After a few weeks of not knowing whether this trip would actually take place, see Introduction, the day finally came round to set off. I had word from my brother in the UK that he and 2 friends had departed home early on a slightly cold morning. I on the other hand set off at about 8:30 in a relaxed mood, only about 700km to do no problem.
About a year ago my brother and I were talking on the phone and the subject turned to motorcycle trips. It's been a while since we completed one together as other commitments have got in the way, then 13yrs ago I moved to the Costa Blanca making things worse. Our last proper trip was in 2000 from Scarborough, North Yorkshire. UK to the BOL D'OR which was then being held at Magny Cours. It was a great trip we even managed to get our dad to tag along on his BMW, but 15yrs is a long time ago, so a plan was hatched.
A short extract from Why We Ride, a documentary about Ted Simon the author of Jupiter's Travels. The book Jupiter's Travels can be purchased from or Book & DVD sales page.
Mid August 2014, I decided that since there was a national fiesta immediately before a weekend a touring trip was in order. Not much planning would be done as I only decided to go three days before. After about 10 minutes on Google Maps the decision was made to head north east up the Costa Blanca coastline towards Benicàssim before turning inland and stopping somewhere near Albocàsser for the night. Where would I stay? Maybe a nice hotel, or dig out the old tent and give camping a go, what could possibly go wrong.
