Newsletter Christmas 2009
Issue 5
‘Tis The Season…. …to be grumpy cos’ for most of us, the weather is awful and our bikes are sitting alone in the garage, feeling neglected and unloved. If you listen very carefully, you can hear the barely discernible cry for help as life ebbs from the battery. So before we go any further, get off your bum and go and give your bike a big cuddle. You could start her up while you’re at it too. Go on, I’ll wait until you get back. Go on, off you go…….. That wasn’t too bad was it? To be honest, I went and had a cup of tea while you were in the garage. I took my bike out only this morning, as the weather here in the south of Spain is glorious even though Santa is polishing his runners as we speak. Even by Spanish standards, this winter has been mild, so there’s been plenty of opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and fantastic scenery. Well, someone has to be here in Spain and finalize the tours for next year don’t they? Last weekend, I had a run around Malaga’s Lake District. It’s actually three, beautiful, turquoise lakes surrounded by pine trees, white villages and winding roads. What with that and the crystal clear sky, it
was hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner.
Before I go any further, let me apologise for the Christmas photo. I was going to use a photo of a succulent Turkey straight from the oven, but in these days of political correctness, I thought I might offend vegetarians and I couldn’t find a suitable picture of a nut roast to compensate. Then I had an idea about a photo of a fairy, but my friend Quentin just wouldn’t have it. He runs a mile when he sees a Christmas tree you know, so I’ve settled for three oven gloves for arthritics and I hope everyone’s happy with that. Anyway, I hope to see a lot of you here in Spain during the coming year. In the meantime, have a great Christmas and good luck for 2010.
Alan
See the tours here
Focus On The Museum of Classic Motorcycles Situated close to three national parks in a beautiful part of Spain, ‘The Museum of Classic Motorcycles’ should be on every biker’s list of places to see. Lying near Hervas, it requires only a small detour from the autovia to bring you to this amazing place. There are over 300 exhibits, the vast majority being motorcycles, with one or two other interesting items thrown in, such as a hearse, an antique ambulance, a bus, a caravan and a number of classic cars. There is also, bizarrely, a room devoted to antique prams. When you’ve done looking at the fine machines on display, you can climb the steps to the top of one of the pabellóns (exhibition hall), and enjoy the view across the surrounding countryside. The Museum was the brainchild of just one man, Juan Gil Moreno, who used his free time and money to build what has become, what many believe, to be the finest collection of classic motorcycles in Spain.
The museum complex is itself a work of art, with eight pabellóns arranged in circles and sweeping curves that are so easy on the eye.
All the pabellóns are cleverly arranged to be within close range of each other, and the place somehow seems to have a warm, friendly atmosphere, unlike other museums I’ve visited. In fact, the word ‘museum’ does the place an injustice. You can almost feel the affection that Juan has built in to the place.
The village of Hervas is also well worth taking a look at, as is the nearby Parque Nacional de Monfrague and the Sierra de Gredos. The Sierra de Francia is also very close to the museum. All in all, it’s a great place for motorbikes and motorbiking. The Museum of Classic Motorcycles, along with the three National Parks mentioned above, is part of the Valle del Jerte Tour
Featured Tourer
grumble too much though; I have a fantastic veg patch.
Now pay attention, because a very special man has emailed me with his thoughts about his tourer.
Now a lot of people think I don’t exist, but don’t you listen to them. I may be getting on a bit and I only come once a year, but I’m still here, and plan to be for a lot longer yet, so don’t forget to leave me a glass of brandy and a mince pie before you trot off to bed on Christmas Eve, that is, if you know what’s good for you.
His name is Nicholas and he lives somewhere in the north. This is what he had to say;
Well, that’s all, so all that is left to do is wish you all a Merry Christmas from me, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. Hi Alan, I’m very busy at this time of year, but I just couldn’t resist telling you about my tourer. I’ve had it a long, long time but it’s still in perfect condition, probably because I only use it at certain times of year.
It’s only nine horsepower (well almost horsepower), but it certainly does what I need it to do. On of the best things about it, is its incredible luggage capacity and the ability to park on really small rooftops, but on the down side, I could do with the red nose being on the back, what with having no lights. Talking of noses, Blitzen is suffering from congested nasal passages, so if you’re thinking of buying me a Christmas present, a ‘Snot Oiler’ would be good, or a windscreen; last year the reindeers had chicken vindaloo for lunch on Christmas Eve, that is apart from Donner, who had a kebab, but it had pretty much the same effect. I can’t
Nicholas What a great honour to have Santa share his thoughts with us. Now it’s your turn. Tell us about your bike. Email your photos and comments (please).
The Motorcycle Touring Handbook eBook is now on sale here
And Finally As we look forward to Christmas, I can’t help thinking about when I was a lad in Yorkshire. We didn’t have much, but we enjoyed ourselves. I remember my dad handing a Christmas present to me, but after I’d torn away the wrapping paper all I found was an empty shoe box. ‘What’s this bewildered.
dad?’
I
asked
‘That son’, he said, ‘is an Action Man Deserter’. I didn’t complain because I knew times were hard, as I didn’t the following year when I received a packet of batteries with the words ‘Toys not included’ stamped on the side. Have a good Christmas and a safe new year, and don’t forget to keep sending in your photos and comments about your bikes. See you soon
Alan
See the tours here
www.motorbike-tours.co.uk
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