common language with the locals was helped by Gill by way of texts and Google translate.
One booster owner said he thought it had been handed in at a bar, but when the cleaners arrived..... nothing.
We located two bike shops in Albacete (40 miles away) unfortunately neither was open on a Sunday (it would have been a Sunday!) Hence the enforced day of rest.
First thing in the morning I would head to Pedrosa Motos and but a new helmet for John.
Due to unexpected equipment loss, the motorbikes have not moved an inch (centimetre) today and we are still in Alcala del Juscar.
(All fit and healthy though).
The town is beautiful for a visit but I think we exhausted most of its delights last night. Essential language (and moral) support has been received from Gill and we will (hopefully) be back on our revised route tomorrow.
