June 2026 - Our first tour to Spain and Portugal, Training and 50,000 miles clocked up on my GSA!

June saw me and Kim head off for our first ever tour to the Picos and Portugal. I did manage some training before we went and the GSA also passed the 50K mileage mark. For more details on all of that, read on.....

Training.

Jonathan had 2 sessions in June on his K1300S, looking stunning in its Motor Sport livery. Jonathan is back to biking after a 15 year break, and was looking to refresh his skills. Two really good sessions with lots of progress made and goals achieved.

Simon was up next on his Triumph Scrambler. Like Jonathan, Simon is also back to biking after a 20 year break and is looking to complete the Enhanced Rider Scheme. Cracking 1st session and unbelievably we didn't get wet!....this was before Junes mini heatwave!

Malc came along on his BMW S1000XR. Malc travelled up from Derby for his training, so had already covered 100 miles by the time I met him. Malc has previously completed a BikeSafe workshop, and is now contemplating taking an advanced test. Malc rode well from the off, so it was a case of smoothing out a few issues and working on consistency for what he was already doing pretty well. 140 miles covered, and we never got wet once, which given the forecast, and some of the very black clouds we encountered, was quite unbelievable! Phew! Malc is planning to return again soon.

Kev was on his 800 Tiger. Kev is relatively new to biking having only passed his test last year, and this was his first foray into post test training. However, Kev rode confidently from the off and we were soon putting new techniques into practice. Great session, covering around 120 miles.

RoSPA Tutoring.

I managed one Tutoring session with Advanced Riders North Yorkshire before we went away, and I was paired up with Mark, an experienced rider, who's looking to renew his RoSPA advanced qualification.

New earplugs....pardon!

In June I took delivery of some new ear plugs. I bought 50 pairs of 3M foam ear plugs. I started using this type of ear plug when I became a Police motorcyclist in the late 90s, and have been using the same type ever since. I've occasionally tried others, including moulded ones, but these just seem to do the job perfectly for me, and all for under £10 and delivered within 48 hours of ordering. Should keep me going for a while.

When I posted about these plugs on Facebook, it generated a lot of comments for and against foam ear plugs. Ultimately, they work for me. What do you use?

Spain and Portugal.

On the 15th Kim and I headed down to Portsmouth to board the ferry to Santander and start our 2026 bike tour. We've wanted to do the Picos for quite a few years, and have booked it twice previously, only for circumstances beyond our control to force a cancellation....one was Covid! Anyhow, this year, we made it. We had 3 nights in LLanes, 1 in Tineo, 3 in Santiago de Compostella, 1 in Chaves (in Portugal), before retuning to Spain for 1 night in Ponferrada and the final 2 nights in Gijon, before heading back for the ferry on 29th. Everyone tells you that the roads around the Picos are fantastic, with smooth surfaces, great scenery and very little traffic, and it's all true! Here's a few photos from the trip. All packed and ready to go. One bag each and when it's full, that's all you're taking!

Arrived at the ferry and bike unpacked and strapped down.

Whilst on board we were treated to a complimentary tour of 'the bridge'. very interesting, although Kim was a little disappointed that there wasn't a huge 'wheel' to steer the ship!

Llanes, not very big, but with a pretty harbour and lots of bars.

The church at Covadonga.

The chapel in the rock at Covadonga.

The very impressive Cathedral at Santiago de Compostella. The end destination for those travelling the Camino Trail, of which there seemed to be many. We chatted to a few at various points along the was to Santiago and was amazed by how far people had travelled to walk the trail. UK, Australia, South Africa to name but a few.

Crossing from Spain into Portugal.

Some of the roads were amazing.

falling rocks anyone?

Fab scenery near Riano.

More scenery.

and more....

and more....

Kim rocking her inner Flinstones!

A selection of chapels, churches and other places of historic importance for the region around Santiago de Compostella and along the Camino Trail.

The obligatory photo with the stag, between Potes and Riano.

No prizes for guessing where this was taken! lol.

The very impressive castle at Ponferrada.

And just like that, we were back at the ferry to head home.

Overall, we had a really great time, but on reflection, we both think we prefer the Alps, be it the French, Swiss or Italian sides. The slog to and from Portsmouth is a bit of a bind (270 miles each way) compared to 40 miles for the Hull ferry. I also found the 4 days/nights on the ferry a bit boring, when again the Hull ferry is just a 12 hour over nighter. However, it's a personal thing, and if you've been to the Picos and loved it, then that's great and I wouldn't argue with you. Like I say, it's a personal thing.

MY GSA.

As I mentioned in the heading, whilst we were away, my bike passed the 50,000 mile mark. It's actually getting to the point now, that I want to see the mileage going up and up and the thought of seeing it pass 100,000 is quite exciting! However, with high mileage, comes much needed maintenance, so before we headed off to Spain, the bike was in at Barrie Robson BMW for a service and more, as it also needed gear oil, air filter, front and rear brake pads, brake fluid and a new shaft drive. Fortunately, the shaft drive was covered by the warranty. On the plus side, it transported us to Spain and Portugal without any issues.... and back again of course and continues to run like a finely tuned Swiss watch.

Miles in June.

So here's my mileage figures for June.

01/06/26 - 48,213.

30/6/26 - 50,638

GSA mileage in June - 2,425

FireBike mileage for May - 0.

Total mileages for the year to date;

GSA - 10,245.

FireBike - (still!) 530.

Total - 10,775.

Training for everyone - will you be next?

As you have read, another great mix of people and bikes. Whoever you are and whatever you ride, please come along and have some training. You'll ride great roads while learning new skills and re-enforcing the old ones.

And that my friends rounds off June 26. Thanks for reading, until next month, ride safe.

Ian S