On Saturday, whilst in Barlovento, we happened to stumble across a gathering hosted by the Association of Motorbike Riders, La Palma. This was a slight surprise as generally you don't see many motorbikes on the island and certainly not in big gatherings. However, judging by the bikes there, they had certainly managed to amass a good deal of support, not just from La Palma, but also from the other islands, notably Gran Canaria. So ... given that David and I used to have motorbikes, we both had more than a passing interest in them.
What first got the camera out was a bright orange Honda GoldWing with a flat six-cylinder engine of 1,832 cc. I guess that would do most people - with a spare 25,000 euros. Well, I suppose the computer controlled rear suspension, cruise control, slow speed reverse and airbag might cushion the blow. But really - heated seats and handlebars!
The classic Triumph 900 was a little more reminiscent of our day when the heating source came from four extra jumpers and as many pairs of socks as you could get on. But come to think of it, on La Palma, we are more used to seeing motorbike riders in T-shirt, shorts and flip flops than cold weather gear and leathers.
If the classics and superbikes created interest (in the form of lustful looks and unseemly drooling) there was one bike, the 'SALVAJE' (meaning, wild) that hit upon a difference. The reaction was all smiles.
But try as I might, I couldn't find a representation of my old bike there. Ah yes, my trusty Suzuki A100 with a top speed of 60 mph ... think I'd rather have the Salvaje actually.
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