The Dream Unfolds

Ever since I first laid my eyes on the winding roads of Spain, I’ve dreamt of embarking on a motorcycle adventure through this beautiful country. And now, the moment is finally here! Over the past few months, the excitement has been building as I meticulously planned this trip. Let me take you through the journey that led up to this unforgettable adventure.

The Planning Phase

Picking the Bike

Choosing the perfect motorcycle was quite a challenge. I was on the hunt for a reliable partner that could handle Spain’s winding roads and mountain passes with ease. After diving deep into my research, I ultimately settled on the Kawasaki Versys 650, which struck the right balance for me. Its robust engine and comfortable seating, coupled with its manageable size, made it the ideal companion for my long-distance adventure.

I even considered buying a used bike at first, but after digging into the market, I discovered that the prices for bikes that were just a couple of years old were only slightly lower than brand new ones. Despite the downsides of purchasing a new bike, such as the break-in period and a delayed delivery due to electronics shortages and a factory issue with the steering head bearing, I believe it was still the right decision for my journey.

Choosing the Route

Spain is such a diverse country, with all sorts of landscapes, from lush green hills up north to the sunny beaches down south. I didn’t want to be tied down to a fixed route, so after hours of map-gazing, I decided on a rough plan that would lead me through the most beautiful and interesting places. Instead of nailing down every detail in advance, I wanted to keep things flexible and take it one day at a time, planning as I went along.

Accommodation and Budget

After some contemplation, I opted out of the camping idea and instead, I’ll be depending on a mix of motels, hostels, hotels, and private rentals as I travel. My intention is to take each day as it comes and avoid pre-booking accommodations. I value the freedom to stay flexible and not be constrained by reservations. I’ve set a budget of approximately €100 per day on average to keep my expenses in check.

The Countdown Begins

As the departure day approached, the excitement was steadily on the rise. Each day brought a mix of eager anticipation and a dash of nerves. My to-do list seemed endless, and packing and repacking became a regular part of my routine. However, after my initial attempt at packing, it became clear that I needed more storage space if I wanted to bring more than just the essentials.

To address this, I decided to invest in a waterproof luggage roll, which provided an additional 50 liters of storage capacity. I had already planned to mount a rear luggage extension for my motorcycle from the moment I acquired it, so attaching the dry bag behind my existing rear seat bag turned out to be a straightforward task.

Packing Essentials

Packing Gear


Safety Gear

Essential safety gear included a full-face helmet, riding gear, gloves, and riding boots to ensure safety on the road. Additionally, I took the initiative to put together an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) which included crucial items like a tourniquet and a couple of emergency bandages. I also received a valuable tip to include a formable splint, which could prove handy in case of a broken or sprained limb. While I acknowledge that some might consider this level of preparation excessive, I firmly believe in the “better to have it and not need it” approach when it comes to safety.

Tool Kit

I wanted to ensure I could manage basic roadside repairs like patching up a tire, tightening loose screws, and making quick fixes for any damaged fairings. To be on the safe side, I also threw in a small starter battery that pulls double duty as a power bank and a compact electric air pump. I’m all about keeping things practical! My toolkit consists of essentials like pliers, Allen keys, and wrenches, and let’s not forget those trusty zip-ties and the ever-reliable duct tape.

For navigation, I opted for a dedicated motorcycle GPS and went with the Garmin Zumo XT. It comes with some nifty features like locating twisty and scenic routes, plus the ability to import pre-planned GPS tracks. Overall, I’m really pleased with my choice. And, just to be prepared for emergencies or when there’s no internet connection (goodbye Google Maps), I’ve got my trusty Garmin Fenix watch on hand. It boasts GPS navigation and a battery that lasts a couple of days even with GPS usage.

Clothing

I made sure to pack clothing suitable for different weather conditions, given the variation from cool mountains to sunny coastal areas. My choice was to go with summer riding gear, featuring plenty of mesh openings. To combat the chill in cooler moments, I also brought along some snug underlayers. Additionally I included a rain overall - just in case…

Camera Gear

Ensuring I could capture the stunning landscapes and charming villages was a top concern, so I had to make sure my camera gear was up to the task. I already owned a GoPro 10, which I used for documenting my bicycle adventures in the past. However, this summer, I stumbled upon a fantastic deal for a brand new DJI Osmo Action 3. After some trial runs, I found that it outperformed the GoPro and became my primary front-facing camera, mounted on my chin. I’ll still put the GoPro to use, though, attaching it with a flexible clamp to capture different angles while on the road. And, for those breathtaking landscape shots, I’ve got my shiny new camera drone in tow.

The Final Check

With just one day left before departure, it was time for the ultimate check. Oil levels, tire pressure, brake fluids, and a thorough bike inspection were conducted. The luggage was strapped securely to the bike, and I went over the first leg of my route one last time.

I was both thrilled and a bit anxious, but I knew that the road ahead would bring countless adventures, unforgettable moments, and the chance to explore Spain in a way that few travelers ever get to.

Stay tuned for the upcoming blog posts as I share the tales of each leg of this epic motorcycle journey through the heart of Spain. It’s time to rev up the engine and let the adventure begin!