26.7.15 - Oliveira de Azeméis | Cambra de Vouzela | Aldeia de Pena | Oliveira de Azeméis

Sunny and warm Sunday. The Classic Racing Team achieved another victory in the Algarve; I should be there. It was another adventure ... but the great Australian adventure begins in a few days and I don`t want a homely adventure cast doubt on the trip. So I stayed for Oliveira.
Yet Multimoto gave me, for this weekend, a Kawasaki Ninja 300, celebration edition. Beautiful!
Plotted as a destination Castro Daire, a land i didn`t visited since childhood, a time when travel to Penedono didn`t include IP5.
I should be on competition, so I carry the carbon Nau Helmet and an Alpinestars top gloves,like a world champion.
Quickly I went from Oliveira de Azeméis to Albergaria, thanks to bike aerodynamics. Then it was below the threaded curves along the Vouga; a road that already dubbed as a lamprey road.
With the constant zigzag, with low and medium speed corners, I could test the excellent Ninja body, very light and agile. I found the best way to bend on this bike: the knee; and I never asked anyone to marry.
After Cedrim, following a sunny corner, several Famel, V5 and Casal, shone. A sign "for sell" reminded other times, the novelty of those bikes, such was the condition. Between 700 and 2000 euros depending on the state of recovery, the owner of an old workshop deliver its motorcycles, with original paintings and decals, which he does not like modern stuff.
After the friendly conversation, near Oliveira de Frades and lunch time, instead of following the Vouga,I turned to Cambra de Vouzela and went to the Taberna do Lavrador.
Typical food, made ahead of all: black pudding, sausage, chorizo ​​and fried bread for appetizer. Rice coming-of-garlic as a main dish and a bowl of red Silgueiros to push. Dessert? There was no space because the distance between the seat and the tank doesn`t grow.
With the bountiful repast to invite the nap, the direction of travel has changed: I went to S. Pedro do Sul spa, where it was in a medieval feast. Then I went quietly in the direction of Castro Daire.
Halfway through, the Aldeida de Pena statement made me turn left and climb to S.Macário in the far east of the Serra da Freita. From there do Aldeia de Pena is always going down by a narrow path that once should be painful.
The village is being recovered, leaving its original character. Incoming us a restaurant where, inside, we can find crafts, sausages and homemade cheeses, visitors cards. And many have there been!
With the sun falling down, I headed to Arouca. Pssing Portal do Inferno, with towering cliffs on one side and the other, I stopped the bike and photographed it with the Gobbo the abyss.
Then I went quietly to Arouca and then to home. But before reaching the capital of brown eggs yet been chatting with a couple from Munich that was lost looking for the road to Espiunca. So lost that they were I almost lost me too!

6.6.15 - Oliveira de Azeméis | Vila do Conde

Sunny days and I was presented by Kawasaki with a J300 scooter for this weekend.
Scooter ?! Countryside or city ?!
The scooter is ideal for city, with its agility and simplicity handling. However Kawasaki exhibits an excellent 300cc engine and, therefore, decided to take that fact and a larger test route with the longest acceleration zones.
Countryside ?! With this heat? If i where inn Germany or Austria, certainly i choose the field. But being in Portugal, nothing better than enjoy our coast and beaches.
Looking at the map, my eyes settled in Vila do Conde: excellent beaches, bikes crowd usually go there, eating well and, above all, I have some great friends there and a house where I go since the middle eighties.
Vila do Conde, for me, is all about races: Praia Azul, Jardim, S da Piscina, Seca e o Castelo.
Vila do Conde was in adolescence, August holiday destination.
For all this, when I looked north and saw Vila do Conde, I had no doubt in ridding there.
I packed the Monte Campo under the seat, used a Nau Helmet, green metal flake - to match with the scooter - and Oakley to cover the sun, shorts and t-shirt, got out from Oliveira de Azeméis towards the Vila.
As the intention was to take the road, the sun, and relive the past, follow up to the Nacional Road 1.
By the middle of traffic, Kawasaki behaved beautifully, allowing me to make a quiet and inexpensive trip.
Then I had to take the A1 and VCI to get back on the national road; this time the National 13.
In the final part of the highway it was easily to reach 140 km / h ... and so I stayed. Not worth go faster.
After entered the N13, I returned to zigzag on traffic.
I remember in June and July of last century cross this road on Friday night to go watch the races. The trailer was a luxury, nobody thought in motorhomes as those nowadays come in our paddock. So for me, it was a treat to see go racing cars on the open road. VW Polo, Clio, Starlet, Corolla and many others. A golden age of National Speed.
Arrived in Vila do Conde, Ave river present me like a mirror reflecting the prison majestic building.
Before a beer near the old boxes, I revive the circuit and stroll through the historic district.
By the evening, with Vilacondense company from the last 30 years we went to sushi, followed by Expensive Soul.
Friends, heat, good music and a scooter. "What else" ?!

4.5.15 - Copenhagen | Hamburg

Yesterday, at the end of the day, once again, i went to sleep a nap before dinner.
After that, when i was looking for a restaurant at an affordable price - almost impossible in Copenhagen - saw a poster of a jazz club. I entered, I left running to go eat the first thing to appear ahead, and went back to get to watch a jam session, old-fashioned.
A saxophonist and fixed bass and drums and guitar were running. Great quality! The bar was full to the door, not even fit more people and everyone vibrate with music.
With that lay down more than what wanted but woke up at the same time: seven in the morning.
Contrary to what has been usual, today rain flashed down and therefore the trip was very wet. Before leaving the hostel put the rainsuit, to doesn`t get soaked. It looked like a sausage but at least it was dry.
With the rain and especially with the very wind that was felt - I got to ride almost 45 degrees in the middle of the highway - had to change the travel plan. So instead of going for Odense and cross the longest bridge in Europe (so they say, but I always suspect when they tell me "the greatest anything" or "the best in the world"), I went for Rodji, saving 140 km and can prevent further complications. That was Friday route. At the races I always knew that to win you need to end; Here, in order to write the adventures later in the day, rested in the hotel, I have to get right to it. So in the name of security, I changed the route.
En route linking Copenhagen to Hamburg bumped me with trucks Volkswagen and Peugeot of Swedish teams in the world Rallycross; I was also stopped because a truck was burning at full highway and blocked traffic.
But worst of all was the same wind. With the monster weight of Triumph, I had to stay maximum focused because the bike often literally followed the downwind, tired me physically and psychologically.
On the ferry was time to take the latest photos with decorated bike, since arrive to Hamburg went returns it to the Triumph.
When I was here on Thursday, the taxi driver advised me to clear the room I had booked at the Ibis and looking for another in the city center. So I did, scoring the cheapest hostel I found.
Between casinos, porn cinemas, sex shops, African fruit shops, kebab and other questionable hotels, is mine.
Here you hear a French from Ghana or Mali,  burcas like in Afghanistan, the better (or worse) of Eastern Europe, an entire underworld of multiculturalism that makes the free city of Hamburg has always been.
The outer shade of the hotel is blue but inside the predominant red, pink and black, carpeted with floral motifs and wallpaper to tend to the former. Abound gilded mirrors, "artistic" nude statues and photo, also naked. In one of the levels you have a former movable with various Kamasutra positions and the walls are leather and velvet.
For the first impression, I'm sure photos of this hotel came directly those of Taschen books, like "Motel Festiche".
The face of other guests, there are so many who came, like me, of deception; then there are others who seem to repeat customers.
As a friend of mine would say in such a situation: just spend the night alone if you want. Scary


!

3.5.15 - Lund | Helsingborg | Helsingör | Copenhagen

Yesterday, after writing the text, having a nap and showered, went out to dinner. I went to a terrace but, over time, the cold was increasing, and so I decided to sit inside at the counter. On the wall, the poster of 1971 Barcelona 1000 Km, with the silhouette of a 917. The employee told me it was just great racing fan and had two Peugeot 205 to go to the track-days. It isn`t difficult to imagine that we are talking about almost all dinner.
Today, once again the sun decided to show up very early and energetic morning.
With an hour late - the hostel was full of technology and home automation but as always, there has to be a human hand and that hand was needed to open the garage door where was the bike - I left Lund and went towards Helsingborg . On the highway, the little more than 50 km, free riding.
When I stopped the bike, stopped two Harleys beside me. A Swedish and a Croatian emigrant from Zadar, both calling them selves John, but in their languages. We chat and I showed them this blog.
I went up to the castle tower and had the perception of the importance of sea control - Denmark is in sight, just 20 minutes by boat - from ancient times.
Before catching the ferry strolled the marina and saw immense small jellyfish in these waters.
I crossed the Baltic and found myself once again in the state of Denmark.
I follow the coast to Copenhagen. So beautiful!
Small beaches, many sailboats, villages with beautiful houses and fell into the landscape. The style of the houses, the location and the amount of Aston Martin, Porsche and Ferrari that crossed me, was easily noticed with a luxurious area, very fancy. But it was not pretentious or opulent.
I crossed myself with hundreds of motorcycles, Harleys and other Choopers, resembling the Vikings; and we are on their land.
In this part of the trip I opened the Nau visor and let in the smell of the sea. Uhmm so good!
I came to Copenhagen and went to the hostel right in the center, leaving the bike and change. Again I wandered around town, seeing what had not yet seen: the Mermaid statue, David by Michelangelo, Museum of Design, and a few more streets that seemed interesting.
The statue of the mermaid, on my eyes, look good framed with the boy of Brussels dick: it is so small that disenchanted the lowest expectations.
Between crepes and beer, just end the afternoon in Nyhavn sunbathing and listening to a street musician singing hits from 90`s.

2.5.15 - Copenhagen | Malmö | Lund

Last night I ventured even for a Danish typically bars outside the tourist area. But the night ended up in the hostel bar,drinking beers, chating with Laura - Colombian and social sciences teacher - and the receptionist, who had kid's face but had lived 18 months backpacking through Asia.
Today the sun awoke to make us smile. Despite the cold, the golden rays felt very well, making the trip much more enjoyable.
Copenhagen left early to cross the bridge and continue the journey by Sweden. Crossing the Baltic, linking Denmark to Sweden was, for me, the reason for this trip.
So thrilled, I crossed the majestic bridge, thinking that bridges approaching people, countries, cultures, religions, promoting the exchange of views and making us move towards a better world. Thinking that, i forgot the toll for motorcycles, only costs 25 euros!
With this, smilling, I came to Malmo. What a pleasant surprise: the city is much more interesting than ever could imagine.
I went to the beach area and, leaning against the dunes, a huge city park with several lakes and animals, where families practiced sport, made picnics, playing, etc. etc .. In this place I could see proof style Iron Man, where the brave ran through the sand, the sea, they leaped on ropes and a series of feats.
Then follow to the center. A mixture of old buildings, brick, with modern glass and steel of the shipping companies and major consultants.
Here is the famous bronze sculpture of Carl Fredrik Reuterswärdv in an appeal to world peace.
A beautiful Protestant church and place of my lunch, the rail road station.
The old part of the station was transformed into a kind of market of Bom Sucesso, or Ribeira, or La Boqueira, or San Miguel, or wherever they want to call.
A beautiful and friendly maid advised me a smoked fish with potatoes in the oven and sour sauce. A beer. Divine!
After lunch it was time to ride to Lund, a small university town full of new people and bicycles.
The church, though austere and have taken a recent restoration (World War?), It is quite beautiful with a lower chamber with mortuary chapels of people of other important times.




The city center looks like a doll house, very cozy, with people eager to take advantage of sun each and every space to savor: shorts and short sleeve, with stunning 13ºC.

25.4.15 - The Great Lake

I woke up in Monsaraz, by the sound of birds chirping at 6:30 in the morning. Today was "the" great day, that I put the Versys on gravel.
Before the stage start, the staff of bikes with studded tires looked at me askance and friendly ironic chat.
I joined Miguel, Diogo, Pedro, Luis and João, the night before group and headed to where the GPS sent; Olivenza, in Spain.
To get there were 100 km of rubble, soil, mud, sand, rivers. There was a bit of everything and all the Versys transposed it like dog like a bone.
But it wasn`t all facilities! At about 15 km, a sharp decline with loose soil and a hole, the front wheel was where I didn`t want to and I went down the bike. "It happens," I thought. "Only me, I'll be the laughing stock of the group," rethought. Well, I just debuted the floor. From there it was such a personal view out of the bikes in unorthodox positions. Craft things.
Getting around the Alentejo plain has the particularity that we might come across animals of many species. Besides bulls and cows, donkeys, horses, pigs, storks, hares, foxes, goats, I got to know the "corkscrew tails"; is a species of ferret but with a larger tail.
Arrived in Olivenza, I came with the idea of ​​regaining and the rest of the group with ideas to have lunch. We chose the second, we left the track and headed to the gokart track restaurant.
With new forces, it was time to return to Portugal.
Villanueva del Fresno - "A Esquina" - and the Mourão Castle were the last stops before reaching the camp in Monsaraz.
Before dinner there was still time for a gin taste proof at Sharish distillery.
After dinner, with the bike well stopped, was time for more Sharish.

24.4.15 - Oliveira de Azeméis | Anadia | Aldeia da Serra | Monsaraz

The Versys was shinning at Kawasaki stand and the odometer marked 900. Almost brand new!
The tank was filled, Monte Campo backpack tied on teh bike, Liquid Image placed in appropriate places and I was motivated to do nearly 400 km to Alqueva Great Lake.
Out of Oliveira Azeméis of the N1, the first stop was in Anadia in factory of Nau Helmets. A "hello" to who manufactured and painted with such affection, my latest helmets, always with the desire to be the world's best but never needed!
After the break I continued towards the N1 south to Condeixa. Then I started Portugal east crossing by IC8.
Showers were making their appearances and the road was treacherous. Before reaching Penela, in a space of less than 1000 meters, two ugly accidents. Served to dampen the spirits and the Japanese Kawasaki horses.
From Proenca-a-Nova the cold and the rain intensified, taking advantage of the service station A23 to wear another coat and wait a bit for the rain dropping.
Meanwhile, two Belgian riders showed up for the same reason: shelter from the rain. They were ridding for several days and the destination was the Costa Vicentina. After that? They didn`t know ...
The rain subsided and left towards the Aldeia da Serra, passing



Alpalhão, Alter do Chão, Fronteira and Estremoz: almost all lines, with dry, empty road, follow moderate speed, standing on the bike, with a spirit of adventure .
The smell of soil, grass, stone pine: fantastic!
Between Estremoz and Aldeia da Serra i felt just like a child, with Serra D`Ossa turns.
At Aldeia da Serra, had the obligatory stop at Herdade Agua D`Alte. A beautiful space to relax; another "hello" at doctor visit speed, despite not being a doctor!
Monsaraz was "already there", after the Redondo.
Reached the Great Lake was time to assemble the tent, my private apartment for two nights.
Mosquitoes, rain and cold let me think... and I could get a room in a nice house in the middle of Monsaraz walls. A good mattress and hot water!
After the usual presentations, went to dinner: "Carne de Porco à Alentejna", accompanied by no less Alentejo wine.
Right there I joined a group of buddies and I have a group to run tomorrow.
The trips require us to meet people. It's fantastic!

João Rebelo Martins talk about motivation for students

15.3.15 - Oliveira de Azeméis | Castelo de Paiva | Entre-os-Rios | Crestuma | Oliveira de Azeméis

When it comes to go to Castelo de Paiva some people think it is like going to the end of the world. Well, I went to the end of the world!
In times of lamprey, a trip to Entre-os-Rios is something mandatory. And when the ugly animal as an excuse, enjoying the spring sunshine, i used and open Nau Helmet. Quickly on the road from Oliveira Azeméis to Vale de Cambra and Arouca.
From Arouca, virtually alone on the road, I was skirting the mountains, a slow step, observing the marks of the road once.
On Castelo de Paiva County I went down by a narrow road to Ribeira. The Douro, the great river runs just a few miles away, with all its splendor. But that small waterfall, lost among the mountains, the sun seemed to peek otherwise.
I crossed the bridge to Entre-os-Rios, and observed real festival: between the bridge Duarte Pacheco and the new bridge, the lampreys were on sale "door yes door yes". What real treat!
From there, as the sun download, followed the river to Crestuma dam, where the back to cross and enter in Santa Maria da Feira County.
A nice Sunday ride, where I bumped with many bikers, giving a different color to our roads.

7.3.15 - Oliveira de Azeméis | Cedrim - Lamprey Route

Every year, at least in family, it`s mandatory to go to Cedrim to eat lamprey. In a small restaurant, identical to many others that can be found at Vouga, the lamprey was made "à Bordalesa" and with rice .Crème brûlée and cheese with jam for dessert. Together with a Quinta do Estanho Reserve, of course!
However, before lunch, it was necessary to reach Cedrim.
Taking advantage of the good weather, debuted the off road Nau Helmet, I used with Oakley; and speaking of premieres, took the new Alpinestars pants, very comfortable - and rode the bike the cameras Liquid Image. I felt like a top rider!
I left Oliveira de Azeméis and headed Vale de Cambra. Followed by São Pedro de Castelões, I went to Senhora da Saúde and then was always down to the Vouga, by Decides, Dornelas, Boialvo, Sever do Vouga, Pessegueiro do Vouga.
Crossing the bridge, turned left - right up to the Rallycross circuit - and the village of Cedrim appears in the right.
A nice village with houses where the time went and where he still reads "Vota AD", from 1980 campaigns. A stream crosses the houses and is lost later.
A footpath of great beauty aids digestion and and sets the mood for the evening stage: return home.
Down to the bridge, turned left and followed the river. Yellow spring buds of trees and gives another color to the trip.
I crossed the river in order to go visit the railroad Sernada Museum. There I decided not to go; I need a guide to this museum and no one better than Ricardo Grilo

.
Ricardo, for when the visit?
The homecoming was due to the N1.

He could have done all the way by motorway. Faster, is right. But had not the same joke.