I’m going to stay in some places I have never seen before, such as the village Solsona and the city Nimes. I’m going to ride the grand Alps again like 3 years before and once again stay in Chamonix which I think is an ace place. Before finally arriving at the rally, I’m planning to visit the HR Giger bar in Gruyères. Giger was the designer of the alien in the Alien movies and the bar looks just like that!
I’m a lone rider, you who follow me know this. But today I rode in a group of a hundred bikes, and I didn’t know a single person.
The route: Ruta de marisco - "Las Cascaras de Gamba"
Now and then I make an effort to socialise with other people and this semed to be a good opportunity. The activity was hosted by Muevete por Madrid en Moto and cost 13 euros. This included not only the ride but also a three course lunch, it seemed too good to be true, but it was.
The ride was heavily organised with strict rules to follow, very much like any other parade, but this was longer than so. We rode for about two hours, first on the highway and then on precious roads in the countryside to Arganda del Rey where we had our first stop at a festival.
The festival, "Fiesta de Abril en Arganda del rey"
After a snack we continued on smaller roads to Fuenlabrada where we had a magnificent lunch. It is awfully difficult to get good photos of lots of bikes, I wished I had had a GoPro because the view from the back of the group was awesome, the line of bikes continued into the horizon. I did take good pictures of the food though 🙂
I was very lucky and found a seat next to some really nice bikers who rode a Honda CBR, Kawasaki Versys and I think it was a Honda Transalp… of course I forgot to ask their names.
My friends for dinner
After the ride and all the food I was ready for siesta. Fortunately there was icecream followed by two cups of coffee to save my return home.
If I did this every Sunday my Spanish would be a lot better!
Today I took my fiance for a ride for the first time ever. It was a short ride, basically just around the block but the feeling was amazing. It is easy to jump ahead of things and I can see so many possibilities for us riding together, around Madrid and in the world. But first we need to practise. For me, after riding solo for 14 years, it takes some adjustments to ride with a pillion, and for him having never been on a bike before, even more so.
Lazy Cat & Cool Cat
On my part, the bike feels so heavy riding two-up, and it takes an effort holding it when braking for a stop. I must also brake and accelerate with moderation not to have him bouncing around on the pillion seat. The most prominent change is the braking distance and that I can’t move the bike around as easily as I do riding alone. Also, I must take care not to become unbalanced when coming to a stop, I suspect that I won’t be able to hold the bike upright if it happens.
Relaxing in the bar after the ride
The good weather has arrived now and hopefully there won’t be so much traffic out tomorrow at lunchtime so we can practise some more.
Finally I have started plotting the route and planning my stays for the 2013 tour: A very expected journey.
