An Old Dog's New Tricks !

Saturday, 8 October 2011

Spanish Motorcycle Touring - Life could not get any better!

After our short stay in Barcelona we headed south along the Mediterranean coast, pure bliss!
The weather was balmy, the motorcycles were brilliant and we were smirking from ear to ear. Watch out for the speed traps though, because you can be hit with some seriously hefty fines up to and including the confiscation of your motorcycle (your insurance will not cover you). Fancy having to pay €18,000 because your a bit quick? They don't f*ck around when it comes to speeding so be very careful.
Apart from that the Police are very helpful and they love to see foreign motorcyclists enjoying their country.

We had this Hotel to ourselves, in Altea

The view from the window at the side

The bikes parked up in Benidorm

The Hotel was only completed and we were the first guests - magic

Derek and John striking a pose

Barcelona - A Wonderful City

On one of our most recent trips we flew to Barcelona to pick up three rental BMW GS1200's however we had the weekend to kill so we decided to take in the city and it's nightlife. It is one of the most beautiful cities you could ever hope to visit, the architecture, the Olympic Village, the endless range of bars and restaurants and of course the famous Ramblas. We were lucky enough to have been there for the Grand Prix weekend although we did not go to the race itself, the city was packed with visitors and unfortunately the pickpockets were out in force. Having nagged my mates to keep their wallets safe who should get dipped? Only yours truly, they had my wallet away and I never noticed (my licence, credit cards and approx €1,000 in cash), I thought my mates had hidden it because I had been nagging them all day but when they convinced me they were not kidding I went straight to the police station at the top of the Ramblas. After I had reported the theft they told me to wait there in the station, after about an hour a team of black clad storm-troopers arrived in with a very nervous looking guy.

Antoni Gaudi Architecture

About ten minutes later they called my name out, I went over to a desk and I kid you not the police officer handed my wallet back to me. It had everything in it credit cards, licence, bank cards and you will not believe this but it also contained €950.00 in cash. I could have kissed those policemen but they would probably thrown me into the cell with the pickpocket. I can honestly say that they saved my holiday, without my licence or credit cards I was collecting no motorcycle the next day. I am eternally grateful to the policemen in Barcelona and I would not hesitate to recommend Barcelona to anyone as a great holiday destination. I include some pictures we took while on this Spanish trip. I have to admit that I have always loved visiting Spain and nothing will ever put me off going back again and again, great country, lovely people and you always get a genuine welcome.