Voyage Into The Void

The final couple of days riding before boarding at Santander saw us ride into a cold Portugal from Ciudad Rodrigo and through Braganca along the most wonderful, perfectly smooth scenic roads. It was noted on the way down just how quiet Spain looks with seemingly half its properties empty but Portugal was a different matter entirely. What this meant though, of course, was practically zero traffic on the roads at all. Seriously, we must have rode for 20 miles without seeing another vehicle on the road, unbelievable. And then another 20 miles until the next one.

Flat, perfect and empty roads are a road rider's dream and this really was a nice surprise. Based on that a Moto GP event somewhere here is a distinct possibility some day. Back into Spain then and with Leon being unable to accommodate us we stayed in a little sleepy nondescript village way down the road and had little choice other than grab a beer and sleep. The following morning highlighted that we were only one stop from enquiring if the nearby 'Club Love' had rooms but alas it wasn't to be. We did though get some good riding in the form of a revisit to the absolutely stunning area of Riano. Wow. First the big picture perfect deep blue lake, second the hot chocolate that appeared to be just that, thirdly the lovely ride trough the mountains and finally the crappy ride down to the ferry port.

Anyway, from the top bunk in our berth that's about it for now. During what looks like a boring 30 hour crossing with little to do, talk has begun about the possibility of another trip next year, maybe to Northern Europe. Life and new responsibilities seem to have a habit of getting in the way of the things I want to do though, so let's just wait and see... PS. Anyone want to buy a Multistrada..?