Portugal.....hopefully

[grez]

Headed out to Poitiers in France in the morning, now doing miles just to get home. Parts of the road were interesting enough and some of the houses could do with a lick of paint. Ended up staying at the Class Hotel, well it had class – none. Turned out it was on the edge of an industrial estate and not good, although popular with the French. Walked 15 mins up the road to a restaurant where somehow I managed to order a bucket of muscles in cream. Not the meal I was aiming for but first time for everything and turned out to taste just like chicken so washed down with a few beers all turned out well.

Walked back to the dump, slept and out early heading for Dunkirk. Heavy rain on the way so bit the bullet and set the sat nav to accept toll roads.

 

[grez]

Last leg to Dunkirk for the night before the drag through the tunnel and home. Booked at the Fast Hotel which was fine, handy enough though the restraint closed Friday to Sunday. Walked 10 mins into town to a place recommended by the receptionist, turned out to be a bar/restaurant that played jazz music and served Italian food. They spoke no English and I speak no French so sign language got me a meal and a beer and a pleasant experience it was. Back for a nights rest then find the tunnel and home.

Got to the tunnel early only to find one of them was closed and we were going to be delayed at least an hour. Met a very nice man on a Triumph ST. Mentioned as I struggled to dismount my knackered body that I was feeling old only to discover he was 79 and more agile than me. Suitably humbled we went for coffee and croissants before getting on the train.

Ah, back in the UK, land of piss poor motorway driving. Weather was OK so just the slog back to the northwest, park the bike, clothes in the washing machine, me in the shower, take away in me and bed………………I need a holiday

 

[grez]

So, a different trip to previous ones. This time I stayed in places a few days and explored towns as well as rode in the countryside.

Managed to cover 4969 miles in 17 days. Money spent on fuel - lots, money spent on beer - lots, enjoyable experiences - lots, bad experiences - one (getting knocked off my bike)

What have I learnt this time?

Well my arse still hurts doing long days but there is plenty of scope to move around the bike so it worked out OK.

A fully laden fully fuelled GS is bloody heavy to try and pick up off the ground.

Tourance Next tyres (which I hated when I got them) last. They have done 15,000 plus miles and the front is down to the wear marks but the back has tread all over, just a bit squared off. Unsure if this is a testament to their longevity or the fact I ride like a pussy.

French drivers will look you straight in the eye before pulling out right in front of you.

Spanish drivers will just run over you.

Portuguese drivers have no idea what a roundabout is or what indicators are for.

Everywhere people are friendly and are willing to talk to you when you are on a bike, although I knew that already.

Must find a bike riding woman, think company next time might be nice.