Strictly speaking, it is not "after lockdown" at all it is just the first phase of the de-escalation but it was still my first outing for many weeks.  The plan was simple my son needed a lift to the garage to pick up his ailing scooter and I could either drive him or take one of the bikes, simple choice really.

Everybody has differing views on how to run in a new motorcycle, some say stick to the Manufacturers recommendations whilst others say "ride it like you stole it" from day one.  Personally, I've only had to do it a couple of times with this being my third new bike in about 35 years of biking.  My first new bike was a Yamaha RD125LC when I was 17 and the second was the trusty GSXR750Y that I bought when I was 28.

During the winter of 1999 - 2000 I sold my Honda Fireblade and was on the lookout for something new, something better than the Honda.  Many would say this was an impossible task as the Fireblade was/is such a great bike, however, I found it quite boring.  Don't get me wrong it was a superb motorcycle, doing everything I asked of it in a typical efficient manner you would expect from a sports bike from the big H, however, I found it a bit bland, a bit too easy.

Unfortunately due to my poor timing, the first service on the KTM had to be delayed a few weeks, due to the annual August shutdowns.  However, I managed to get it booked in as soon as the dealers opened up again.

Sometimes you don't make any plans but still, have the best time.  I started without any plan to ride the bike at all, apart from maybe a quick run-up to the top of Coll de Rates to warm the tyres.  I walked the dog early and took a picture of the beginning of one of my favourite stretches of road and the view down to my home in the Costa Blanca village of Parcent.

A couple of years ago whilst searching on Google for some interesting roads to explore, not too far from home, I came across a picture of an interesting looking bridge in a small valley.  I also found the road was near to Dos Aguas which I have been to before many years ago and decided to plan a days ride around the area taking in a couple of reservoirs along the way.