SYRACUSE - SICILY 128kms. 25th & 26-6-26

Leaving the sea side town of Naxos, I rode through the Sicilian countryside to the lovely village of Castelmola, perched high on a rocky knoll above Taormina. The sweeping views over the coastline and Mount Etna made it well worth the stop before carrying on with the 128 km ride south to Syracuse.

My base for the next few days was Hotel Populus, just a short walk from the historic old town of Ortigia. Even with the stifling summer heat, I spent hours wandering its narrow streets, taking in the elegant baroque buildings, lively piazzas, and endless views of the sparkling Mediterranean along the ancient sea walls.

 A refreshing swim in the crystal-clear sea was followed by the welcome relief of the hotel’s air conditioning during the hottest part of the afternoon. As the day came to an end, I went to the harbour with a cold Sicilian beer and watched the sun sink below the horizon—a perfect finish to another memorable day.       26-6-26



 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Raul's invite started it all.

Image
A good friend from Spain got hold of me and invited me to join him on a ride to Georgia, Armenia and up to St Petersburg. I had planned to stay home for  a year but opportunities like this you have to grab and run with it.  After much deliberation I accepted and the trip was on.  Raul found a Trans Alp 650 2003 for me for 2000 Euros and has had it serviced and changed the tyres and a new sprocket and chain, got insurance and in my name. Then I get a WhatsApp from him in the hospital and he had a heart attack ! So he can't  do the trip unfortunately so am on my own again.  Am in Doha as I write en-route to his house in Alberite ,Spain too start the trip sto Georgia. Have decided to do the Stans instead of going up to St Petersburg and the Pamir Highway and Bhartong Valley and who knows where the road takes me.  The flight from Cape Town was delayed and then missed my connecting flight so had to stay in Doha for the day, so am already a day behind. ...
Read more

PREPARING THE BIKE

Image
Honda Trans Alp 650 2000 with 52 840kms on the clock is my bike for this trip. It is in excellent condition the past owner really took care of  it and only road on tar roads. He asked €2500 but Raul got it for €2000 and then had it serviced and had tyres replaced and chain and sprockets and replaced a front disc and new brake pads. Got the pannier racks fitted, had to reposition the flickers and rewire them but turned out well and the crash bars fitted with no problems. Now I just have to fit my training wheels.     Raul preparing lunch.....     I braaied some ribs, chicken and steak for the family. Only started the fire at 8pm and sat down to eat at 10pm. Good time were had by all.
Read more

FINALLY ARRIVE IN ALBERITE SPAIN

Image
15 MAY 2026 Departing from Cape Town was delayed so missed connecting flight in Doha and they put  me up in a hotel and then left the next day. Doha to Barcelona and barely had enough time time to get my flight to Bilboa which was only one hour. Only one of my two bags arrived, the one with all my gear and clothes of course. Rented a car and drove 150 kms south to Alberite to Raul's house. Had a big welcoming hug and then we had to rush off to a gathering for a feast up the road at his friend's Bodega. They were cooking up a storm and had so much good food, the main dish , Ranchero is cooked for two hours mainly consisting of patotos and meat and it was delicious. Then had three different deserts and the wine flooded freely and everybody just talks and laughs and has a great time. The following day being Monday we went down to the City Hall and registered that I live here, producing my NEI number was not a problem , so got the documentation showing my home address  in Alb...
Read more