Embedded Files
Moto Maroc Adventure
Across the Plains of Spain
Morocco - Day 15
10/10/09 - Sierra Extremadura - 301 miles
We may have spent our last day in Morocco but we still had five more days of travelling to complete before arriving back in Runcorn. The tour was organised to allow an extra riding day in Spain along some of the best roads the country has to offer. Travelling north towards Sevilla was uneventful except for when we all had to swerve to avoid the pannier box in the middle of the road that had fell off a BMW GS in front. Luckily for Colin, Dan had managed to retrieve it from the busy road but not without attracting the attention of the police bike riders that seemed to be swarming all over the roads that day. The box was secured back onto the bike and the journey continued in the presence of the police until they rode off into the distance at high speed.
Morocco - Day 16
11/10/09 – Sierra de Gredos - 221 miles
The vultures circled high over their mountain top nests, swooping down before catching the rising thermals to climb upwards again. We had stopped in the Parque Nacional de Monfrague high above the water below with the majestic creatures circulating high above our heads. I stood in the shade of a tree looking at the still waters of the aqua marine coloured Rio Tajo below whilst Mo flitted about taking photographs. I looked up to see the birds gracefully gliding over 100m above, clearly able to see the outstretched feathers at the tips of their wings delicately adjusting to control their flight. They were fascinating to watch.
The trek continued heading north along the valley of the Tras la Sierra mountain range following the Rio Jerte until it reached the twisting ascent of tight hairpins where I had to use very low gears to maintain a consistent ride using the full rev range of the engine, passing a slow moving Harley that seemed to have a turning circle of a super tanker because of its long wheel base. At the top John was at the side of the road near to a parked car waiting for everyone in the group to arrive. It was here that we heard a familiar tune of Rule Britannia, but in this unfamiliar place, being played by the owner of the car on his flute after he had recognised that we where English. We applauded his efforts and he wished us a safe journey before jumping back into his car.
Morocco - Day 15
It wasn’t long when we turned off the main carriageway to discover a more interesting biking road up through the mountains. It was an enjoyable ride but the repetitive change of speed limits down to 50 kph through the many villages spoilt the overall pleasure of the twisting climbing road and ultimately it became very irritating because it was not a smooth flowing ride. Our afternoon stop was a pleasant lunch in a small village square surrounded with restaurants where we sat in the shade of the strong sun enjoying the tapas and cool refreshing drinks. After filling up with fuel the journey continued with a much more enjoyable road that was full of long sweeping bends through the picturesque mountains. By the time we reached the hotel I was feeling very tired because it had been a long day and spent the evening relaxing.
Morocco - Day 16
The miles had flown by; covering over 3000 by the time we had reached the hotel for our last night in Spain. Everyone was gathered together to listen to John’s farewell briefing, after which we presented both he and Brigitte with presents to say thank you for a wonderful organised and friendly trip. I would fully recommend anyone wishing to take a trip to North Africa to consider Wildcat Adventures because of the professional approach and good organisation allowing the rider to fully enjoy the whole experience without the worry of dealing with all the paper work. The evening continued in the hotel tapas bar with everyone sharing their memories of the trip whilst many plates of food appeared on our tables along with lots of jug of beer too and it was quite late when we finally made our way to bed to get some sleep before an early start to catch the ferry back to Portsmouth.
Moto Maroc Adventure Part Seven
The final part of our fantastic adventure through Morocco and Spain with Wildcat Adventures.
Time 6:02 minutes
Thanks
I would just like to thank Dave for his cool head after our little excursion along the road on our backsides, also Dan for his expert use of gaffer tape on my smashed indicator, it looked almost like new when he had finished, along with Bob for recharging my GPS whilst on the move because mine developed a fault with the charging circuit and then sending me a replacement GPS mount once he had arrived home. Trips like these are a great way to make new friends and I will be keeping in touch and hope to possibly ride with some of you again. Just a foot note, Mo and I have already met up with Andy and Mary at the November NEC bike show; it was great to see you both again.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse