Island Ride

Gran Canaria – nice beaches, nice climate... and challenging mountain roads

- Bob Southcoat

Back in February my wife Diane and I were on the verge of booking another 10 days’ holiday on Gran Canaria on the ‘island of large dogs’ when we were visited by friends Kate and Charlotte, partners in crime and married for five years. Kate had previously owned a couple of 125s and both were interested in our stories of Gran Canaria, the famous Yumbo Centre, Ricky’s Drag Bar and my previous adventures there on hired bikes. Liking the sound of the place, they wanted to come, too.

Having been before, we already knew that Canaria's October weather suited us best, September being too hot and November chilling off a bit in the evenings. Early October temperatures range from 27-33°, while the sea and hotel pool are warm enough to walk straight into.

I’d hired bikes twice before to explore the mountains and loved it, so went to see Juan at Motos Tivoli. Not only was his office next door to the hotel, but also he remembered me from last time. Better still, he was very pleased to be left with a copy of MSL. Kate had intended to hire a KTM 125 to ride, but her short legs wouldn't reach the floor, so she came pillion with me on a Suzuki V-Strom 650.

I had hired one of these and a Honda 700 previously, and the Suzuki was better for pillions with grab bars and a bigger seat. I completed the paperwork, paid €80 for a day's hire and we were off.