25/11/2012
Torredembarra Motorcycle Tour
20th – 23rd October 2012
We like experiences and the thought of touring around on a couple of classic motorcycles in Spain was too good an opportunity to miss. Nik Bridle who runs True Grip Tours in Torredembarra, a town approximately 50 miles south of Barcelona organised a couple of days motorcycling with an overnight stop at the end of October 2012.
We flew in from Bristol to Reus on Saturday afternoon and stayed in an apartment owned by Nik on the Saturday night. Picking the bikes up on Sunday morning, a 1982 BMW R45 and a 1982 Yamaha 650, we headed off. Both bikes were in top notch condition.
For the first half hour we followed the dual carriageway south along the coast. Skirting Reus we picked up the N420, turning west and heading off into the mountains. This was more like it as smooth, winding roads took us upwards, but as we crested the peaks the heavens opened and the road became a river beneath us. Discretion dictated that we pull into Falset, where six inch deep water flowed down the high street. We squelched into a café and had coffee. Luckily the rain didn’t last long and we were on our way.
Back on the road before Mora D’ebre we turned left on to the C12 to follow the east bank of the river Ebro to cross to Miravet via the ferry. The last of its kind, and comprising two boats with a wooden platform for vehicles it uses just pullies, rudders and the power of the current to cross the river. The castle at Miravet was closed when we arrived but that gave us time to enjoy lunch in a bar in town.
From Miravet the minor road to El Pinell de Brai picked up the road to Prat de Comte, Arnes and Valderrobres. Crossing the river we headed south west on the A1414 via Fuentespada and Monroyo, then headed virtually due south to our overnight at Morella.
Morella is a treat, a medieval walled city sitting on a hilltop and dominated by a castle dating back to the 10th century. We stayed at the Hotel Del Pastor within the city walls, the bikes safely parked in a secure gated compound. The narrow streets were very atmospheric and we finished the day with a fine meal and glass of wine.
The sun was shining brightly with clear blue skies on Monday and the view from the hotel balcony was spectacular. After breakfast we scaled the hill to visit the castle, which was well worth it.
We retraced out route until we turned off, heading for the village of Bot and on to Corbera D’Ebre. A strategic town in the Spanish Civil War, a section was destroyed by bombardment in 1938. The ruins have been left as they were apart from the church, the shell of which has been made safe. It was a very moving place to visit.
After that, back to Torredembarra for a celebratory meal and beer, with another night at the apartment before flying back home on Tuesday.
We rode 400 miles over two days. The roads were generally excellent (Thank you EU money) and the riding was very enjoyable. A great weekend.
