Costa to Competa, back in the mountains again

Sun 16^th & Mon 17th

Torre Del Mar was to be our next stop as the campsite we drove to first at Lago Vinuela had pitches that were still covered by sunscreens from the summer. Too blinking cold with absolutely no sun on them!  C&L had been to Torre before so we elected to spend 2 nights. It was a familiar setup with many of the pitches occupied by the over winter brigade. The majority of them elect to cover all the pitch with a nailed down groundsheet, erect fences around every inch of the perimeter, install extra lights and plants etc..   Most definitely not us to stay put for 5/6 months and setup a mini empire in Spain. They are a mix of Brits, Germans, Dutch and quite a few Scandinavians. Friendly bunch who seem to all know each other.

taking it easy

Torre del Mar beach

 Torre was a pleasant surprise as it was clean with minimal litter, virtually no graffiti (a first in Spain) and a relaxed feel. We cycled along the sea front and enjoyed the continuing warm sunny weather.

Tues 18^th

Refilled the gas bottles and drove up the twisty road inland to Competa where us boys were going to enjoy 2 days of off road motorbike trail riding. As a treat we were staying at the Gaudi inspired Hotel Alberdini high above the town. We had been told we should be able to drive up to the hotel carpark – not!  The arch over the entrance was too low and the hairpin bends up the steep drive far too tight for our vans. When you tell them 8m long and 3.1m tall some people have no idea how big they are until you drive up – “oh, it is bigger than I thought”. Plan B was to drive into town and park them there. We did find space in what was to have been the medical centre and is currently being used as a carpark. Scoots out and ride back to the hotel fully loaded up. Most of the town seemed to be expats and we were to cause a bit of a talking point by leaving the vans there for the next 3 days!

Hotel Alberdini terrace

Gaudiesque entrance door

funky bench

Competa below us

We enjoyed a fabulous meal that evening – entrecote self cooked on a hot stone. Very yummy indeed.

Weds 19^th

After a relaxed breakfast we were picked up and driven down to Trailblazers bike HQ. once kitted out we were given a choice of bikes. Chris was on a Beta 400 , I chose a KTM 450. We were soon cruising around on the local trails before stopping for lunch in a remote village. Another session after lunch before we returned covered in dust. I has swapped onto the Beta after Chris had complained about the steering – the head bearings were totally knackered! Graham would replace them before 

tomorrow’s session.

our steeds for the day

apt choice of brand??

Thurs 20^th

Day 2 on the bikes, we were joined by Brad who is in the Australian Army and on his first of 5 days. I elected to use a KTM300 2 stroke, great to be reunited with a lightweight frisky stroker again. I really enjoyed riding it – none of the others wanted to try a “proper “ bike??  Good fun, we finished by riding up to the remains of a Moor castle.

I love 2 stroke bikes!

Myself, Brad & Chris

My fix of off road biking was over but had made me realise how much I had missed it. New KTM 250 when I return home methinks………………….