| The Road to Bansang- Andy's trip to the Gambia on a Honda C90 | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: Its Picture Time Wed Oct 23, 2013 11:04 am | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: They are now at Alcaidesa - Day 5 Thu Oct 24, 2013 5:31 am | |
| Just had my daily phone call and they had a lovely ride from Ronda to Alcaidesa. They were staying just outside Ronda and so rode through it this morning - they did stop for photos so no doubt we will see those soon. As they left Ronda they could see what looked like rain ahead and it turned out to be rain with mist. Very poor visibility so visor up and apparantly there was a strong smell of fenugreek in the air! The rodes were greasy and lots of red blooded Spaniards overtaking on blind corners etc. Anyone who has been on a bike in Spain will know exactly what I mean - those drivers who cannot bear to be overtaken by or stay behind a motorcycle. Despite the weather the ride was spectacular - twisty rodes rising to 1000 metres then down again. Up again to 800 metres and the descent this time brought with it dry rodes and clear skies. When it was misty, however, the valleys were shrouded in whisps of fog and mist and so did look beautiful. The little 90s handled the twisties spectacularly and it seems to have been great fun. They went through Los Angeles and kept seeing signs for Canada and so at times were wondering where exactly they were going and where had they gone wrong. Of course there is a Los Angeles in Spain http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_AngelesAnd Canada is the Spanish word for Cattle. The fact that Canada is written in a red triangle with a picture of a cow may be a bit of a giveaway! They were in Alcaidesa by 11am and so had an opportunity to change all the oil on the little 90s. A few went off to explore - they tried to find the beach but as this is a "New Town" built in the 1990s the beach is blocked by villas and resorts. They could, however, see Gibralter. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Alcaidesa Later a few of the group went to Algesiras to look for a bike for Peter but no luck sadly. Total miles for Andy - 100 today. They are in a camp site tonight and so Andy is back on cooking duty - Vegetable Pad Thai noodles tonight and I know that it is scrummy! | |
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Bob1 Guest
| Subject: Re: The Road to Bansang- Andy's trip to the Gambia on a Honda C90 Thu Oct 24, 2013 6:26 am | |
| We'll done Andy on the start of your adventure. Watching with great interest and brilliant reports from Paula . I see the alcohol is helping, ride safely and sleep soundly. |
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eric stocker
Posts : 146 Join date : 2013-08-19 Age : 64 Location : taunton
| Subject: Re: The Road to Bansang Thu Oct 24, 2013 7:59 am | |
| Brill pictures Paula and great reports , keep up the good work and glad Andy and the team going well take care all ,
Eric and Jacki | |
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Sly Mick Guest
| Subject: Re: The Road to Bansang- Andy's trip to the Gambia on a Honda C90 Thu Oct 24, 2013 8:23 am | |
| Well done to all,fab photos and up upates ,cant wait for next instalment. Ride safe guys. Mick 'n' Shell |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: Photos have arrived by Carrier Pigeon Thu Oct 24, 2013 10:32 am | |
| I have received an e-mail with 50 photographs attached and so I have tried to pick just a few - here goes. This first one must have been taken at dinner last night at La Casita Now the departure this mornng The famous bridge in Ronda with little Chubby on it! Then add an Andy and here are some Chads looking over the wall?? there are loads of shots of Ronda so I chose just one Bit of advertising for Andy's LS2 helmet given to us by Gavin What a motley crew - do not think they will be required for an advertising photo shoot! The road out of Ronda is picturesque but sadly very misty How did he take this one? The conditions do improve and both bikes and riders enjoy the journey When they get to Alcaidesa they have completed the chores (oil change and checking bikes) and put their tents up. Most of the group are content to relax but Jill and Andy decide to go off to explore. They did manage to find a beach even though the beach at Alcaidesa it was hemmed in by posh villas! [url=https://s101.photobucket.com/user/AndyHumbug/media/Gambia Day 5 onwards/Anicebeach_zps314bbf7a.jpg.html][/url] And Jill does a bit of paddling - well you just have to dont you? And of course the mandatory photo of bike and owner And the little Cubs look so good together - I am sure it will quite traumatic saying goodbye to them at Bansang I think the grey blob is Gibralter. I guess this is a light house - very strange angle though. And finally - these Teddy Bears do like to get into the limelight Well thats it for tonight folks - this ride report is taking me hours every evening - I was not banking on this - no doubt it will get worse as the journey becomes more interesting and challenging- I just hope I will get quicker as I become more competent - I can live in hope!!!! I also apologise for the references to the photo's origin which has appeared on every picture - this has not started to happen until now - confused - I certainly am! :?: | |
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SPANNERS
Posts : 11 Join date : 2012-02-09 Age : 84 Location : taunton
| Subject: spanners Fri Oct 25, 2013 5:22 am | |
| Thanks for the daily update Paula what would we do without backroom staff | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: Re: The Road to Bansang- Andy's trip to the Gambia on a Honda C90 Fri Oct 25, 2013 6:11 am | |
| Day 6 - Thursday - ride from Alcaidasa to Algeciras to get the ferry to Tangier Med in Morrocco. When Andy phoned me they were on the side of the road as he has had a puncture - Jon was very kindly replacing the tube for him. At that point they were not sure if they would be staying tonight in Chefchaouen or Tetoan. Whichever it will be a campsite. I think it is vegetable bolognese with pasta tonight. I think Andy is struggling with the camping - he is not the best sleeper on the planet and he fnds it hard to get comfortable on his little camp bed. He is far too used to the comfort of Wobbly Box. Today Steve rode in the van - he has hurt arm - someone was passing him a heavy bag and thought he was holding it so let go - it fell on Steve's arm - it seems he is quite a lot of pain. Peter rode his bike so that was good for him. The Morroccon scenery has been amazing today - The Rif Mountains are spectacular - pine forests abound and when you look at the mountains the sun is shining down on them, creating a great picture. They rode through a market town and it was mahem. There were people and goats all over the place just walking out in front of you. Andy had to stop for traffic right next to a fish seller - he said there were fish all over the place and the smell was pretty unpleasant. Onthe other hand he said a few moments later he could smell meat cooking and that was so nice it made his taste buds wake up. The roads sound a bit like Thailand (when you get off the beaten track). You go along on good surface for a while and it suddenly degenerates into massive potholes and/or subsidence. However, I am sure this is good compared to what is to come! I have no idea when the next lot of photos will arrive as I am not sure when wi fi will be available - it could be as long away as the Zebrabar in Senegal....................... | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: Day 7 - Chefchaouen to Mekness via Volubilis Sat Oct 26, 2013 8:44 am | |
| Later call tonight as the time has changed - just crossing from Spain to Morocco has gained them 2 hours - how that can happen I have no idea. In Spain they were an hour ahead of us now they are an hour behind. I guess that from Sunday we might be the same - but who knows! They were all up early this morning. Andy said he slept quite well until a load of Moroccon dancers started their music at 3am followed by a group of Swiss guys starting up their bikes. And then - guess what - a very nearby cockerel! Dennis was up as usual at about 5am - and it appears that some of the group thought that the bike starting up was his! That made them get out of their beds in a hurry! Anyway, whatever the reason they were all on the road early today. Andy did not say how many miles they have covered, I do not think it is that many as the going was hard and slow. The pot holes were even bigger and worse than those, was the deep gravel where an attempt to repair the road had been made. They kept going - taking a quick stop for some mint tea and another for a "side of the road" lunch of bread and cheese. They climed into the mountains and then they came to a huge plateau - it was very windy - a head wind just to make things harder. However, it sounds as if the scenery was amazing. Andy said that the road on this plateau cut through fields as far as the eye could see - ploughed fields with stubble where the grass or wheat had been harvested. The sun was starting to lower in the sky which gave these filelds a red/brown and golden look - quite magical. They did get a chance to stop at Volubilis but they only had 40 minutes there. Volubilis is a partly excavated Roman city in Morocco situated near Meknes between Fes and Rabat. I did not know that I have just investigated it with Wikipedia! https://www.google.co.uk/#q=volubilis+marocApparently it is massive and you could spend a day there - I did say that seemed like a good reason for us to go back next year - it will be on Beaker (our GS) though and we will NOT be camping! It seems that they are now pitching their tents, cooking a meal and packing up in the morning all in the dark. Does not sound like fun to me! Tonight they are camping near Meknes which is just south of Moulay Idriss - my geography is rubbish - I failed my O level - and so I have consulted Google Maps:- https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?clie...0f84a3de286cc9Although this google map does not show Chefchaouen it is due south of Tetouan which is shown. You can see Mekness and you will see Midelt, where, (per my list supplied by Dennis a while ago) they should be heading for tomorrow. However, they are running a day behind due to the Madrid vist and so the route may change. We will just have to wait until tomorrow........ | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: Day 8 Saturday Sun Oct 27, 2013 7:50 am | |
| They awoke to rain this morning plus it was not that warm. They set off at 8.30am heading for Midelt via Boulemade and Sefrou. The lunch stop was at Boulemade where they had chicken and chips. I am not sure how the chicken was cooked because Andy took one bite and his temporary crown came off! He broke the tooth just before the trip and so the temporary crown was supposed to last at least until he comes home. The crown was saved (minus a small piece) and fixed back on with Super Glue - Yes, I did pack the mini tubes of Super Glue but I was not envisaging it to be used on Andy himself. I just hope that the dentist can get the crown off Having been stuck to various things with Super Glue I know only too well how strong it is. In fact I am not allowed to use it unless I am supervised! They have covered 180 miles today and Andy is finding little Chubby surprisingly comfortable. The day did see an improvement, in that the rain dispersed and it got warmer. In the Mini Atlas mountains he expected to see John Wayne riding towards him on horse back - the scenery was akin to a Western film - a straight road with just a couple of bends through a barren plain with sandstone forms on his right. They climbed to just under 3000 metres. On leaving Sefrou they found themselves on a dual carriageway but that soon degenerated into very bumpy road - those poor little Cubs - It was also windy and they struggled to get up to 30mph into the head wind. They arrived at Midelt at about 6.30 after 10 hours on the road - apart from fuel stops they had one tea stop and a lunch stop so a very long day with only brief breaks. Although they have stopped tonight at a camp site, I am not at all surprised that both Andy and Joe have decided to make the most of the hotel on site. There is also a restaurant so Chef has a night off. Everyone else is camping - in my opinion they must be gluttons for punishment - I know where I would be sleeping! Tomorrow is a long day 380 kilometres (236 miles) down to Marrakech. Hopefully if there are no mishaps they will be there to get pitched up and then go into the Souk for a meal. This should be one of the highlights of the trip so I wait with interest to tomorrows call. I am just off to negotiate a mortgage to fund the cost of these daily phone calls!!!! | |
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eric stocker
Posts : 146 Join date : 2013-08-19 Age : 64 Location : taunton
| Subject: re: The road to bansang Sun Oct 27, 2013 7:54 am | |
| Thank you for all the reports Paula very interesting to read and well done Andy and the team you doing well , keep safe and ride safe . Look forward to reading the next report Paula.
Eric and Jacki. | |
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SPANNERS
Posts : 11 Join date : 2012-02-09 Age : 84 Location : taunton
| Subject: Keep it up Paula Mon Oct 28, 2013 12:52 am | |
| Keep it up Paula your daily reports of Andys exploits are now a( must read )good luck with the mortgage . | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: The next traunch of photographs Mon Oct 28, 2013 7:07 am | |
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Last edited by Paula on Mon Oct 28, 2013 9:25 am; edited 3 times in total | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: Volubilis Mon Oct 28, 2013 8:22 am | |
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eric stocker
Posts : 146 Join date : 2013-08-19 Age : 64 Location : taunton
| Subject: Re: The Road to Bansang and Volubilis Mon Oct 28, 2013 8:55 am | |
| WOW Paula , what fantastic pictures there are amazing , glad chubby is okay take it , it had a puncture . They seem to be getting well on the way , they must love the scenery , i really enjoy the pictures and reports every night thanks Paula .
Eric and Jacki . | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: Day 9 Sunday Midelt to Marrakech Mon Oct 28, 2013 11:19 am | |
| 248 miles today and yes they made it to Marrakech. 9 hours 30 mins - other than fuel stops they had a brief coffee stop and a bread and cheese lunch stop. A long day me thinks - numb bums all round. It was sunny but cold when they set off - but made worthwhile by yet more stunning scenery - mountains on the left and hills far into the distance ahead of them. Mainly desert, but the last 40/50 miles was on good tarmac. Prior to that the potholes were just enormous - the type you could fall into never to be seen again. They saw the landscape change many times - dry river beds and huge gullies that clearly do run with water when the rains come. Andy says that he has not see a Camel yet but lots and lots of Donkeys - these are heavily laden and often have their legs tied together so that they are able to walk but not able to trot or run. They are at the campsite at Le Relais tonight and tomorrow night. Andy has opted for a sort of Yurt - a comfy bed with en suite facilities. The others have stayed faithful to their miniscule tents. In my opinion I think the yurt is a sensible move - there is plenty of opportunity ahead of them to suffer in a tent. Tonight they ate at the campsite restaurant and tomorrow they plan to go in a taxi (or two) into Marrakech to explore and then have a meal in the Souk. They do have to check the bikes over in the morning though. There is internet acces and so Andy has sent some photos - I think there is still more to come in the morning! I know that when I am sitting on the back of the bike I take far too many pictures and I get told off when I get home and it takes ages to download them. However, the next time I get told off I shall - very politely - remind him of all these photos....... Photos so far are on the next post | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: The latest photographs Mon Oct 28, 2013 11:32 am | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: A quick update Tue Oct 29, 2013 12:52 am | |
| I have received an e-mail this morning so thought I would do a quick update while I eat my lunch! Sounds as if they had a great meal last night (Sunday) they ate chicken tagine and kofta. It was delicious. The bill with plenty of red wine came to 15 euros each. Andy said he slept really well in his luxury little house - it's got to be better than a tent! Next pictures will be today in Marrakech | |
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Bob1 Guest
| Subject: Re: The Road to Bansang- Andy's trip to the Gambia on a Honda C90 Tue Oct 29, 2013 6:45 am | |
| Well done Andy and Paula, looks like Andy,s having a great time while Paula slogs away to keep us all up to date. No doubt it will get harder especially when no alcohol is involved at Andy,s end ! Keep up the good work, both of you. |
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eric stocker
Posts : 146 Join date : 2013-08-19 Age : 64 Location : taunton
| Subject: Re: The Road to Bansang Tue Oct 29, 2013 8:29 am | |
| Great reports and pictures , well done Andy and Paula some great reading and pictures to look at , keep riding safe Andy and the team , Eric and Jacki . | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: Day 10 - Monday 28th - at leisure in Marrakech Tue Oct 29, 2013 10:37 am | |
| The morning spent doing domestic chores and checking the bike over - Little Chubby rattles more than when he set off but is still going well. A bit of laundry to do followed by a spot of lunch from the supplies on the truck - Thai instant noodles - very very nice - not at all like the ones you get in supermarkets here. We are in the same time zone now - made that way by our clocks going back - and it will stay the same for the rest of the trip now. Very hot and sunny at the camp site. About 2.30pm they all piled into taxis (I assume they needed more than one) to go out on the town - Marrakech. Marrakech was much hotter (31 degrees) but no sunshine - overcast and sticky - I guess that is down to pollution. Bit of a nightmare all staying together in the crowds and I think Andy and Jill wandered off on their own. They saw the Grand Mosque but did not go inside - they had shorts on and I do not think they wanted to be dressed up in the clothes that are sometimes provided at these places! They did, however, go to the Jewish Cemetary which is thought to date back to 1492, and they paid a visit to the Synagogue. Dinner tonight was taken in the Souk - they had mainly skewered meat and Jill had fish. The food does not sound inspiring -once you get fed up with Tagine and couscous there is not too much choice other than the usual Steak Hache! I should be geting some photos later and they did spot a little Yamaha Fizzy whist on their walk around. They did find a bike for Peter - but apparantly he did not even want to go and look at it! Said he is happy in the truck and can be useful as a back up rider if anyone is (God Forbid) unwell and unable to ride or just in need of a day off. Well Andy has got his nice little house to sleep in tonight but after that it is wild camping. There will probably not be any wi fi now either until Senegal. Tomorrow they have about 150 miles to do but they will be hard miles - they head for The world famous blue rocks of Tafraoute, - painted in 1984 by Belgian artist Jean Verane. Verane used about15 tons of paint on this massive project. :flower: If all goes well they will wild camp right by the rocks. | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: Day 11 Tuesday - leaving Marrakech Wed Oct 30, 2013 10:38 am | |
| Andy called at about 7pm tonight, they had covered 150 miles today and had set up camp just off the main road. They had eaten their Pad Thai, and, as there is a limit to what you can do in a pitch dark wild camp they were going off to bed. A really fun packed night then...... They are still 80 miles away from Tafraoute and so have not yet seen the Blue Rocks - hopefully they will see them tomorrow. Today has been a spectacular ride crossing the 'Tizi n'Test' Pass at 7000feet or 1.3 miles high. Tizi n’Test is an awe-inspiring pass that crosses the Atlas and connects to Taroudant and Taliouine. Cutting right through the heart of the Atlas Mountains. http://www.flickr.com/photos/niallco...n/photostream/ They left at 8.15am this morning and had to negotiate a route through Marrakech passing a new building development of very upmarket appartments on the edge of the city. Out of the city and onto the Plains it became a little cooler - straight roads with cactus growing everywhere. In the distance through the mist, the Atlas Mountains came into view - the route then snaked over these mountains - climbing and climbing and then going down a little bit before ascending again. Coming down finally was stunning. At one point Andy had a wobbly back end - - it was not a flat tyre but certainly a soft one. Replacement back wheel was the Doctor's orders this time. They have had a great day as far as the scenery is concerned - it has been very hot - they are all very dirty and dusty and I am sure tired. They were on the road for 9 hours with one coffee stop and a side of the road lunch stop of cheese triangles and mini cheddars. At one point (around lunch time) Andy said that there were tantalising aromas drifting out of a cafe - no time to stop ws the answer to a request to get some of the delicious smelling food. What is the saying "An Army marches on it's stomach". Clearly the adage does not apply to C90 riders! The more I hear the more relieved I am that I am here with my decorating tasks! | |
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Paula
Posts : 146 Join date : 2012-02-05 Age : 67 Location : Somerset Levels
| Subject: Marrakech - Photgraphs Wed Oct 30, 2013 11:20 am | |
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eric stocker
Posts : 146 Join date : 2013-08-19 Age : 64 Location : taunton
| Subject: Re: The Road to Bansang Wed Oct 30, 2013 7:30 pm | |
| Fantastic reports and pictures are amazing Paula keep them coming so good to read and see every day .
To Andy and the team , well done you all doing great keep on riding safe ,
Eric and Jacki . | |
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SPANNERS
Posts : 11 Join date : 2012-02-09 Age : 84 Location : taunton
| Subject: daily updates Thu Oct 31, 2013 6:12 am | |
| well done Andy what an adventure , Well done Paula fantastic bulletins and photos. | |
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| Subject: Re: The Road to Bansang- Andy's trip to the Gambia on a Honda C90 | |
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| The Road to Bansang- Andy's trip to the Gambia on a Honda C90 | |
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