I recognise it from 3 years back. An English bloke and two Tunisians ,one his son in law made for interesting companions they were at Shaka before.
Started on fridge, bimney and revalving the toilet repairs. Reacquainted my self with local attractions. The place is back alleys and scruffy facades, at night with lights on its got loads of character. Typically Sicily. I’ve found a brother or friar ( Augustine) to teach me Italian. I’ve plenty of time to practice!
Next activity is the bike trip. So having arrived with 5 days to spare , that is also a relief and a bit fine on timing.
Flight to Alicante via Seville is 10 1/2 hrs with stop over 2 hrs on bus to catania first . Quite a lot of turbulence as floods and storms in vicinity . Long day but got to bed ( sofa) around 2 at Niges as his daughters were staying with respective babies!
Test ride on bikes revealed fuel issue on the fast one. Sorted that and left the next morning at 10.
Quite a journey through the center of spain. Quite a lot of cloud , damp roads and a splatter of rain.I was in borrowed gear . We both got very cold in the muzzle and had to stop. Warmed up at a roadside meat restaurants open oven. Very kind of them!
Stayed at a hotel in Burgos. 4 * 50€ for two inc breakfast, very good!
Departed there 9 am . There was ice on the car windscreens. Unbelievable. We had to leave to make the ferry. 2° and mist really the worst kind of riding conditions especially with the fast bike having track based sport tyres!
Before the next fuel stop we had to pull over. My little fingers were dropping off with cold infact everything was on both of us!
Straight forward from there to Bilbao. Niges GPS took a dubious route so we stopped and the fast bike wouldn’t restart, definitely not my fault but I said no point in me staying . I suggested I took the other one and used the car ferry ticket to get one bike back at least with an hour to go before final check in. Nothing I could do! I was nicely embedded on ferry mean while 5 local blokes managed to get Nige started and escorted him to ferry terminal hence on to boat last man and vehicle aboard. Very lucky.
So here we are awaiting the big weather in biscay tonight about 4 am. I’m really looking forward to it. Every time I’ve crossed this stretch it’s been flat calm in spite of it’s reputation!! I’ve booked a bridge tour in the morning. Lady skipper and chief engineer, how very forward, unlike Russell Brand.Some big waves and wind on boat but no furniture being thrown about 🤬
Final leg of ride when we dock is to a hotel near Alton where the bikes final resting place is.Hopefully no more dramas
.
Bike ride done and now waiting for flight back tomorrow.
Fun time had meeting up with friends, sorting out engine bolt and phone . Consuming of lamb and Sunday roasts complete.
Now concentrate on boat jobs and Italian lessons when I get back!
😎
Hotel we stayed in pre bike dealership after ferry.
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