It is finally time to take our trip. Thanks to all the bikers on ADVrider forum for help in planning the trip. I am going to tell the whole story. It is a bit long and perhaps boring, but there may some value to someone thinking of a trip like this.
When I retired a couple of years ago, we planned to tour Europe on motorcycles. I looked in to shipping our F650s to Europe from Seattle, leave them for a few years and have several visits. Shipping the bikes proved to be expensive and a major hassle. The new plan was to purchase bikes in Europe. I wanted a US registered bikes to keep all the paperwork straight.
I found a V-Strom that Gary purchased in California, did some touring in the Americas and shipped it to Europe. We did the deal on line and it couldn't have gone better. The bike is in Barnstaple in the South of England It has 17xxx miles. I was only able to find one bike so we will be riding two up. We will see if Beverly and I are still friends after 5 weeks on the same bike. I hope to find another bike for our next trip.I have a bunch of add ons to make the bike suitable for two up riding: panniers, top box, center stand, hand guards, accessory circuits, autocom communications and others. I have all this stuff pre assembled and need to install it all in one day.
The route. We are flying to Heathrow, taking the train to the South of England and staying for two days to outfit the bike, socialize with Gary and see the countryside. We get the ferry from Plymouth to Santander Spain and head for Madrid for a few days. Big cities don't usually interest us but the museums and nightlife of Madrid sound like we shouldn't miss them. then on to Andalusia for 5 days. It is Semana Santa and the festivities might prove interesting. Due to time issues, we fly to Marrakech Morocco. We rent two bikes and go to the Atlas mountains for some off road riding. From Seville, we have 12 days to get to Heidelberg. where we leave the bike for the next trip which I hope will be Greece and Turkey in the fall. Will post every few days and report on our progress.DAY TWO -- April 15
Arrived in one piece. Took the train into London then to Barnstaple. We will be staying in Ron's RV which is parked in his parent's (Ron and Wendy) yard. Ron picked us up at the train station. What service and how gracious they were to welcome us to their house. We looked like the Beverly Hillbillies with all the luggage; mostly parts for the motorcycle. 
This is Beverly at Paddington station waiting for the train to Barnstaple. Gary was waiting for us at the station when we arrived. We are staying at Gary's parents place, Wendy and Ron in Gary's motorhome.
This is Beverly at Paddington station waiting for the train to Barnstaple. Gary was waiting for us at the station when we arrived. We are staying at Gary's parents place, Wendy and Ron in Gary's motorhome.
Gary has an interesting work live. He does internet administration and can do his work as long as he has internet access. He travels around the world and his only requirement is that he has Wifi. What a life.
Would you buy a bike from this guy?
DAY THREE April 16
Spent most of the day working on the bike. Installed Panniers, the top box, center stand, hand guards, dash, new fuse box, and wiring. As usual, I estimated 5 hours and it took me 9 hours. This includes a walk into town and some chats with Gary, Wendy and Ron. A good nights sleep and we were finished with our jet lag.
Our gracious hosts welcomed us (stra
ngers) into their home for three nights.
Our gracious hosts welcomed us (stra
ngers) into their home for three nights.
Our home for 3 nights
Went out to a beach town for dinner. This is one of the main surfing areas in England.
Day 4 April 17
We started our ride today. Left Barnstaple for the Ferry at Plymouth. Gary gave us a route through the moors in the Dartmore national park. The sun was shining and the British countryside was green and interesting. (From Beverly -- There are hedges everywhere...criscrossing the green rolling hills and lining all the country roads. Since all the hedges along the roads seem to be neatly trimmed, I was wondering who keep them trimmed.) Arrived at the ferry in plenty of time. Saw lots of other bikers. There was a group from the UK -- a BMW club going to Seville for some touring. Met Paul and Theresa from Enniskillen Ireland. They are also two-up on a V-Strom going to Morocco. We might see them in Marrakech.
The ferry from Plymouth to Santander Spain is like a cruise ship. Here is us loading http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-aE5tXPk68&feature=BFa&list=WL0B55CF873F5C2B14&index=1
We got a room with bunk beds and went to the bar. We didn't have lunch so the beer and wine started us out properly loose. Had a great dinner and went to the ship show. The entertainment was "Tina Turner." She looked like the real Tina. The ferry crossing is 22 hours.
Met Mark and Adam from Wales. They were going to tour around Spain but were going to decide where when they got off the boat. They questioned my manhood on not drinking so we had too much wine and beer. It was fun.
The ferry from Plymouth to Santander Spain is like a cruise ship. Here is us loading http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-aE5tXPk68&feature=BFa&list=WL0B55CF873F5C2B14&index=1
We got a room with bunk beds and went to the bar. We didn't have lunch so the beer and wine started us out properly loose. Had a great dinner and went to the ship show. The entertainment was "Tina Turner." She looked like the real Tina. The ferry crossing is 22 hours.
Met Mark and Adam from Wales. They were going to tour around Spain but were going to decide where when they got off the boat. They questioned my manhood on not drinking so we had too much wine and beer. It was fun.
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