Sorry, the clip was marked as private before. But now it should work!

So, time for my review on driving along the river Douro. The road was good, no gravels in the bends and so on. I guess the usage for normal cyclist is a reason for the road to be looked after. If you drive, you should follow the road N108 all the time. Not easy to follow (had to take some detours). There are a LOT of bends, and after some 100 k you are really looking forward to drive on a straight road. It’s very beautiful in this area of Portugal, and the people are so very friendly, so I would really recommend a drive here. But the negative side is that it’s not easy to get a good view of the river. It was quite hard to find spots where I could take pictures, and normally you don’t see the river, since there are houses or trees hindering the view. So my view is that if you are in the neighborhood, you should definitely go there. But I wouldn’t take a long detour to drive here. Below is a short movie from my drive, and as usual all the apologies available for the lousy editing. Have no real editing tool on my laptop.

Finally, found a good motorcycle dealer in San Sebastian. My cheek pad in my helmet is broken, and I got this store recommended by the manufacture of the helmet (NZI, Spanish helmet). Unfortunately, they didn’t have any spare parts, but they were very helpful. Since my helmet got some years, I might consider buying a new one here, and they had a fair amount of different helmets and brands. The company name is Batanero and is located on Miguel Imaz, 3 y 5 (downtown San Sebastian).

This was the view I saw when I woke up this morning!

After a quick breakfast I headed of towards Rio Douro. But I was not alone. Seems like half the population of Portugal was out bicycling on the same road. But after a while, I had passed a majority of the cyclists. As expected, it was a wonderful scenery, and it got better the further you went. And after some 50 kilometers, you started seeing wine yards, where the grapes for the Port are growing. Harvest in September (that I learned yesterday at Offlays:-)). At around noon I started getting hungry, and I stopped in a small village where there was a gas station and something that resembled a bar. As always down here, there are loads of locals sitting around arguing, drinking coffee and looking at everyone passing by. I managed to order a coffee and a sandwich. The owner wrote down the sum to pay (€ 2,05). Since I only had € 20 bills, I showed that I should go to the bike and get some coins. I got five meters when I was stopped by another guest. The owner was calling be back, and telling me that the coffee and sandwich was for free, with compliments from the owner. When would that happened in Sweden? Conclusion, the Portuguese are extremely friendly and helpful, everywhere I have been they have done more that what you would expect!

Then I set off towards San Sebastian, since I would like to stay in one place when I have to work Monday to Wednesday. It was a rather long trip, 780 kilometers from when I was done with Rio Douro. But the worst part was that the temperature dropped quite quick. It went down to 10-11 degrees, and I was sure not dressed for that! So I had to stop and put on more clothes. When I came close to Vila Real the landscape was amazing. Looked more like something from the Lord of the Rings, close to Mordor. Big rocks just poured out ind big piles and nothing growing. But I was on 1.300 above sea level, so no wonder. But the best was definitely when I came close to San Sebastian, high mountains and deep valleys. I managed to get a room at a hotel situated on top av a hill overlooking San Sebastian and the Atlantic ocean. The view was spectacular, hope to take some pictures tomorrow. But unfortunately, next couple of days will only consist of work:-(

And finally, seems like I lost my Eurocard, so now I’ll have to survive on two cards!

Arrived in Porto! I was not allowed to check in before I had a glass of red port! I think I can like this city, and so would Lena and Mia. Now off to do the Grand Tour of Porto.

After a quick change of clothes, I went out in Porto. It was a 15 minutes walk to the city centre. Everthing seems to be located by the river Douro. Walked around the city, before I took myself over the bridge to the Port Wine side. Makes you wonder if the english word port (left side on a boat) comes from Porto. Took a guided tour at Offleys, and ended up with a cheese and wine tasting. Was ok, but since I’m not a fan of sweet wine it could never reach high grades. Walked back home, and plan to visit a local restaurant in the neighborhood once I’ve had a five minutes power nap. Tomorrow is hopefully going to be one o the best days on this trip. Where I will end up tomorrow, I really don’t know

Made it to Evora. More info to come later, now dinner!

So, time to sum up the day! Made it in Frankfurt (to get to my connecting flight), even though my flight from Stockholm was late. Arrived in Faro, taxi to Tavira and then picked up the bike. Had a light meal with Monica & Claes before I left Tavira. Put the GPS on “avoid motorways”, and I sure did! Most of the 230 kilometers I drove from Tavira to Evora was on small and narrow roads, with lovely scenery. It was really hot as well, around 30 degrees. But I really enjoyed it! At around 9 I arrived in Evora, and the hotel was located somewhere in the old town. The old town contains of very narrow and steep roads with cobble stones. First time I didn’t see the hotel and had to spend 15 minutes getting back. It’s not an exclusive or big hotel (10 rooms), but it has wifi, parking and free breakfast for the price of € 25:-). I quickly ran out to a small restaurant nearby. They were about to close, but it was no problem serving me a dinner. Had a nice local pork dish with two beers and coffee after. Total sum for dinner, € 6,50. I’m not going to keep on commenting on prices, but I’m really surprised on how cheap everything is when you get outside of the touristic places. To sum up, a great driving day and very nice and helpful people in Evora. Below you will find some pictures from my trip today. Unfortunately, my new camera did not have the right angle on my helmet, so I’ve got 3 hours of video overlooking my GPS and my handlebars:-)

Waiting for my flight in a grey, damp and cold Stockholm! Temperature at destination is 27 degrees.

The plan for the day is first of course to arrive in Faro/Tavira. Then I will pick up my bike and head off towards Evora some 200 kilometers north of Tavira. Tomorrow I’m heading towards Porto.

Soon on my way back home again! Everything is packed and the bike is ready to be back on the road again on the 9th of May. I plan to get going on the same day as I arrive, in order to cover some mileage on my first day. Below are some pictures from the beach just outside of Tavira

Unfortunately, I have to cancel my trip back home to Sweden. My services are needed at work for the next couple of weeks, and therefore I have to postpone my trip until the 9th of May. However, I will fly down this coming weekend to Portugal to prepare everything so that I’m ready to leave on the 10th of May.

Unless the pilots at Lufthansa decides to go on strike on the 11th of April, I will land in Faro at 15:15. Claes & Monica have offered to pick me up and also invite me to dinner on Friday night. Who could refuse an offer like that? On Saturday I’ll pick up my bike, fix everything that is needed for the trip and then head off early Sunday morning. I’m aiming to go to Porto the first day, and then on Monday drive by the River Doro. Hopefully I will be able to visit San Sebastian and then I drive up along the Atlantic coast. I need to be in Hamburg on the 19th of April, in order to complete my planned purchases of equipment for my bike. Then hopefully I will be back in Stockholm on the 21st of April.

So this will be my final report from my trip. I will leave from here on Monday, and will spend the weekend as a tourist in Tavira. Thought I’d drive around a bit, but it seems like the bad weather is following me everywhere. But today I took a quick tour, checked out the garage where my bike will be resting until April and then I went down to Cabanas (pictures below) and had a coffee. Soon out to grab some lunch.

Hope you enjoyed this travel diary, be in touch in April again! There might be a slightly better edited movie coming out, but that will not be until I’m home again!

Pelle

Woke up at 4 o’clock this morning, and finally went up at 6. Unfortunately the reception didn’t open until 8:-( But I started packing and took some time to mount the GoPro camera in a new place on the bike. It’s a great camera, but it catches too much wind sitting on top of the helmet. So if there is a risk of driving on motorways, it’s a no-no. But as the weather turned out to be, there was no point attaching it anyway. At 8 sharp I payed my bill and took of. Sunrise seems to be almost the same as back home, sunset however is a lot later this time of the year. So it was dark when I left. All rain equipment on from start, since it was pouring down. And all of this without having a breakfast! It turned out to be the worst day of all. Foggy, raining and from time to time rather windy. In my dreams I would drive down from Salamanca to what I thought was the mainland, but suddenly I saw on the GPS that I was above 1.00o meters. The peek of the day was at 1.191 meter. I had a quick breakfast at around 10:30 (I’m getting the Spanish habits) and then continued. I guess there was some really nice scenery beside the road, but all I could see was gray mist. Gradually it started getting warmer, and when the temperature was at 18 degrees, my six layers of clothes started to feel a bit uncomfortable. After my lunch (at 15:30!!) I changed to summer gloves and took off some layers. I reached Tavira at 16:30 realizing that Portugal is living by GMT not CET. Now I understood why the GPS was so optimistic about my arrival time.

The hotel is lovely, and it’s not very crowded. Got a parking spot in the garage for free, the girl in the reception asked me not to tell anyone. They charge € 7.50 per day normally, but she gave it away for free when I asked how they could charge the same for a motorbike as for a car. Hopefully (she will check) they are able to store my luggage at the hotel until I come back on the 11th of April. There is even hope they can send my motorcycle clothes to the cleaner while I’m gone.

Now I’m only waiting for the clock to be 19 ish so I can go out and get myself a dinner (got a list of good restaurants from Claes & Monica).

No pictures and no film today, bringing the cameras out in this weather would have ruined them!

Checked in at the hotel, and I have now reached my destination. More to come once I get free internet access

Amazing, I didn’t realize that the mainland in Spain was on such high altitude. I was almost on 1.000 meters above sea level, and I ended up at 824 meters in Salamanca. It was probably the worst day during the trip. Extremely windy and raining and rather cold. But the scenery was as always very nice. I’m surprised, didn’t know that Spain is like a terrace. I have already described my arrival to Salamanca. After a quick shower I went out for a dinner. Ended up in a Spanish bar where they also served dinner. I arrived at 18:30 ish and when I asked for the  menu the waiter asked the boss if it was ok. Luckily it was! I’m totally out of sync with the Spaniards. This morning when I left breakfast, they where strolling home from celebrating New Years eve. And so when I ate my dinner, all others, and I mean ALL others had their afternoon coffee. Regardless, I love the prices. I payed € 10 for a two course dinner with half a bottle of wine. With a cup of coffee and yet another class of wine I had to pay € 12 🙂.

Tomorrow I’m aiming for Tavira, it’s a 600 kilometers drive, and the weather forecast says rain:-). So it might be a challenge. The hotel is booked (thanks to Claes & Monika) and I hope to make it. However, it must be an early start tomorrow morning.

Some statistics so far. I have traveled 2476 kilometers since I left Kiel in Germany, I have been driving for 28 hours, I have been having 8 hours of breaks, average driving speed is 83 kilometers/hour and including breaks average speed is 65 km/h. And I’m enjoying every minute of it, that’s the most important information:-)

Just a quick update. Made it to Salamanca, seems like a nice town. The police stopped next to me and asked where I came from. And then they escorted me to the hotel, with the blue lights on:-). Then a danish guy came up, was so pleased to meet somebody from the Nordics. He also explained that Salamanca is one of the coldest towns in Spain, due to the altitude (close to 900 m above sea level). Excellent hostel, even got a indoor parking for my motorbike.

250 k from Salamanca. Very windy on this altitude (950 m). Short break for lunch

Had a quick tour in the old town (some pictures below). Managed to get a glass of red wine, even though I completely forgotten the Spanish words for red wine (vino tinto). Thanks Macen! Everything was however closed (story of my trip). But I never understood when shops are open i Spain, or when the Spaniards work (not much it seems). Not much chance of getting a table tonight from what I understand.

However, the trip to Pamplona was great. Cold but beautiful at start and then some fine motorways. Somewhere close to the border (I didn’t see any sign of me entering into Spain) I started climbing up towards Pamplona. But the best part was when the temperature went from 6 degrees to 16 degrees in just half an hours drive when I got close to the west coast. And on a motorbike you can feel that difference! The drive from the coast to Pamplona was great, but very windy sometimes. I really had a hard time to stay on the road. 

Made it to Pamplona! Checked in at the hotel, and now out for a quick tour around the old town. Tradition here is to eat one grape every time the bells strikes (at midnight) so I better start looking for some grapes. If that doesn’t work, I guess drinking a sip of champagne or maybe cava every time would be almost the same:-) Temperature here is around 8 degrees, but before climbing up the Pyrenees I had amazing 16 degrees (at least for me that is amazing)!

As expected, a cold morning. The girl in the reception had a hard time in the morning, getting the ice of the windshield of her car. But at 10ish the temperature was up to 2,5 centigrade and took off! It was a bit foggy at start, but soon the sun came through. But the temperature didn’t go higher, on the contrary. But it was a beautiful drive, but I had to be cautious. Some lovely scenery on the way though:

In the afternoon I started looking for a hotel, and I was once again hoping for a small hotel in village. Around five o’clock I found a perfect village, nice buildings, restaurants and shops. And according to the GPS one hotel as well. The hotel looked quite simple, with a small restaurant. But to my surprise, they where fully booked:-( So I had to continue and ended up in Angouleme, a rather big city. But it was impossible to find an hotel in Centre de ville. Once again, they all seemed to be closed. So I ended up in an Ibis hotel outside of town. A steak at the nearby “restaurant” and then back to the hotel room. I have some 400 kilometers tomorrow so I hope to start early. Below is a video from the trip today. My sincere apologies for the quality. It’s produced on my old PC with no real video editing software.

After yet another magnificant breakfast at the B&B in Schlossborn I started my journey to France. Temperature has dropped a bit, and today it was between 2-5 degrees. Unfortunately, a lot of rain as well. In France I try to avoid pay roads and that got me through a number of small villages in the French countryside. Since my plan was to find accommodation in smaller villages this was a perfect plan, so I thought anyway. But it turned out that I couldn’t find any open hotel. I don’t know if they are closed on Sundays or just open in the summertime. So I had to make my way to a larger town and ended up in Troyes. I have now found out that Troyes is located in the Champagne area, and that explains the dessert I got today, Champagne cheese with cream!

The weather forecast doesn’t look that good, zero degrees until lunchtime, so it might be so that I have to hang around in Troyes for a while tomorrow. Otherwise, my plan is to drive in the direction of Bordeaux and on the last day of this year end up in Pamplona (hotel booked). But things might change depending on the weather:-(

The bike is working perfect, and my heated gloves and socks are absolutely great. I haven’t been cold once during the trip.

And now with some pictures of the excellent breakfast:

So, at last I arrived in Kiel and could start my journey. When I went of the ferrie, I was immediately directed aside, and I thought that I would end up in customs:-(. But it turned out that they just wanted me to pass by all the cars that where waiting at the traffic light. After  a little more than an hour I reached Hamburg and the Touratech shop where I bought a tank bag. So far, the motorcycle on the picture is the only one I have seen so far on my trip. After Hamburg I went on towards Frankfurt. The temperature varied between 7 and 9 degrees and not a single drop of rain. However, roadwork slowed down the journey, and I arrived at 6.30 pm. As expected a wonderful dinner and a very good wine was waiting and a lot of talking. I have decided to stay here for one more night and leave for France on Sunday morning (less traffic).

So, finally on my way. Took the flight from Stockholm to Gothenburg and then I went to Hovås and got my bike. Then just a short drive to the ferry. Got an excellent cabin with sea view.  A quick dinner and now I’m enjoying a sip of Bowmore and watching Sweden-Switzerland in the opening game of the junior ice hockey world championship. Tomorrow I will first go to Hamburg to buy  a tankbag and after that I will head towards Frankfurt. Hopefully I will be able to get all the way to Gunther and Nicole and pay them a visit and get a good night sleep. After Frankfurt I will drive towards France and leave the highways.

So, yet another travel is forming. This time it will be a trip in wintertime down to Portugal. In order to avoid snow in Sweden, I have already driven the bike down to Gothenburg. On the 26th of December, I will take the ferry from Gothenburg down to Kiel in Germany. From there I will drive westbound, in order to get slightly higher temperature. Then down through France, down to Biarritz and the on to the Iberian peninsula and finally reach the town of Tavira in Portugal. I will park my bike there and take flight back home to Sweden on the 5th or 6th of January with a return flight on the 11th of April (close to Easter). I will spend some days travelling around in Spain and Portugal before I head up north again to bring the bike back home. I intend to use this blogg to send updates on my trip.

However, if the temperature is below zero in Germany after Christmas I will cancel the whole trip:-(