Aug 2004

	After a fast transit of Spain we arrived at the Portuguese border and met up with a couple of GSers who had been touring the Swiss Alps on a BMW R1150GS. On their recommendation we headed south east to visit the beautiful town of Villa Real
GS Riders Portuguese Border

Our journey south west took us through some incredible scenery and we passed many mountain and hill side villages. It was not hard to see why the Pyrenees is a favorite destination for holiday makers and motorcycle enthusiast from around the world.	Portuguese Village

Hiking and GS trails	Unfortunately we did not have the time to explore the many trails and scenic walks as Monika and I was keen to get to Porto.

I am parked in the heart of Villa Real, a beautiful town in Northern Portugal.	Villa Real

	I arrived in BMW Group Portugal keen for them to give my bike a once over Mr. Mario Campos (Center) Service Manager at BMW Bavaria and with a big smile and a firm handshake he and his team would be delighted if they could be part of our BMW World record tour and they completely serviced both bikes. There was absolutely nothing that Mario and his team would not do for us. Incredible enthusiasm and professionalism from a tremendous team. Here Mario is presenting me with a present, a CD containing traditional Portuguese music.
Mario Service Manager
The hospitality at BMW Baviera included a full tour of their Complex by the Managing Director and Marketing Manager. Here team BMW Baviera pose for a souvenir picture.
	Team BMW Bavaria
The New and exciting R1200GS	And just when you run out of expletives to express how grateful we are for their hospitality the General Manger arranged for me to to ride the new R1200GS and the best has got even better. Totally redesigned from the bottom up. Every single nut and bolt is new, even the engine has more power and it is an incredible 60 LBS lighter. The wiring system has been completely redesigned, its simple configuration comes with a breaker system "YES NO FUSES" and auxiliary feed sockets. It handles like a dream, dare I say, like the 650 GS, light to handle, especially in tight corners, it also has monstrous power for sharp inclines, mountain dirt tracks and would make light work of the sandiest of dunes. Its a beautiful adventure touring motorcycle, incredibly well designed and EVERY MODIFICATION that you could have wished for has been implemented to the all new R1200GS and it certainly should be first on everybody's wish list. If like Monika and I you have a love of travel and want explore and meet interesting cultures then there is yet another choice to the incredible range of BMW GS motorcycles. UNFORTUNATELY, SADLY, REGRETTABLY, EMOTIONALLY" I had to return it. Thank you BMW Baviera - Sterling Service as we have come to expect. To each and every one of you we thank you. Big hugs too from Monika to Mario, Alberto Esteves and their excellent mechanics.
Team BMW Bavaria
Here BMW Club members take time from work to visit us and present us with the BMW Club Log which now sits with pride on the rear of our Jesse Luggage Panniers. Sorry we did not get to ride with you but on our return we certainly will.
	BMW Club Portugal

Porto Harbor
We enjoyed the company and hospitality of Portuguese motorcycle legend Mr. Joao Menezez. Joao treated us to dinner at his favorite restaurant and captivated us with us stories of his adventures in Asia and Africa. Thank you for your time, advice and kindness. Joao organses motorcycle tours to North Africa for more information contact BMW motorcycles Baviera Nr Porto Portugal.
	Mr Joao Menezez Adventurer and Portuguese MC Tours
Cafe Bar Gricola - Best Restaurant in Porto	Here Monika and I with the Manager and GS owner of the best Restaurant in Porto. If you get the chance visit CAFE BAR Gricola in the center of Porto.

Just as we were departing Lisbon for Madrid we bumped into Horizons Unlimited Coordinator for Portugal who treated us to coffee in a road side cafe. He does a excellent job coordinating the Annual motorcycle Bikers meeting in Portugal. Log onto Horizons for the latest biker news around the world	Portuguese Horizons Unlimited Co Coordinator

	Monika parked in the center of Porto.
Porto
Whilst in Lisbon we gave a Interview to Portuguese National TV. What made a nice change was Teresa our interviewer was a avid bike fan and adventurer and had recently returned from a expedition to Mozambique Africa.
	Monika and Teresa SIC Portuguese TV
National Portuguese TV SIC	Monika tells TV like she has done many times before that the BMW GS motorcycle is the best in the world.