Most stories are journeys one way or another. Sometimes they containseveral other stories within them, all entwined like strands in a rope. Thisjourney-the first big ride for this couple-is one of those stories. It began inthe north of England, swept briefl y through Belgium, across France over thePyrenees, southward through Spain to the Mediterranean shore in Andaluciabefore turning northwards again through western Spain into Portugal, throughthe heights of the Picos de Europa and so back to the south coast of Englandby ship and a fi nal long chilly ride homewards.This story, frequently humorous and occasionally poignant, is about him,about her and about them together. It is a story about how it all began, wherethey went, what they saw, who they met, what they learned and what hadhappened in the places they visited before they arrived. It is a story of upsand downs-literal and figurative, wise choices, outright blunders and uncannygood fortune. It is, of course, a story about motorcycles and long distancemotorcycling and about one motorbike in particular-a 1137cc sports tourer-asblack as a panther and as swift as the wind.This book is less of a travel guide than a tale about about travelling.Most of all it is an entertainment for everyone who enjoys riding motorbikesand those who like the idea of heading o for an adventure together withsomeone they love astride two wheels and an engine.
