Extremadura is an area Southwest of Madrid and somewhere we have wanted to visit for some time. Apart from lovely countryside it is steeped in history and is on the Route de le Plata (Silver Route)

The tour started by the normal Brittany Ferries crossing to Santander, I had my usual 'discussion' with the loading crew who wanted us to literally to have our bikes touching wheel to wheel - thus allowing no room for anyone to get out or in without scratching and damaging bikes. I have spoken to Brittany Ferries about this, but I see nothing as improved - perhaps a concerted campaign is required?

Following an initial slightly bumpy crossing -(sorry Stuart)- things calmed down and we arrived in Santander to dry but dull skies. Once clear of the coast, the sun came out and never went in again for the whole trip.

Our first days ride took us on one of my favourite roads (recently re-surfaced ..yes!) to our first Parador in a renovated former 12th century hospital next to a cathedral - thankfully I had done my homework on this one as it involved riding between bollards into the traffic free centre.

The next day took us north of Madrid before entering the Sierra de Guadarrama and onto the city of Segovia. The reason for visiting here was to see the Roman Aqueduct - this really is an amazing structure more so because it appears to be of a dry wall construction and completely unmortised. I am sure there were lots more to see, but the temperatures were rising and the bars in the central plaza were calling.

The next day took us through the Gredos Mountains further southwest to our hotel for the next three nights in Trujillo. Again another fantastic Parador in a lovely town, although the parking was a bit of a nightmare resulting in someone falling and breaking a lever.

The plan was to ride out from here and visit some of the historic sites, but to be honest most people preferred to chill out in the town and by the pool, which was turning out to be a god-send. I took a ride-out with some others and found some more great, traffic free, well surfaced roads, but having seen 40C on the air temperature gauge I decided it was beeroclock.

Time to head back north, the day was to turn out to be 'messy' - two stationery spills (we have all done it) resulted in another two broken levers, then Mike one of the Tiger twins bike would not start. After minor repairs and much scratching of the head we got everything fixed, but as we had lost the cool of the morning we cut the route and hightailed for the next Parador pool.

Picos next, and as usual it did not disappoint, the weather and visibility was stunning. Again the pool came into play (only second time I have used it in 20 years!) before enjoying an evening meal at one of the village restaurants.

Our return ferry was not till 3pm, so we had a great cross country ride before returning along the beautiful coastline. The return ferry was pretty packed and fortunately for once I was put on deck 3 and not in the bowels of the ship as usual. Unfortunately this meant I was unable to say goodbye to some, but did give me a really quick off load.  I suspect I was probably in Winchester before most saw light of day. The gauge said 33C so was like being in Spain, well at least till Nottingham when the temperature dropped to 18C and the zips once again got fastened up.

So a really good way to start the season. I was really impressed by the countryside, it was much greener than I had expected, wildlife (especially birds) in abundance, lovely quiet well surfaced roads, fantastic hotels and above all a great crowd of riders, strangely enough many from our first USA tour.

An area I am sure we will visit again soon.