[Charlieharley]

Day 15
Packed, loaded and hit the road. As we had deviated from our original route we picked another camp site just north of Lisbon, at Peniche Wind surfers paradise but not for us and as we had not been riding for a few days we decided to push on to yet another known camp site at Figueira da foz. We decided to spend a few days here as it was within an hour of some ex pats we wanted to catch up with. More beach time, cold beers and fine food. Everything is a little cheaper here as we are now over half way up the country.
Days 16, 17, 18, On the Beach local rideouts: wink:

Day 19
A sedate ride back to Aveiro for a return meeting with Antonio and a spot of lunch, then of up into the hinterland the road from Aveiro to Trancoso is a dream, it is a dual carriageway most of the time but its long sweeping bends, ever ascending with fantastic views on both sides just make it a bikers paradise. Stop off for a few beers and a pizza at Jotas in Trancoso then back too Bobs for the night.

Day 20
Today we had planned to ride back into Spain via Villa Formoso. Once into Spain we were heading for Tordesillas via Salamanca. The roads are fantastic good to see our EU tax dollars going to good use! When we arrived at Tordesillas it was still only early afternoon so we decided to crack on to yet another known campsite within easy striking distance of the ferry port. Arrived at site after 1800 hrs and it was full, S%£t! Ok so we headed off to another site that we had used got there late set up tents COLD beer.

Day 21
Got up at a leisurely pace, no rush as we were only 20 miles from the docks and did not need too be there until 1230 hrs. Set the GPS to a pre-recorded route after asking if the route was pinged on the ferry port or on Bilbao. Open roads, sunshine and Good Company. Passed where we should have got off the auto via GPS said we were still on the right track. Centre of Bilbao and the GPS says we are here. WELL WE ARE NOT! And we only have 30 mins to get to the boat. Bob says he has found the Port on the GPS and to follow him. I can see the boat from where we are but it is on the other side of the river, still on we go on the wrong side 20 mins to go and come to a swing type bridge but Bob rides straight by. What’s up? He points out that it is for pedestrians only. I ask why there are cars queuing so we turn around I making use of a one way street with nothing on it (I was only going one way Officer) and we got back too the bridge just mist it. The return trip took about 5 mins but it could have been 5 hours. 15 mins to go. As we crossed Bob told me to take the second right and he would catch me up. This done we were in a 30 KPH with 7 Mins to go, so we shot down this stretch at a very sensible speed and covered the last 4 miles with a couple of mins to spare. On to the boat drop off our bags and head for the bar! Good trip road captain.

Day 22/23
The crossing was uneventful a few beers something to eat a movie and bed. Arrived back inn the UK at 1600 hrs only just an hour to ride and we would be back indoors. The End. Not quite. Five full loads of washing including the tent and sleeping bags. Will wash the bike tomorrow. 2345 hrs Rob the dog calls to ask if I’m coming out to play at Bisley. Will go to Bisley in the morning Saturday the 4th Aug. Will wash and service the bike another day.

The End