The spirit of adventure

I’d ridden pretty much daily since passing my test in 1980. Then two years ago, I changed jobs and I’d either work from home or catch a taxi to an airport. My Suzuki V-strom 650 languished in my garage. Then the missus had an idea: “Why not do a major European Tour to celebrate our silver wedding?”

Obviously, to have married me in the first place she’s a teacup short of a full dinner service but it seemed too good an opportunity to miss. We booked a Tunnel crossing on Saturday, loaded the bike and rode down to Folkestone the next day with only one night’s accommodation booked, about 100 miles into France.

We headed east via Belgium and Luxembourg then south and into the Alps – what a place to ride a motorcycle! Having dipped into Italy and gorged ourselves on the glorious roads of the Route des Grandes Alps, we rode Route Napoleon to Castellane and took a trip around the Gorge du Verdon. Deciding it might be time to start thinking about home, we forged west to the Millau Viaduct and on to Spain for the overnight ferry back to Blighty from Santander.

Our eight-day trip had taken in seven countries and seen us rack up 2485 miles, with minimal preparation, without endless advance booking – just with a spirit of adventure. With a pragmatic attitude and a motorcycle underneath you, the world is a fantastic place. Can’t wait to see what our golden wedding will bring. Mick Capes