Well we have certainly had some great biking weather lately, hope you have all had time to get out and enjoy it. We are just back from our Pyrenees and Costa Brava Tour which enjoyed the same good weather and re-enforced my opinion that I really do like Spain as a biking destination.

Quite a large tour this with some 26 bikes, some electing to make their own way to the first nights hotel, but most joined me on the Portsmouth-St Malo ferry. Got away in good time and after an uneventful run down to Bordeaux, we met up with others making the group complete.

I think recent traumatic experiences with wayward sat navs made everybody a little wary of striking out on their own, and so for the first day we rode as a group.

We were relieved to find that all reports were correct and that the Col du Tourmalet was open, as was the Bielsa tunnel, so thankfully this year no change to our scheduled route. There was still snow up the Col, quite a few road repairs, and even low cloud but the final run into Spain was very enjoyable.

The next 4 days were spent riding southwards along the Pyrenees, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, the roads were deserted and more importantly the beer just 2 euros a pint – what more can a biker ask for?

We had time to chill out as we spent a couple of nights at a lovely little resort on the Costa Brava. During the day, everyone went their own ways, but met up in the evenings to enjoy the restaurants and bars of the resort.  Unfortunately we had to stay late in the bar to watch the World Cup, but someone had to do it.

Time to leave Spain and head back into France along the A75 and over the Millau Bridge. Had one bike that would not start at the Toll booths, Mr Sun decided this would be the hottest day of all, as we laboured under his glare as we cleaned battery terminals to get things going again. The day finished with a run through the Auvergne region which I think opened a few people’s eyes to how good the roads are in this part of France.

A further day brought us to the Loire valley before our final run to Caen to catch the ferry back to Portsmouth. Along the way I received a call advising that one of the group, John and Deborah, had broken down on their GTR1400, apparently the back wheel locking up at some speed, but thankfully he had managed to bring the bike under control. They were eventually picked up and taken to the ferry terminal to catch the overnight ferry, before being picked up in Portsmouth and taken home. John called to say they had arrived home safely and to thank everybody for their concern. I have not yet heard what caused the problem; I know we have had problems with rear wheel bearings on the GTR1400 in the past, but nothing that has caused the wheel to lock.

Our final visit before catching the ferry was to Pegasus Bridge. Whilst there, a parade of probably 200 vintage motorcycles came through, a fantastic sight & sound. Despite my protests no one seemed to believe that I had arranged the event especially for them!

Finally thank you and congratulations to two of our regulars, Andrea and Dave who chose the tour for their Honeymoon, guess you cannot ask for any better recommendation than that.  The weather, hotels, food and above all, good company made this a tour to remember.