The Heartland Tour
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The Spanish
Motorcycle Tour Specialists
This is a seven night, one base tour. We stay in a friendly hotel where Castilla y Leon meets Aragon and La Rioja. From here we can explore our scenic surroundings. The area is renowned for its pure, clean air derived from its forests and lack of industry. Castilla y Leon is the biggest region in Spain and also one most picturesque, whilst La Rioja is world famous for its wines.
Please Note; If you are using Brittany Ferries, you will need to travel from Plymouth and back to Portsmouth. We have had to do this to facilitate a seven night tour. Of course, you may arrive by other means.
Day 1 Monday
We meet near the ferry terminal in Santander. Of course you don't have to travel from Plymouth, you may like to make your own way through France before joining us. Those of you who wish to relax on the Pont Aven can see booking information at http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/
We make the 320 kilometre journey to our hotel, stopping along the way to take refreshment and get to know each other. This journey alone is a fantastic day out.
The whole of the Parque Natural is impressive, with fantastically shaped rocks.
First stop is the impressive 'Black Lagoon. At 1780 metres above sea level, this lake of glacial origins will live in your memory.
Then we move on to the mediaeval village of Calatanazor where a decisive battle took place in 1002, between the invading Muslims and the forces of the Christian armies of Castile led by Count Sanco Garcia ,and Leon led by Alfonso V. This small village is considered to be the most mediaeval of this mediaeval province.
Then we move on to Wolf River Canyon, with its hidden 'ermita' tucked away at the end of the canyon. We then ride to the top of the canyon to enjoy the stunning panoramic views.
Day 3 El Monasterio de
Piedra
It took 23 years to build the Monastery (1195 – 1218), a remarkably short time if one considers its size, though the builders did not need to quarry or dress the stone as it was all taken directly from the old Moorish wall and castle. Alfonso II called on people from Catalonia, Navarra and Valencia, areas which had already be converted to Christianity, to come and build the monastery and create a new community together with the monks.
The best part of the visit is the green, exotic park where the sound of falling water helps us chill, if we haven't already done so. The waters of the River Piedra have shaped the landscape into lakes, grottos and waterfalls. Here we will see such magnificent sights as the 'Mirror Lake' and the 50 metre high 'Horse's Tail' waterfall.
Also in the grounds is a cafe/restaurant, so we'll be well fed ready for our journey back.
Today we'll cover around 250 kilometres of fantastic biking roads during the round trip. See the video here
A two and a half kilometre tunnel has taken the traffic away from the Puerto Piqueras and turned it into heaven for bikers. The road, which rises to over 1700 metres, is wide, twisting and deserted. The surface is beautifully smooth and the views are absolutely stunning. The rest of the Sierra Cebollera isn't bad either. One of the nice things about riding through the mountains is the coffee stop. The villages here are unspoilt, friendly places. Often, a local will approach and enquire about your bike, or ask you where you are from. It's fun to use sign language to communicate, but if you're really struggling, your Spanish speaking guide will assist you.
In the Sierra de Cebollera, the scenery changes quickly. It is remarkable for its rocky outcrops and resemblance to cowboy country, but the one constant is the lack of traffic.
Day 5 Picos de Urbion FridayToday we take the high road again, and what a spectacular place this is! If you like winding, mountain roads, this is the place for you. I never tire of crossing these peaks; it's always an exhilarating experience. I don't know if it's the pure, clean air, or the smell of the pine trees that turns me on, Semi wild horses roam the peaks and it's not unusual to round a bend and meet a cow sitting in the middle of the road. Eagles are commonplace in these parts, and quite often circle close above our heads.
This area is without doubt, one of the most beautiful in Spain, if not Europe. The scenery is nothing short of humbling. I can't wait to get back there.
Today we begin the day with the short ride to the ruins of the Roman city of Numancia, Then we head to the enchanting city of Burgo de Osma.
More Roman ruins follow, before we go to the fortress of Gormaz, which enjoys spectacular views over the River Duero and the distant landscape. The patchwork of fields on the plain below is a memory that will surely stick with you.
Day 7 Sierra de
Cebollera
Today is a leisurely day exploring local villages and enjoying plenty of refreshment stops. Again we head high inhale the clear mountain air in the villages of Santa Cruz de Yanguas, Villar del Rio and San Pedro Manrique amongst others.
Day
8 Back to SantanderSadly it's time to bid farewell, but not before we have enjoyed the journey back to Santander. This time, as we pass through the Sierra de Cebollera, we take the two and a half kilometre tunnel.
I'm sure it'll not be long before we see you again.