Ok so I just got back from 3 days riding with Trailbiketours in Aragon, it was pretty last minute and I booked with Dave as a solo client. The tour includes flights & transfers, 4 nights accommodation, insurance, bike/kit which just leaves your evening meals to pay for. With airport parking @ Stanstead I guess the total cost was nigh on £1000 but when you factor in travel costs from UK and most importantly the time it would take to get there things begin to look like much better value.
Dave met me at Zaragoza and drove me to the hotel El Salt in valderobres, the town is pretty quiet at this time of year but there are decent bars and restaurants to be had. The following morning I was kitted up with decent gear and a KTM 530 exc, a bit different from my 800GS!
On day 1 we covered trails through the woods stopping for me to catch my breath and take the odd photo and ended up in a local restaurant for a three course authentic Spanish meal including a Vino tinto purely for restorative effect. I have to say I was completely knackered, using physical strength to overcome my lack of skill.
Heroic no?
Day 2 saw us climbing into the hills of the National Park, twisty rocky trails with steep drop offs – I kept my eyes forward until we stopped for a photo break. It was pretty cold at altitude but no problem whilst on the move.
Day 3 saw me swapping to a bike with bar raisers and we made better progress as I gained experience, we rode on wider flatter country through woods and olive groves, picking up speed until another 3 course meal slowed me down. I can see what this siesta malarkey is all about now!
Thats Dave trying to sneak out of shot!
All in all I had a great time and will definitely be visiting again, Dave has had a couple of clients on KTM ADVs so maybe ill take the GS. At least I have something to look forward to after my 'holiday' in the Falklands (groan) so if anybody fancies a trip in May/June with good food and great riding just let me know.
Regards
Mark
Dave met me at Zaragoza and drove me to the hotel El Salt in valderobres, the town is pretty quiet at this time of year but there are decent bars and restaurants to be had. The following morning I was kitted up with decent gear and a KTM 530 exc, a bit different from my 800GS!
On day 1 we covered trails through the woods stopping for me to catch my breath and take the odd photo and ended up in a local restaurant for a three course authentic Spanish meal including a Vino tinto purely for restorative effect. I have to say I was completely knackered, using physical strength to overcome my lack of skill.
Heroic no?
Day 2 saw us climbing into the hills of the National Park, twisty rocky trails with steep drop offs – I kept my eyes forward until we stopped for a photo break. It was pretty cold at altitude but no problem whilst on the move.
Day 3 saw me swapping to a bike with bar raisers and we made better progress as I gained experience, we rode on wider flatter country through woods and olive groves, picking up speed until another 3 course meal slowed me down. I can see what this siesta malarkey is all about now!
Thats Dave trying to sneak out of shot!
All in all I had a great time and will definitely be visiting again, Dave has had a couple of clients on KTM ADVs so maybe ill take the GS. At least I have something to look forward to after my 'holiday' in the Falklands (groan) so if anybody fancies a trip in May/June with good food and great riding just let me know.
Regards
Mark
