What?

Those keeping up with this blog will remember on 23rd October I talked about my next big adventure, becoming a granddad. Well, rather than six weeks, my grandson James, decided he was ready to enter the world, just 9 days later. My adventure (and not just mine) therefore, began on 1st November and not 4th December.

2 weeks after the birth, I was holding the little fella in my arms, proud as punch. Can't help feeling 59 is young to be having grandchildren but maybe not, if I think how old my parents were when my kids were born. Maybe it's because I still feel like a young man in my head, though my body is definitely telling me something different.

I'm hoping to try and get across to Wales to see James, every couple of months. I/we already have plans to pop across after new year and I'm looking to maybe ride across in March. My 60th birthday weekend with the girls is May, so I'll see him then too. It'll be interesting to see how much he has grown since I last saw him. By all accounts he's putting on the pounds OK.

Not much else to report, as winter is beginning to set in.

Proud Granddad with baby James

Aragon Stats

Almost forgot about these.

Total distance covered, 1945 miles.

Total Fuel Used Litres: 147.85

Total Fuel Used Gallons: 32.52

Cost of Fuel: £197.76

Average miles per litre: 12.84

Best miles per litre: 13.35

Average miles per gallon: 58.36

Best miles per gallon: 60.69


I currently have no lonesome rides planned but the next Wild Hogs tour, is already sorted. make sure you sign up for that blog, if you haven't already.  https://whblink2020.blogspot.com

Thanks once again for taking the time to follow my adventures.

Turkey, Day 12.2

The Captain was spot on. We arrived at Gatwick 20 minutes later than scheduled. bags were already on the carousel when we got there, unlike in Turkey and the APH bus came about 1 minute after we got to the bus stop, so all very smooth.

The downside though was that the temperature was 5 degrees and it was misty/foggy on the way home. The heated seats in Nessa helped take the chill away though. 😉

We got home about 2:15 and were very soon jumping into a freezing cold bed. What a shock to the system after 11 nights where the temperature barely got into the teens. We'd had about 4 hours kip when Catherine's alarm went off, 2 hours early. Her phone was still running on Turkish time!

As the dull dank morning light appeared, the latest adventure was finally over.

The next big adventure for me, will be that of becoming a grandfather, in around 6 weeks time. I'm looking forward to that with some trepidation. Whilst away, walking into the sea with Catherine, I was reminded of when my granddad took me into the sea for the first time. A happy memory that I hope one day to emulate with my own grandchild(ren).

Next holiday will be my 60th birthday Caribbean cruise. Can't wait, for the holiday that is, not turning 60!

That's all for now.

Turkey, Day 12.1

Breakfasted then packed our bags. We deposited them in the luggage store then caught the bus into town again. We walked down to the harbour. The plan was to have a boat trip to kill some time. We'd seen one the other day, 1 hour for €5.00 each, TL70 at their exchange rate. Catherine had it in her mind to barter with them and so she did, in German no less! Result was, we got our hour for TL50! Impressive.

The trip was only around both bays either side of the harbour and not quite the full hour but still mist enjoyable. We were the only Brits on it, the rest being Germans. We had a chat with one of the boat guys, as it turned out he used to live in Victoria back in the 80s. 

Catherine with Temple of Athena in the background

After the boat, we made our way to have some lunch, our 3rd pizza of the holiday.  From there we went to Subway and bought some 6" subs to have on the plane. Then it was back to the hotel to await our transfer coach. Due at 16:50, it arrived 16:30. Luckily we were already in the foyer, reading, so eere able to grab our cases and jump on board. I think there were due to be some others but they never showed.

When we arrived at the airport, the board said we would be delayed by 50 mins. First thing we had to do through the doors was load all our bags on a scanner conveyor. Next check them in. Then on to boarding pass check, then passport control. From there we had to put out hand bags through another scanner!

Once through, we went to the gate and made ourselves comfortable, until that was, we eere fenced in, then told to queue up outside, to be patted down and have our bags searched. What the feck?

I got the full treatment but Catherine was lucky and was waved through. As they had rubber gloves on I wondered if they wanted to do a rectal search but luckily it was just my bag they wanted to rummage around in.

We left Antalya just after 10pm. Captain reckons he'll make up time (don't they always?), so we should only be about 20 minutes late.  We'll see.

Turkey, Day 11.2

One last swim. Had a good float too. No stopping me now! Didn't get bitten today but did have a fish swim between the two of us. 

Popped back to the noodle bar for dinner. Young guy who owns/runs the place lived in Heidelberg  before setting up his business here. Think he was surprised when I said I had been there. He reckons he is the only business of his kind along about 100 miles of coastline. Not exactly queueing out of the door though. Good luck to him.

Back in the hotel, I have done most of my packing. Think checkout is 12:00. Flight is 21:10. Not sure as yet what time coach pick up is.  

Till tomorrow. 

Day 11.1

Another bus trip into town this morning.  Pete T and his misses were on the bus too. We knew where we were going this time, the museum, so were quite chilled, even though it took a different route than before. 

The museum is situated in the old bath complex, right by the theatre. We decided that having been to Aspendos, Side's theatre wouldn't hold much interest. The museum on the other hand has some marvellous pieces to view and admire.

Just inside the gate sits a Roman milestone. The Romans built a 333 mile long road from Pergamon to Side, during their first incursion into Asia Minor. This marker was located at mile 331 and you can clearly make this out on the stone.

Inside the bath house, there are some lovely statues, particularly of Hermes. So well preserved, they are remarkable. There are also some beautiful carved reliefs and sarcophagi, again remarkably well preserved. Catherine's favourite piece though, was a terracotta money box, found containing 405 silver dinarii. That was about 8 months money for a soldier of the day.

Beautiful marble sarcophagus

It's a nice little museum, costing less than £3.00 and well worth every penny for the quality of exhibits. 

Alas poor Aurelius (maybe)

Back in the hotel, we've had a snack. Later we'll be heading back to the beach for one last swim/float 😁

Turkey, Day 10.2

We had a wander along the prom and looked in some of the souvenir shops, before heading back to the hotel to chill on our balcony. As the heat of the day began to ease, we headed to the beach. Today, I joined Catherine in the sea.

We spent quite a bit of time in the sea, during which  I got attacked by some critter, most probably a crab. I felt a nip on my left achilles, then another on the side of my foot. As I moved my feet, I then felt a nip on my right foot. I moved away to escape further attacks. The water was surprisingly cloudy, so I was unable to  ID my assailant.

Cath was trying to encourage me to try to float, something I have never been able to do. I just sink. No joy. Then I put on my  beach shoes, from Mr Ashley's outlet, to give them their first outing and as if by magic, I could suddenly stay afloat. Magic shoes! I have no idea how and Catherine will verify this, one minute I couldn't float (as per the previous 59 years) the next I could. I was quite chuffed though.

For dinner we ate at the place we'd eaten on the first night. Catherine had veggie shish again. The chap remembered us and the fact Catherine is a crank. As at most places we've been, we had a dinner 'guest'.

Another puss

Tomorrow will be our final full day. Just as well, as it's cooling down. 29 degrees only, on Monday! 😁

Turkey, Day 10.1

I've talked a lot about the ancient ruins thus far, even about flowers but as yet, nothing about people. People will know I am a people watcher and my kids will know that I am always likely to have a name or two for people. This holiday is no exception.

There are few people in the hotel whom I have named. One, a chap, thought to be Russian who is sporting a pony tail. He is Francis Ruski. Rocking all over the world, eh? 🎸

The second is a woman with long blonde hair, who I have named Loretta, due to her over inflated lips. Named after Loretta Swit. That is probably doing her a disservice though, as this woman's lips look something akin to a baboons arse! Defo a lip job gone wrong in my book. 👄

There's also an old guy who looks like Pete Townshend. It can't be him though, as he didn't bat an eyelid when I sang The Kids Are Alright whilst we waited by the toast machine 😁

This morning we were joined at breakfast by 4 Hells Angels. A mixture of Polish and Russian. Big bald geezers covered in tattoos and sporting HA t-shirts. I had my Biker Dad t-shirt on, so they know I'm a biking brother. 🏍

There are a lot of Polish/Russian punters here. English are probably the next. Though we did have some Northerners earlier in the week, accents now seem to be southern. There's a  number of Germans too. A lot of the shopkeepers address you in German, those that don't first ask where are you from.

Turkey, Day 9

Bit of a lie in today, well 15 mins. No driving to do, just a trip down to the hotel's beach. It's weird, they have a stretch of beach about 3 miles away! They run a minibus to take punters down. Once there, there are free sunbeds.  We weren't actually going on the beach, we just wanted to see where it was.

We just missed the minibus but another free bus going to the same spot came almost immediately. We got off too early as it turned out and had to walk across what they describe as the desert, to reach the beach. It's not all that to be honest, more gritty than fine sand, so I reckon any swimming will happen from the one we've already visited.

We had a nice casual stroll around the headland to the harbour, then made our way back to the hotel. We came across some nice flowers on the walk back. Such deep vibrant colours. I have no idea what they are but they are very pretty.

Besides looking so lovely, the flowers give off some very pleasant fragrances. We've noticed these more in the evenings, on our way back from dinner. Particularly pungent are the honeysuckle trees.

Dinner tonight was pizza again. Saves a lot of veggie hassle. Unlicensed though, so good job I got a few cans in. 😁

Turkey, Day 8

Our final day with our Polo. What an experience it has been. We could have made a half hour programme with Alistair Stewart with the crazy stuff we have winessed in the past 6 days. 

As the car had to go back, we saved the closest attraction till last.  As it turned out, this was the best too. Certainly for its ancient theatre.

The place is the ancient city of Aspendos, dating back to the 4th century BC. 

We started the day a few kilometres away, at an old bridge, well parts of. Starting out as Roman, the old visible parts, much of which are in the river, are from the 13th century AD. The majority is from restoration in 1996. Cath was not impressed with her tour guide for this. Luckily I had the next stop up my sleeve.

Aspendos' theatre is the best, i.e. most complete theatre of the ancient world, so walking in blew Catherine and I away. I/we have seen quite a number over the years, even a couple this week but we have never seen anything like it in our lives. We certainly did save the best till last. Pat on the back for the guide 😁

It helps that some chap restored it back in the 14th century but it is still mostly original. There's no point in trying to describe it, so I'll just post some pictures.

Looking up

Looking down

From above

The rest of the city is spread over 22 hectares and includes a large Agora and a large square building, part of a huge Basillica. 

The Basillica

There are also remains of the Roman aquaduct, one bit towering over a tiny school.

Polo poses by the aquaduct

There's a hill overlooking the back of the theatre which gives another amazing viewpoint. Only with a drone (which are banned) could you get a better view or photo.

Had to have a selfie

Having exhausted the site, we headed home, stopping to fuel up on the way, before dropping the car back. We'd done 845km and it has to be said, not all of them scary! The price per litre was exactly what we had got for a pound when we got our currency, which made conversion easy. 37.5 litres used, £37.50.

We now have almost 4 full days of walking around the area, though Tuesday will involve packing to come home. Let's hope it's not too hot.

At time of writing, we are undecided on what we shall be doing tomorrow. The sun is just going down, so first things first, dinner!

Turkey, Day 7

Another drive west.  This time to Antalya itself and a visit to the old town.

Found a big free car park just 10 minutes walk from Hadrians Arch, gateway to the old town. It's a smaller but more intact version of the one at Perge. 

Set in the ground, there's a 'track' to follow, which takes you to the main places of interest. Just as well, as we had no map.

Catherine was suffering a bit in the sun again, so we probably didn't get the best from our visit. Dressed for 30+ degrees, we weren't dressed for going in the mosque and it turned out that the main archaeological museum was almost 2 miles west, so we scrapped that idea and decided to head back 'home' so Catherine could go to the beach for a swim.

We found somewhere new for dinner. A bit more upmarket than recent nights. Discussion over veggie options was a tad difficult at first but after a while they understood Catherine's requirements and she had a nice veggie wrap.

Tomorrow is our last day with the car and we are off to Aspendos, another ancient site.

Turkey, Day 6

Our one and only trip East. Yes, you guessed it, another ancient city. This one is called Syedra and sits about 400m above see level, above the banana plantations that the region is known for.

Fairly small compared to what we have already seen but still sporting a colonnaded main street. It was very hot again and very hilly, so regular shade breaks were in order.

Main street Syedra

In addition to the usual, there was a cave with a spring in it, which fed 3 enormous cisterns. They weren't visible from the path but following the sound of water and scooting around the back, their true glory became evident. Each was about 25 metres long and 10 metres deep, quite spectacular.

On the path to the cisterns, we came across a tortoise. A fair size, about 9/10 inches long, he was seeking shade. Looking around, we came across two more empty shells of similar size. Such a shame.

A live tortoise

From Syedra we made for Alanya and its castle. Promising so much, we paid to go in a bit, half of which was closed to the public and which offered little more than a view over the beach below. 

Looking west from Alanya castle

There's quite a bit more to see over the rest of the hiilside, within the 6km wall but we didn't have time to check it out, as we had an 80 minute drive and I wanted to be back before sunset. It's bad enough driving in daylight, so at night it would be almost suicidal I reckon.

Dinner was another small affair, in little more than a kebab shop. As the guy spoke good English, Cath was able to explain what she wanted, so basically a cheese salad doner. Cheap as chips.

Turkey, Day 5

Back on the road towards Antalya. First stop today was at the Lower Duden Waterfall. This is a spectacular waterfall, where the Duden river cascades over a cliff edge into the Mediterranean Sea. It would be best observed from a boat, of which there were many but we still had a decent enough view from around the cliff a bit. Even sidewaysish on, it knocked spots off the Manavgat one. Catherine was impressed this time. Well worth a visit if in the area.

Duden Waterfall

If you get bored with water, look to the sky and spot aircraft, as it is directly under the flight path.

On the way to the falls we drove through a Vegas like area, with massive, lavish Hotel resorts all vying for best location and trying to outdo each other with glitz. Quite impressive. No shortage of cash has been spent on them.

From the falls, we drove inland to another ancient city, that of Perge. I'd seen they had a teatro and a stadion but hadn't realised the full extent of this massive site. The main colonnaded street is 400m long! There are remains of shops down both sides but most impressively, a water carrying trough runs the entire length. It also has side streets running off it. Where these occur, a bridge crosses the water channel. Brilliant. Around halfway up, there's another wide colonnaded street, leading to the gymnasium and baths. It's a huge site, akin to that at Pompeii and there is still lots not yet uncovered. It was another 35 degree day so we did have to take it slowly and once again Catherine really felt bad. It clouded over a bit though, which made things easier. 

Perge Main Street

Dinner was, as I suspected yesterday, pizza. 2 medium pizzas, a plate of chips and litre of soft drink for £6.75. We're not looking to skrimp but if Catherine can get something decent to eat, then it doesn't matter so much where we eat or how much we spend.

Turkey, Day 4

Our longest drive today and by far the scariest/enlightening. I think I can say without fear of contradiction, that the Turks are the worst drivers I have ever encountered. It's impossible to sum them up in one word but impatient would be one of them, if not the top one. They make lanes where there aren't any, undertake at any opportunity, get right on your bumper should you not be speeding, overtake on the hard shoulder, especially at traffic lights and all with no indication. And that probably doesn't cover everything. Nutters.

We had a sixty odd mile trip to our destination today, an ancient city (more rubble) 1000 metres up in the Taurus mountains, called Termessos. Besides the twisty 5 mile drive from the main road and pay booth to the car park, there is also a steep 20 minute walk, before you arrive at the city gate. The city dates to something like 335BC.  Given that, some of the buildings have remained in remarkable condition. No reconstruction here, the place has barely been touched archaeologically speaking, since the mid 19th century. I guess money or even access issues have prevented it. Because of that, it feels closer to it's natural state, if that makes sense, than other places we have visited.

The baths

The city sits at the top of a valley and loops round both sides, giving superb views and a totally defensible position.  The jewel in the crown here is the Teatro, perched as it is, on the edge of the city, overlooking (and some having fallen into) the valley. For this reason it is called the Eagles Nest.  It really is a stunning location and well worth the walk and the £1 park entrance fee.

The Teatro and nearby mountain peak

Being at 1000m, it was a manageable 24 degrees, rather than the 35 nearer sea level. A guy at the car park who explained the route to take, reckoned it would take 2.5 hours to see everything. I think we were around 4 hours. 

It is incredible looking at these structures and hard, seeing the quality of stone masonry involved in building them, to get your head around their age. 2,300 years old!

A brilliant day. 

Rock tomb

After running the gauntlet of the turkish dodgems back to the hotel, we went out to find another place to eat. Finding veggie options isn't proving as easy as we imagined it would be, so after about 3 rejections (by Catherine), we actually ended up in a small noodle bar. The young guy running it spoke perfect English, which helps but to be honest he doesn't have an extensive menu, so it was easiest enough to choose. We had a carton of noodles, US style ( I've never had chinese in a carton before) and a bottle of water each for six quid! Not only was it a bargain but it was tasty to boot and Catherine was a happy bunny.

I think she has her eye on pizza for tomorrow. 

Turkey , Day 3

Today we picked up the car and went off in search of a ruined city by the name of Lybre, although it's known as Seleukeia on the map. We'd hardly been going before we ended up on an unpaved section of road. Strange, as Tomtom is set to avoid them. To be honest though, some of the paved roads are really shite, with massive potholes in them.

We spent a couple of hours I suppose, scrambling over rocks, fallen 2nd century buildings and through the pine forest, which has now enveloped the city. Some of the buildings, for example the Agora, are in a condition we've never seen before. Amazing, after almost 2,000 years.

Lybre Agora

From Lybre we picked up the trail of the Aquaduct that used to feed ancient Side. There are several chunks of it left standing.

Oymapinar Aquaduct

From there we went up to the Oymapinar dam and lake. It wasn't possible to get close to the dam or get a decent picture but the lake was nice. They do boat trips on it. Nearby there was a fountain, with locals filling up masses of huge water bottles. Grizzly and I saw something similar in Portugal. Free drinking water!

We made our way back from the dam to Manavgat Waterfalls. This is one of the biggest attractions in the region. It's commercialised and fenced, so you have to pay 90p to get in. There's a couple of restaurants, some souvenir shops, a bloke charging to take your photo with one of his parrots and a couple of podiums overlooking the falls. Niagara it ain't and Catherine was somewhat underwhelmed by them. At least we can say we've done them and it was cheap enough to get in.

Manavgat Waterfall

From the falls we made our way home. 

One thing I quickly learnt, the Turks are very energy conscious, saving energy by never using their indicators! Oh yes and the traffic on a roundabout has to give way. 

Turkey, Day 2

After buffet brekkie, we took a walk into the old town, Antik Side, as they call it. It's quite a walk. First passed the market and mosque, then through the ruins of a nymphaeum, columned streets, agora, baths and theatre. 

The Nymphaeum

By the time we got as far as the baths, Catherine was feeling the effects of the 34 degree heat and felt quite unwell. She lay down in the shade for a while, to recover. Once she had, she decided to carry on down to the harbour and temples of Athena and Apollo.  It is believed to be the place where Anthony met Cleopatra; he presented the Apollo Temple as a token of his love and devotion to her.

Temple of Athena

The streets of the old town are paved with glass, showing excavations of the old town underneath, including some mosaics. The glass even extends into the shops. Quite amazing. 

From the harbour and temples, we made our way back towards the hotel, stopping off in McDonalds for a cold drink and to make use of the aircon and wifi. We needed that, it was scorchio and with very little shade to speak of. 

Back at the hotel, Catherine had a swim, whilst I had a nap. 

Soon it was time to have dinner . We walked down to the beach, just in time to catch the sunset, then found somewhere to eat, acceptable to Catherine, i.e. veggie accommodating. We settled on a place called Britannia, which fit the brief and I had my first beer of the holiday.

Sunset at the beach

By bedtime it was still about 24 degrees.  Mustn't complain though, eh?

First beer

 

Turkey, October 11th - 22nd

Catherine and I are in Turkey. With all the riding holidays I've had this year it was only fair I even things up and go away with her. Never fancied it TBH but we found a reasonable package with TUI for 10 days in Side, on the Turkish Riviera and here we are. 

Day one started at 10am. We set off for airport parking, were parked up and at the terminal by 11:40. Our flight was scheduled for 13:40. It left at 14:20. Travelling at 41,000ft (about 8 miles) up and at 600mph, the journey was 3h20m. Add the 2 hour time difference and we were off the aircraft and at the baggage carousel by 19:55. We were still there at 20:35! Feck alone knows what the delay was.

With the wait and journey time of our transfer, we got to the hotel/apts gone 11:00, though we were lucky enough to be first off.

Check-in involved us being presented with blue wristbands. This identifies us as b&b. There are other colours for half, full and all inclusive. We have to keep this on for the entire 10 days! Catherine looked at the guy incredulously when he placed it around her wrist.

The apartment is nice and spacious, if not that well equipped. They all face inwards towards the swimming pool and the 'entertainment ', which is very loud. We couldn't see much, as it was dark but it looked very nice from the balcony.

The Kentia Aparthotel pool

Aragon 9.2, Mission Accomplished

Train left on time. I was the only bike on it and there was just enough room to squeeze me on, right at the back. Not even enough room for a scooter!

Back of the queue

France threw one last lot of rain at me for good measure, as I waited in the boarding line. C'est la vie.

Ginny is covered in shit once again, so she'll need another wash. To be fair, until yesterday's rain, she was pretty dusty, so would have needed a jetwash anyway. As for me, well my boots are going to need another polish. 

Arrived home at 18:15. Bloody roadworks on M20 and 50mph limit, is a real pain. But hey, I've been doing 50mph most of the week!

We've clocked up 1,995 miles this passed 9 days and as usual Ginny hasn't missed a beat and even with 8.5k on the tyres, has felt sure footed in all conditions.

Stats to follow, as usual.

Cheers

Aragon 9.1, Back to Blighty

Weather has been worse than yesterday.  OK though coz I was togged up and kept my hands dry enough to get my gloves on without issue. Worst part probably was being blown and sprayed to bits by juggers going in the opposite direction. 

Stopped for fuel at the Carrefour Contact store in Nouvion. My bro' will be familiar with that stop. Popped in and grabbed something to eat, plus a couple of cans of Grimbergen Blonde. Just enough room in the top box, with me wearing my waterproofs. Every cloud! 😁

France is brown. Not parched like parts of Spain but with the crops now harvested, all that remains is the brown stubble of sunflower and corn plants. It's quite stark.

Despite the persistent and heavy rain, it has been an interesting journey.  I've seen another wild deer, a couple of under cover cars, as in new models disguised with black and white shapes, to hide the make and marvelled at Chartres Cathedral, as it stands proud like a beacon, in an otherwise flat landscape. Stunning.

As a rider I like to acknowledge fellow bikers, with a wave or a nod.  More recently, that has included police motorcyclists, as Grizzly may recall. On this trip I have waved at several Spanish cops, with no response. Today however, two French cops, to their credit, actually waved back. I should point out, I only wave at them because my hand is already raised by the time I identify them as plod. Anyway, makes a change to get a reaction. 

Despite my stop for fuel/food, I was ahead of schedule. I had toyed with the idea of spending time in a McDs, using free wifi, to kill some time before my crossing but as the rain hammered down, I decided to come straight to the terminal. 

Good news, I was offered a crossing 2 hours before mine. Bad news, they wanted £42 to do it. Basically, I'd be doubling the cost of my crossing. Bollocks to that. 

So, here I sit waiting to be called for my 17:50 crossing. At least I'm in the warm and dry and I still have free wifi, so it's not all bad.

I was the only bike in the new shelter and I've availed myself of the free secure helmet storage system. It's a bit like an in room safe at a hotel. Open, insert helmet, close, select code, verify code, lock.

Helmet Locker

90 minutes to the off. All being well, I should be back home by 18:30.

Bye for now.

Aragon 8.3

My last night.  As such, I decided to forego the cheap set menu and splash out. The BBQ chicken burger is very nice. I washed it down with a half litre of expensive Grimbergen Blonde. I'm worth it though. Besides, despite what the Egyptians thought, you can't take it with you. Sorry kids!

I've got 245 miles to cover tomorrow, with a fuel stopped planned for about half way. I haven't yet decided what time I need to leave here. Too early and I'll be twiddling my thumbs in Calais, too late and I risk missing my train. Ideally I'll get there at just the right time to get on an earlier crossing. 

That's all for now. Just got to finish off this beer then head back to the hotel.

Grimbergen Blonde

Aragon 8.2

A Bertie Bassett day weather wise. 60% rain, 30% wet, 20% sunny.

Left at 09:50, in the rain. Now the bikers amongst you will understand, that no matter how careful you are to keep your hands dry whilst getting ready to leave, just one drop of rain makes it a chore getting your gloves on. And so it was. Once togged up though I was happy enough.

90 minutes in and my backside was aching. Strange but having waterproofs on seems to invoke the princess and the pea effect. After all I did 3 hours before I started shuffling about yesterday. Even stranger though, the ache subsided, (maybe the shuffling dislodged the pea) and I ended up riding through to my fuel stop, 4h30 into the journey. That's about the most I've done on Ginny in one hit.

Having had heavy, medium and light rain, the last 50 miles from the fuel stop were a pleasant surprise, as the sun came out.

On reaching Chateaudun, I found the Hotel, an Ibis budget, sans une receptionist. There's an auto check-in machine but that requires a booking reference. As I booked through booking.com, I didn't have one. There was nowt for it but to take a wander round the shops, an Intermarche and a B&Q style place and to pass the time till 5pm, when reception would be staffed. There was an 'emergency' number but I couldn't get it to work.

No matter, I passed the time and bought myself a 1-3 socket for a few quid. I only had one useable socket last night, which made life a bit difficult. 

Back at the hotel, reception had opened and I checked in.

Up in the room I checked the booking paperwork, only to find it said my reference for the machine was my booking.com reference, minus the dots. DOH! That'll teach me to read the stuff properly. 

Freshened up, I'm going to have dinner in the Buffalo Grill next door. Hopefully I'll be able to eat without any discomfort. Yesterday I had no dinner, as my acid reflux problem flared up. Maybe, most likely, the eggs, sausage and chips of the night before.  It was a bit greasy.

Anyway, time for dinner.

Aragon 8.1

Great sleep in my massive comfy bed. Awake 08:40. Helps not having Spanish wankeros next door with tv blaring out gone midnight.

As expected, it is raining this morning. Forecast looks like being wet for the entire ride. Not great but it is what it is. 

Big bed

Aragon 7.2

2nd half of the journey was much warmer than the first. It wasn't especially sunny but a bit of cloud cover kept the temperature higher. 

An uneventful ride in the main, sticking to speed limits (not many do) I was at one point overtaken by a huge Spanish juggernaut. There are some great roads in France and I have rarely had a bad ride here. Some great countryside, pretty villages, rivers and even a big fort have been encountered on the route today.

Not only those but on the wildlife front, I've seen a couple of shepherds, with dogs, herding, Spanish rabbits, a sky full of massive birds of prey (not near the rabbits) and a field full of cows and egrets. What is it with those two? Seems they are bezzie mates.

I made another fuel stop whilst still on the back roads. It was going to be touch and go whether I could make it here without but played it safe. Ginny had covered 277 miles by then. If I'd gambled, it would have been more like 350.

The hotel is in Lormont, on the outskirts of Bordeaux. A proper room, with a super king bed. It in itself, is almost as big as my room for the last 4 nights. Of course it's a bit pricier too.

I arrived about 16:30 and bagged a parking space right by the door. Having checked in and unloaded Ginny, I gave her screen and headlight a good clean. Rather those bugs on her than in my teeth, eh? I also did an oil check. That was fine. Ginny clicked over the 14k mark today and we've done over 1400 (maybe 1500 now) thus far.

Tomorrow I'm riding to Chateaudun. If you recall, I came through there last week, the second failed Intermarche fuel attempt was just across from the hotel. That's another 5-6 hours in the saddle.

To finish up today, here's a pic of Marc Marquez, MotoGP winner and sure to be, 2019 World Champion. 

Marc Marquez, #93 Repsol Honda

Aragon 7.1

On my way home.

Left Calaceite just after 8:00. Stopped for fuel about 10 mins later. Fuelled up with the help of a nice lady and hit the road. 

Within  20 miles or so , I started to feel the cold. It had been ok when I  left but although bright sun, the temp seemed to be slipping the other way.

After 60 miles I reached Zaragoza, by which time I was quite cold. I hadn't expected that. On went my jumper. On to the autovia. As we climbed towards the Pyrenees, I was no warmer and could only imagine the mountains would be colder still. I stopped again. On went my waterproof jacket to keep the wind/chill out. That seemed to stem the cold tide.

My return journey is the same as the outward, so I've crossed  through the Pyrenees and from Spain to France via a 5.3 mile tunnel. 5.3 miles at 14 degrees.

Now in France the temperature has risen to 22 degrees. I'd not eaten, so I have stopped at McDs for egg mcmuffin and coffee. Hoping I'll warm up and outside will stay warm and dry to Bordeaux. 

Aragon 6.3

After Moto2 I hung about for a bit until some dark clouds prompted me to leave, so missed the Red Bull Rookies again.

3rd day, 3rd different exit from the circuit. Considering there were over a hundred thousand people today, getting away was both easy and fairly quick.

Got back and listened to Arsenal v Aston Villa. Not great by the sounds of it but we won. 4th in the table.

After lounging about, I went back to the restaurant from last night. Two ice cold beers, some croquettes and a Spanish take on sausage, egg and chips, later and I'm feeling bloated and tired. Hopefully too tired to be woken by the noisy Spanish fuckers next door, like last night. 

Iberian egg, sausage and chips

Shall be on the road fairly early tomorrow I expect. My overnight is in Bordeaux, 300+ miles away. Tomtom and headset are talking once more (I'll check again in the morning), so hopefully all will run smoothly.

Catch up with me tomorrow. 

Aragon 6.2

Soon warmed and dried up.  Not quite the continuous sun of yesterday but still 27 degrees.

2 races down, Moto2 to go. No spoilers.  Couple of Spanish airforce jets came over before the MotoGP race.  Right over the top of the stands, then breaking into vertical climbs. Could see right into the flames of the afterburners. Cool.

104k people here today they reckon. I didn't think this one got so busy. Getting out should be interesting.  

More later.

Aragon 6.1

Race day.

I removed the water from the fridge last night, so I shouldn't have to buy any drinks at the circuit. Of course, being out all night defeats the object of having them in the fridge in the first place. Hey ho.

Awake at 06:20. Up and out by 07:15. Still dark. Few spots of rain not long after leaving but didn't amount to much. Tomtom and headset still not talking, despite me sorting it last night. Go figure.

Approaching the circuit I saw something I've not seen before, a sunrise rainbow. Beautiful but obviously a sign of rain. Sure enough, last few hundred metres, it started to really pee down. By the time I got off the bike in the car park though, slightly damp, it was practically done. 

Decided to leave jeans on, though promising to be another scorcher. Had another bacon/cheese baguette for brekkie. Could get used to them, if not the price!

Moto3 warm up due in 3 minutes. Track dampish.

Aragon 5.3

Another day comes to an end.

Tried a different restaurant tonight. A bit more upmarket than last night, more gourmet. 

Walked in to the sound of Mr & Mrs America. As usual, very loud. Talking to some poor Italian chap, who now has them as friends on Facebook and knows almost everything there is to know about them, as do I, e.g. how many bikes he owns, where their daughter got married and where her mother lives! They are from Colarado btw.

Besides being loud, the woman also had an annoying laugh. Double whammy!

The waitress handed me a hand written English menu, from which I chose some 'special' croquettes, each with a different filling, followed by chicken stuffed with almonds, well almond paste. Washed down with a grande Estrella Dam, cheaper than last night's, it was a pleasant experience. 

Croquettes. Meaty & fishy selection

Stuffed chicken

Now almost ready for bed. Can't afford to oversleep tomorrow. 

One more night in Calaceite tomorrow and then I'm heading home.

Aragon 5.2

Watched all the qualy and then decided to come back, giving the Red Bull Rookies a miss. The expected rain never materialised, so I'm like a lobster again, having roasted away in 28 degrees of blazing sunshine. Had my jeans on today, so at least no burnt legs. Betty swollocks though. 

Not sure where I'm eating today but will leave it a little later. As it's not a tourist resort, they don't serve early. 

Might have a little nap before I go out. Sunshine is tiring.

Aragon 5.1

Woken in the night by torrential rain. Up and out just after 8:00. No rain and brighter skies to the west, so no waterproofs. Roads fairly dry anyway.

Best laid plans, eh. Shop bought water in fridge, in the games room.  Games room locked till 11:00! Bollocks. 

Plod near the circuit diverting us this morning, down some bumpy back lanes. Put me on the wrong side of the circuit, so ended up having to ride all the way around to my parking spot. Few spots of rain as I walked to the stand. Have brolly, poncho and waterproof trousers. Might be a downpour later on. Beicon/queso baguette for brekkie and a coke for later.

One other thing. Headset lost connection with Tomtom! Will need to sort later.

Aragon 4.3

Not pissed but a little merry on 2 pints or whatever they were. 

Chef (lady) turned up for work at 20:10 but wasted no time getting stuck in. I was so hungry by this time, I even ate the free olives, well four. I hate olives!

I was on my second beer by now. Tables had been pre arranged, table for 1 being by the bog door! Couldn't understand the menu, so ordered chicken and chips, with salad and some chorizo.  Quick as a flash, 10 minutes and it was sitting in front of me. And very tasty it was too. Meal and 2 beers cost me €14. Baguette and coke earlier at the circuit, cost me €9.50.

Mmm, beer.

Mmm, dinner.

Back in the room and ready for bed. It's only 21:30 though, Grizzly time plus 1 hour! 🤣

Full day tomorrow with free practice and qualifying.  Think it might rain ☹.

Aragon 4.2

Came away earlier than originally planned. There's only so much sun an Englishman can take. I have a nice Russian tan, despite the sun cream.

Got back and took a walk to the supermarket, for some supplies, which includes fried egg flavoured crisps! It's far cheaper to buy water in the super than at the circuit.  10x cheaper!

After the super, I took a walk up a nearby hill, to visit a pre Roman settlement. As I dodged the goat droppings, I thought this place should be called Calashite! The view from the top was worth it though. There is also a Hermitage. I went inside and as the door was open, took a walk/climb up the bell tower. A man was waiting when I came down to tell me off. 🤣 Shouldn't have left the door open, eh.

Got back and nipped over the road to the bar/restaurant. An Estrella Dam is going down a treat. There are some brits inside. 3 guys about my age and a younger woman/girl, maybe a daughter. Blokes yacking away, girl excluded. Tried to make conversation. Not sure she's the full shilling. Time to blog. Blokes too busy to notice little old me.

Hoping for a little dinner about 8pm. Might be pissed by then. 

Calaceite from the hill.

Aragon 4.1

Set an alarm. It didn't go off. Was already up, washed and dressed by then though. Don't get it. Tested it last night, worked.

Got to circuit about 09:00. Moto3 FP1 had just started. Changed into shorts, as it's going to be a scorcher, indeed, already is. No covered stand like Austria. Cream applied.

After MotoGP, I popped down to get something to eat and drink. Warm cheese and bacon baguette and coke. Watched Moto2 from nearer the start line.

Lunch break now. Have popped the umbrella up to give a bit of shade.

There's not too much in the way of facilities here. A handful of merch stalls and one, as far as I can see, food outlet. Quite different from Austria. At least I can pay cash for stuff here though.

Seat is perfect. Right at the first corner and high enough that there's no fencing obscuring the track.  Will be in the best spot for any first corner shenanigans.  I chose the seat myself, so well done me. 

FP2s coming up later.  Should be home by 17:00.

Turn 1

Aragon 3.2

Brilliant day. Great twisties in the Pyrenees to empty autovias in Spain. Weather great. 

Refuelled Ginny about 40 miles from Calaceite, before passing the Motorland circuit at Alcaniz.  Assuming no lorries, should be about 35 minutes ride time.

Arrived about 17:20. Shown to my tiny room and Ginny parked up in the underground car park, I freshened up before settling down to watch Frankfurt v Arsenal. Gunners 1-0 up at the moment. 

Something interesting just up the road, that I just had to stop for. A little layby with a stone pillar showing the line of the Greenwich Meridian! Not something you expect to see in Spain.

Ginny across the Greenwich Meridian

Tomorrow I shall head to the circuit for the free practice sessions. Will give me the chance to suss where everything is, before it gets too busy. Forecast is good.

Aragon Trois.Uno

3 shocks today. Not much shocks me, so 3 in one day, blimey.

1st was oversleeping. Had set alarm on phone for 07:30. It didn't go off. Consequently, I only got up at 08:40. Filled with a decent brekkie, I left at 09:40, 40 minutes after I had planned. 

I rode for about an hour before reaching my fuel stop, another Intermarche. No problems this time though.

Shock 2. Came into a large town to find an animal circus. Caged camels, zebras and even a tiger. I didn't realise these still existed. Such a sorry sight.

Shock 3. Turned into a roundabout to discover rather than a white line at the edge, it had a raised kerb. Luckily, I realised in the nick of time and so only caught the edge, which, fortunately was rounded, else I may have been on the floor. 

I am now in Espana. I went into a very long tunnel in France and came out the other side in a different country. Weather thus far ok and reasonably warm.

Stopped for a wee and to take on some fluids too. 100 miles since I fuelled up. Still a fair way to go.

Laters

Aragon Deux.Deux

The trouble with taking the non motorway route, is the number of 30kph areas you end up riding through. It can be a real pain in the arse, especially when you throw in the speed humps. That said, the ride was still enjoyable. 

I made it an hour down the road, after lunch, before I had to pull over and remove my jumper. The temperature had been slowly rising and Ginny was showing 30 degrees when I stopped. I switched to my fingerless gloves too.

The first part of the ride was dual carriageway. Cruising along at 70mph, Ginny drones like an aircraft. You know the sound when you go on holiday. It would be easy to nod off on a hot day like today. The flip was up though, to combat that. 

Negotiating the outskirts of Bordeaux was a bit painful, especially for a couple on a Suzuki, who appeared to have fallen foul of a fuel spillage, luckily not on my side of the road. I was soon out in the country and riding through a forested area. Don't ask me the name. Moustey sits in this area. I was practically the only vehicle on the road, which was great but it was quite bumpy.

I arrived at my B&B about 17:40. I'd just dismounted on the driveway, when the electric gates began to move and my host came out, pointing for me to park in his massive barn. As mentioned before, he doesn't speak English, so my 40 year old schoolboy French is being put to the test.  I probably understood 30% of what he said and he seemed to understand my replies ok. I know where the restaurants are and what time they open and he knows what time I want brekkie, so all's cushty.

Tomorrow I have about 330 miles to cover. Grizzly, my very own Michael Fish, will be giving me the weather lowdown later.  I don't think it's going to be that good. ☹

That's all for now. 

View from my window

Aragon 2.1

At my fuel stop. Grabbed some lunch too.

Run down has been really nice. Clear blue skies and a nice temperature, in the 20s.  Funny how 50mph seems plenty when the weather is decent, yet far too slow when it's pissing down and you just want to get to destination. 

Not seen any deer today but did pass Futuroscope in Poitiers, to which I have been. Once when I took the girls, on the infamous "are we going to die daddy?" trip and once with Cath and her kids.

Just gone 2pm as I write, so I'm thinking of taking the non motorway route to Moustey. That should eat up about 3.5 hours. See how I feel.

Aragon 2 point oh

Woke about 7:30. Dozed till 8. Got washed/dressed and went down for solo brekkie. Somewhat less than a full continental but ok.

Sun is streaking in the room, though it's a bit on the windy side. Forecast is for 28 degrees after lunch. Rain over the Pyrenees but I'll not be that far south today

I have a 5 or 6 hour ride today, depending on whether I avoid motorways or not.  Check in at my b&b isn't till 17:00, so I'm not rushing to leave the hotel. Check out is till 11:30. I didn't see anything of interest to stop at today, else I'd have built that in. Fuel stop is 205 miles away, 2h40m. That's when you'll next hear from me I expect.

Laters.

View from my room, back of Ford dealership!

Aragon 1.2

The second part of today's journey was interesting. The weather perked up around Rouen to give some prolonged sunshine but it clouded over later. At least I wasnt cold any more, as it did warm up the further south I got.

My scheduled fuel stop, wasn't. I stopped at the Intermarche pumps as planned but my card was declined. I carried on for another 28 miles or so, until I found myself in Chateadun, where I'll be staying next Tuesday. Another Intermarche, same result. A native seemed to be having the same issue. Computer says No! A couple of miles further on, I finally managed to get some fuel.  Ginny had covered 289 miles by then, beating her previous best by 2 miles.

The last section was quite slow going, not just because I hit Tours at knocking off time either but I did catch sight of quite a few wild deer along the way, which was pretty good. 

I arrived at Mister Bed at 17:55. A quick change and I was out to get some grub.  Lunch never happened, so I was ready for something. I checked out several of the eateries around but settled for the Buffalo Grill, so give yourself a point if you guessed that. 

Back in the room, I'm looking for some Champions League on the tv. Don't think they have any, least not on terrestrial tv. 

Till tomorrow then.