Looking across to the snow capped alpine mountains seen from the back seat of a motorcycle

Home Travel StoriesSpain And The Faro Rally 2005 - By Ren Withnell

Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Aftermath

The GF:-

After 5 days in hospital and lots of frustration with tests being arranged then unarranged, I took her home. The swelling went away on its own and no cause was found. She did however get different pain killers which are helping. We still await proper treatment but we now suspect this may become a way of life. She can function and we have had some good trips together. She is not fixed, but she is living her life as best she can with a smile.

Addendum 2010 - It transpired the gf had a spinal cord tumour!!  This has been removed at great risk of paralysis and apart from a few twinges she's pretty much recovered.

the gf looking pretty

The Scottish Crew:-

Various e-mails have passed between us. I was hoping to meet up with them at the Stormin’ the Castle rally, but I was in Cornwall with the gf that weekend. I intend to go and visit them before the year is out. I hope I have made some friends who I can catch up with from time to time

Bill from the Scottish crew

The Stag Do Crew:-

G and AM are now married, my son has a step father! I was there at the wedding in my medieval costume to wish them the best. No doubt they will continue to bicker relentlessly for the rest of their lives. I think they like bickering, it’s a sport for them.

Bride, Groom and my son at the wedding

Me:-

Not working but spending all my time getting this website sorted out. No plans other than to get a smaller bike to save on the high cost of fuel, and to do more trips so you can read about them here!

Thanks for reading.

Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Preparation
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 1
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 2
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 3
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 4
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 5
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 6
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 7 The Portuguese coastline is not quite what Ren was expecting. Then there's the case of the disappearing helmet.
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 8
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 9 Ren has to brave the plastic portaloos of HELL at the Faro Rally. It's also time to leave the noise and chaos and get back on the road Northbound
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 10
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 11 It's another long and hot ride across the Spanish scenery. Still, every sweaty mile is a mile closer to home.
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 12
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 13
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Day 14
Spain And The Faro Rally 2005 - Aftermath

Reader's Comments

Jack Amsden said :-
I really enjoyed your story. I used to ride some. I live in Oregon in the US. I'll be looking forward to more trips!

Regards,Jack
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
joe. said :-
This is a good web site .good to see other bikers have the same krap going through their head when riding through forein countries. you talked about the heat i was also riding through the south of spain that summer to visit my father who lives their a was told some locals had droped dead whith the heat .....all the best with your future travels joe...mutineers mcc scotland
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Steve A said :-
Great Story,

I did more or lesss the same trip down (with a freind) but in a 17.5T truck over 3 days in March 05! Great scenery but what a nightmare!

I was moving from the UK to Tavira where I have spent many happy years visiting and 2 happy years living.

Sorry your experience of Portugal wasn't too good. I hope it didn't put you off all together? The Portuguese way of life is very different and takes a while to get used to. The people are the most honest and friendliest I've known in many years of travelling the world in the oil business. The laidback lifestyle also desn't suit everyone.

I've just come back to motorcycling after 20 years off a bike and must say biking in the Algarve is the best, with the great weather giving every opportunity to get out and about.

I know what you mean about the crazy driving though, and I will make sure my renewed interest also gives me the time to educate my 14 year old son about good biking and road sense as he will soon be legally able to ride a 50cc after passing the required test. God help me!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Jim said :-
Did a tour of Spain 15 years ago and doing the Faro trip this year 2008. Going through France first then "the hot place". Had to laugh at some of your comments mate. Cracking observations.
Enjoy your banter.
Take care out there.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Leslie said :-
Have spent three years biking in the U A E and Oman it,s hot but one adapts,now waiting for the good weather to push off through europe.
Ride safe.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
SWAMPY said :-
GREAT/FANTASTIC WRITE UP MATE. HOPE ALL IS STILL WELL WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND. I AM OFF TO THE FARO RALLY THIS JULY 2011 BUT FLYING THERE LOL. GOING ON MY OWN BUT SHOULD BE OK. WELL THANKS AGAIN SWAMPY. RIDE SAFE.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
2011...

I'm still with th gf with the bad back. Spinal Cord Tumour. Removed successfully with only very minor nerve damage. gf is now fine, just the odd niggles with her back here and there.

Not heard from the Scottish Crew, but I'm sure we'll meet again one day.

G and AM are still married. Happily too, well thats what AM tells G.

Me...read the rest of the site to see where I'm up to.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
John Almond said :-
Great story telling Ren. You should put them all in print and sell them as a book. :)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
tony said :-
hello ren.. im the one from west brom that went it alone for a while.. like you said.. sometimes you need to be on your own
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC

Post Your Comment Posts/Links Rules

Name

Comment

Add a RELEVANT link (not required)

Upload an image (not required) -

No uploaded image
Real Person Number
Please enter the above number below




Home Travel StoriesSpain And The Faro Rally 2005 - By Ren Withnell

Admin -- -- Service Records Ren's Nerding Blog
KeyperWriter
IO