Hey there, fellow road adventurers! Rui here, ready to whisk you away on a tale that’s as exhilarating as it is unforgettable. Welcome to our two-wheeled Balkan Bound escapade, where my wife Liliana and I are gearing up to conquer the thrilling landscapes of Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and who knows where else the road may lead us? But before we dive headfirst into this epic journey, let me share a secret weapon we’ve tucked up our leathers – not one, but two ferry rides. Yep, you read that right. Our road to the Balkans is paved with a bit of sea breeze and some well-deserved R&R.
Navigating the Map of the Balkan Bound Dream
Imagine us, huddled over a map like two explorers plotting the next big discovery. The Balkans were calling our names, and we were ready to answer – Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, each a puzzle piece waiting to complete our adventure. But here’s the twist – we’re all about making the journey as exciting as the destination. Enter stage left: ferries. Our master plan? To cut some riding time and squeeze in a few snoozes on these majestic sea voyages. Barcelona to Civitavecchia, and Bari to Durres, we’re coming for you!
Zooming Through Portugal’s Pleasures on Two Wheels
As we revved up our Triumph motorcycles, bidding Lisbon a temporary farewell, the wide-open road beckoned with promises of excitement and adventure. What a treat it was to commence our journey from Lisbon, capitalizing on the unparalleled advantages that Portugal graciously has to offer to any motorcycle traveler. But let’s delve into our cunning strategy – you see, my partner and I already have a few long-haul rides under our belts. Ah, the exhilaration of the road, a feeling that never dulls, yet the sense of déjà vu can occasionally creep in like a reheated slice of pizza.
So there we were, throttling away from familiarity, the wind whipping through our hair, and the resilient tarmac carrying us forward. Our goal was simple yet ambitious – covering ground swiftly, seamlessly, and without stumbling over any speed bumps. Imagine this: a departure time as unconventional as a unicorn in a ball gown – 4 PM, to be exact. Our destination? Ciudad Real, with a whimsical dream of arriving Cinderella-style, right around the stroke of midnight. Who needs dainty glass slippers when you’ve got the steadfast grip of motorcycle boots? The clock struck an unusual hour, but our spirits were high, and our journey was underway.
Fires, Popes, and the Road Less Traveled
Now, let me take you on a journey through the inferno – well, almost. Riding through a forest fire is like joining the exclusive “fire season” club, and trust me, membership was not a choice we made. We didn’t really ride through any forest fire, but for you to have a clear picture of the heatwave, the average riding temperature was 35º Celsius, and at night it never dropped below 30º. Not the most pleasant of motorcycle travel conditions. But just when we thought things couldn’t get hotter, Pope Francis himself graced us with his presence for the World Youth Days 2023. Border crossings came alive, not in the “let’s party” way, but more like a bureaucratic salsa dance. And here’s the twist – we can hardly be rated as youngsters anymore, so we were headed in the opposite direction, away from Portugal. They say motorcycle adventures are all about adapting, and road warriors that we are, we chose the right moment to be on the opposite side of the road. Adventure bound.
From Hot Roads to High Hopes – Barcelona Bound
As the sun rose on a new day, Liliana and I were already back on our motorcycles, ready for the next leg of our journey. Our mission? Barcelona, the buzzing city that beckoned us with its siren call. Unfortunately, not because of the city itself that we had no time to enjoy, but because of the need of being at port 2 hours before the ferry departure.
We covered 700 km on this second day, with the grace of seasoned riders, making pit stops as frequent as unicorn sightings. And while the soaring temperatures and the distant smoke columns from those notorious fires had us feeling like we were in a sci-fi movie, we didn’t let it faze us. Instead, we embraced the heat, joking that we were auditioning for a new action-packed blockbuster – “Adventures of the Flaming Bikers.” Keeping the spirit high is essential on any motorcycle tour, and when you got someone that shares not only the goals of your trip but also of your life, it becomes the cherry on top.
A Ferry Tale to Remember – Onward to Civitavecchia
So, remember that bit about the ferry rides? Well, let’s just say, if you’re picturing leisurely strolls on deck and romantic sunsets, you might want to adjust your expectations – because our ferry experiences were a whole different breed of adventure. But hold onto your helmets, dear readers, because the ferry tales deserve a chapter of their own. For now, let’s just say that Civitavecchia had us in its grip, and we were ready to ride the waves of the unknown.
Stay tuned for the next chapter where we are forced to evaluate our choices and learn some valuable lessons for future adventures. All of that and much more, and the real adventure hasn’t even begun.