She Says - To new friends and new adventures…

28-29 August
We’re just wrapping up a fantastic two days in the care of Alison and Andy in Riogordo, Spain. These guys have looked after us well, and today took us out on an awesome ride through the beautiful Andalucian hills not far from their house. This is a beautiful area, and I only wish that we had more time here – or that one day we will be back again! I do have rather a soft spot for Spain…..

Yesterday morning, we got out of camp early enough to take a back route into Riogordo, going past the El Torcal natural park. We thought we didn’t have enough time to really look at the site or even go into the visitor centre, where you could apparently see some of the weird rock formations that make up the site. So we headed on down the twisty roads in gorgeous golden morning light, only to find ourselves arriving at our destination an hour early!! What a bummer, especially as Alison and Andy said it’s really worth seeing the rocks around the park visitor centre. After a chat, and our new front tyre surprisingly arriving when we thought it was a lost cause, we went off for lunch and to get our tyre and Andy’s changed (just a note to save face for Xander – the current tyre is a road tyre and more difficult to remove than a dirt tyre; he had taken the old rear off several times in France). A few hours and 15 euros later at a car garage, we had a proper off-road tyre again. Great service!

This morning after a lazy start, Xander changed the front tyre, and then we headed into the hills. We passed a cheesy photo opportunity that could not be avoided – a metal statue of a mountain goat that just screams for you to sit on it! We reached a picnic area just below the cloud line, and enjoyed a lovely lunch of deli goodies. We then headed off along some dirt tracks through the hills, enjoying the gorgeous scenery and good company. It was good to start trying to dirt tracks, as it’s something we need to get used to, and Xander handled the bike well along the bumpy tracks.

Alison and Andy have shown us a fascinating insight into ex-pat life, as they are British with two teenagers, and they have done well to integrate themselves into the village, which I really appreciate. They are also doing great things for motorbike travellers coming through this area and run local biker meets, and we think they are an amazing and wonderfully kind couple. Thanks heaps for looking after us, letting us use your washing machine, and understanding what we’re dealing with (including the stinky bike gear!). It’s been awesome sleeping on terrace under the stars (except for a few mozzies!), and spending time with their lovely dogs that accepted us into the household. Alison and Andy have shown an incredible kindness to two people they’ve never met before – we hope one day to return the favour when they set off on their own big trip!