What began as a simple plan soon turned into an unforgettable European motorcycle adventure. Setting off from Glasgow, I made my way down to Birmingham to meet up with my friend and fellow social member, Steve Allen. With the bikes prepped and anticipation high, we pointed ourselves south and began a journey that would take us across countries, climates, and some of the best riding roads Europe has to offer.

Our trip properly began with an overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg—a calm crossing that gave us time to map out the days ahead. By morning, we rolled onto French soil and headed down the west coast, enjoying flowing roads and coastal views before stopping for the night in Saint-Jean-de-Monts.

The following day kept us hugging the coastline, passing through La Rochelle and Royan before settling near Bordeaux. Each stretch offered its own character, from open sweeping roads to charming towns that made perfect rest stops. From there, we turned inland, riding towards Tarbes at the foot of the French Pyrenees, where the landscape began to shift dramatically.

Crossing the Pyrenees was a true highlight. Climbing over the Col d’Aspin at 1,500 metres, we were met with freezing temperatures dropping to 0°C, with snow lining the roadside—a stark contrast to what lay ahead. Descending into Spain, the mercury climbed rapidly to a comfortable 19°C, and the riding conditions became near perfect.

Our destination that day was Barbastro, reached via roads that can only be described as a biker’s dream—smooth, scenic, and endlessly engaging. The next day, we explored further with a loop through Jaca and back to Huesca, riding the N230 and N260. These routes are highly recommended for anyone venturing into the Pyrenees, offering a mix of long sweeping bends and tighter, technical sections, all under warm sunshine and blue skies.

The final leg of our journey brought us to the famous “Silent Route” near Teruel as we made our way to Denia. This road is nothing short of spectacular—quiet, remote, and beautifully engineered for riders. It’s one of those routes that stays with you long after the journey ends.

After a well-earned rest day, Steve continued his journey solo to Murcia to visit a friend before heading north to Santander for the ferry home. Unfortunately, his return leg to Birmingham was met with poor weather—an all-too-familiar challenge for UK riders.

This trip was a perfect reminder of what makes motorcycle touring so special: the freedom, the variety, and the shared experiences along the way. If this has sparked your interest in exploring Europe on two wheels, you’ll be pleased to know that many of our members regularly undertake similar tours and are always happy to offer advice, tips, or even company. Don’t hesitate to reach out—you might just find your next great adventure waiting. Barry AKA Mr. Treasurer”

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