Another early start to avoid the heat, this time with long term Bikers España follower and friend Roger The Fast Fontanero (retired).  After posting a ride on the Bikers España FB group I wasn't sure how many would turn up, however, it is the end of July and far too hot for most.  There are a few people I can rely on though who will turn up if at all possible and Roger is one of them.

Sometimes it's nice to just get out with a couple of friends for a shortish ride and a bit of a chat to catch up with what is going on.  This was the scenario for the KTM's first proper ride out on the 21st July.

Meeting up with Roger and John, a couple of local biking friends, at the bar in Tormos for a quick coffee before the off, I was filled with a bit of trepidation, it would be my first proper ride out on the new bike and the first time anybody had seen it, most people didn't even know I had bought it.

Ten years old, wow that has flown past. Actually, we are a little over 10 years old now, as the first article, CV435 Real De Montroi to Dos Aguas, was written and published on 29/04/2009.

In May of 2018, I had a test ride on the KTM 790 Duke at the Orange Days event at Moto Sport Carreres in Crevillente.  The bike was awesome and I said in the review that if I had the money with me it would have been in the garage.  Well 14 months later it has happened, after a bit of prevarication, a house and business move and all the issues that go along with it, it was time for a decision.

The last ride you have on any bike you own is always a bit special, or eventful in some cases.  The last ride I had on my Suzuki Bandit was special, even though I didn't know at the time it would be the last time.

Over 3 years of ownership I had managed to complete around 8,000km of riding mostly early morning jaunts around the local mountains bit a little touring too, including a 2,700km 5 day trip, which I still haven't finished writing about.

It had been a hot week, not only in Spain but all across Europe with 40-degree temperatures across France and many other areas.  Taking this into consideration an early start was called for to get some long-awaited biking in.  Waking in the early light at 05:30, setting off on a bike ride was the last thing on my mind however I had promised myself that after a couple of months off it was about time to get back on the horse so to speak.