So, where did the summer go. I feels like it passed to fast, as always. I thought I would rest a week and then write my reflections, but honestly I’m not quite ready to reflect yet.
I think some kind of post-travel depression hit me. I have been unable to focus on the blog or the articles that I’m supposed to write. Neither have I been able to wash the mosquitos of the bike, or my jacket and trousers. All will happen in good time I suppose. In the meantime I can enjoy riding to work, 15 minutes of quality time every day… dreaming of the next Grand Tour.
Riding from Santander to Alcobendas was a race home for dinner really. I took the most direct route and was very focused with stops for petrol, food and drink. No extras. I was slowed down by roadworks but really it all went fine.
Spain is a beautiful country to travel in, even the major roads are scenic. Up north everything was in shades of green, gradually the colour sceme changed to brown and later to yellow. The temperature was 27C getting of the boat, but the closer I got to Madrid the warmer it got, in the end the difference was 10 degrees.
Ready to unload
Now my bike is parked and other activities awaits me. August isn’t bikerseason in Madrid anyway, to hot to be good. So I’m going to rest and digest my impressions of the journey. Then I be back with my reflections.
After a rich sushi dinner my spirit picked up and I went for another walk. Bath is actually better than alright. It has a nice riverfront and the Archaeological Museum of the Roman baths were interesting.
River Avon in the evening
In good spirits, I left the city next day and went the scenic route towards Stonehenge. On the way, outside Avebury, I passed a field with a giant white horse marked on it. After some research on the internet I found out that there are several of these horses inspired by one really old horse marking.
Sight at Cherhill, near AveburyClose up on the horseCows are also quite nice
If you like to read more about the original horse I recomend the Wikipedia page.
Next stop was Stonehenge, and it was just as touristy as I remembered it from 12 years ago. I didn’t enter. I took pictures from outside the fence, used the public toilet, cleaned some bugs off my visor, had biscuits and juice which I brought with me and then I hit the road to Portsmouth.
Spiritual experience? – yes, at least the Ducati
After some rest in the hostel I went for a walk on the pebbled beach hoping that it would do good for my numb feet.
Far far away lays Spain
This is my last stay in England and tomorrow noon I will take the ferry, a journey that lasts 24 hours and takes me to Santander. After that I have 440 km to home. I’ll give north of Spain a miss this time, something has to be saved for the future.
I have now travelled through Spain, France, Belgium (by mistake) Luxembourg (getting lost), Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Holland, England and Wales. Totalling 10 countries during 5 ½ weeks of travelling. Soon it is over and it will be good to go home. I am very happy with all the beautiful views that I have seen, the curvy roads that I have ridden, and the people that I have met. Now I long to go home to my favourite person who awaits me in Alcobendas.
My greatest thanks goes to Christopher who puts up with me being away like this. I really appreciate it!
