Reims to Beziers – a long ride 869 kms in 8:47 hrs, not something I do very often. I wanted to get to Benicassim to visit a friend before he left. Beziers to Benicassim the following day was a relaxing 542 kms in 5:04 hrs. The French tolls from Calais to the Spanish border were about 90 Euro, no toll roads in Spain they were abolished a couple of years ago. I had problems with 2 Shell petrol stations in France. The normal procedure is to go into the shop and pre-authorise your credit card for 50 euro, then you fill up and leave and only the amount you filled up is debited from your card. But with Shell they took the whole 50 euro. I always take a photo of the pump after I fill up so I have raised a dispute with my Bank. Avoid Shell in France, this does not happen in any other country or with any other brand. This ride was also a milestone for my bike which crossed the 100,000 kms mark. This is the third bike since I retired which should make it around 300,000 kms on a motorcycle.

Benicassim is a seaside tourist town that mainly caters to retirees from Northern Europe, quiet and relaxing. Many come in caravans and motor homes and stay at the caravan parks. The Spanish coast has many similar towns. I was last here 10 years ago and it has expanded significantly during that time. A growing trend as Spain becomes more popular due to its lower cost of living, friendly people and the Sunshine.

Day trip to Castellon de Plana, the nearest city which has big shops.