April 2010, and the Old Men on Bikes travelled to Spain!

We decided to give the off-road riding a miss this year (especially with Vic’s bad shoulder) and booked a 5 day on-road holiday with Perle and Terry at Bikespana.

Perle and Terry welcomed us at Malaga Airport and took us for a one hour drive to their base in the hills, where they provide accommodation, meals, and bikes.

The location of their home is stunning! Half way up a mountain with panoramic views all the way to the sea, and set among orange and olive groves.

We didn’t waste any time after our arrival before getting to know the bikes that we would be using during our stay. Terry has a group of four BMW 650s, along with his own favourite Royal Enfield 350 Bullet (although I guess he can add to all that for bigger groups).

Over the next four days of riding we explored the roads of the region and with Terry’s knowledge and experience every day had something knew. There were fast twisty roads, steady twisty roads, and slow twisty roads. All of them were great fun.

We didn’t waste any time after our arrival before getting to know the bikes that we would be using during our stay. Terry has a group of four BMW 650s, along with his own favourite Royal Enfield 350 Bullet (although I guess he can add to all that for bigger groups).

Over the next four days of riding we explored the roads of the region and with Terry’s knowledge and experience every day had something knew. There were fast twisty roads, steady twisty roads, and slow twisty roads. All of them were great fun.

We visited the sights of the area, including –

The Lakes, El Chorro (scene of Von Ryan’s Express, but no Frank Sinatra)

The castle at Teba where Sir James Douglas fought and died for the Spanish King

The spectacular town of Ronda, although parking was a problem!!

The bikes were ideal for this type of riding, and suited all three of us, although the power delivery of a 650 single was quite different from our own in-line four cylinder Hondas. Terry insisted that it was compulsory to have a ride on the Enfield and we all did (including Vic).

Perle made a magnificent job of hanging on at the pillion while taking pics of the other riders. At the end of the holiday she presented us with a CD with over 800 picture and we have included some here. Well and done, and thank you Perle!

Sandy and Alan both used their helmet cams and Sandy has edited it down for the website.

We thoroughly enjoyed our on-road riding holiday with plenty of riding on “our type of roads”. The accommodation and food were excellent, and the setting of the Finca la Majadilla is stunning.

A big thanks to Perle and Terry!

What next for the Old Men on Bikes?

P.S.  Pearl and Terry no longer operate Bikespana from their villa home.