Greetings adventurers! Today I am going to take you on an exciting two-day odyssey on the beautiful island of Tenerife, but with a special twist. This time I will be accompanied by a fascinating and experienced couple from the world of off-road motorcycling: Amelie Moosedeer, BMW Challenge Germany coordinator, and Robert, an intrepid BMW motorcycle instructor and member of the Enduro Action Team Germany. It all started with a common thread that crossed continents: Enrique Alvarez, a mutual friend and fellow BMW Motorrad instructor, who was the link that brought us together for this unique adventure.
The excitement began when Enrique Alvarez, BMW motorcycle instructor and mutual friend, put me in touch with a fascinating German couple with strong ties to the world of off-road motorcycling. Thus began an unforgettable experience on the picturesque island of Tenerife.
I picked them up at Tenerife North Airport and from the first moment I met Amelie Moosedeer and Robert, their energy and passion for motorcycling was evident. I took them to the charming Puerto de la Cruz, where they would stay before our big departure on Sunday 14 January 2024.
The morning promised adventure with three motorbikes ready to roar: a Transalp 650, a BMW GS 850 Adventure and a KTM 890 Adventure. Our route started in La Matanza de Acentejo, exploring the back roads of the north of the island, passing through Florida and Aguamansa before reaching the impressive Ramón Caminero dirt track.
We climbed towards Izaña, home to the world-famous astrophysical observatory. The path between the majestic Canary pines and the traces of volcanic lava offered a unique landscape. The typical Canary Islands climate, sunny and cool, between 18 and 25 degrees, where we practically live in eternal spring all year round, accompanied us as we enjoyed incomparable views of Mount Teide and the Orotava Valley. Simply spectacular.
We stopped in the bars of Portillo for a well-deserved rest and a coffee, to enjoy the sun and the many friends and motorcyclists that exist in Tenerife. We continued through the imposing Teide National Park, stopping at Las Narices del Teide to see the latest volcanic eruptions from Pico Viejo.
Our route took us to the Chinyero volcano and a winding dirt road that led us to El Tanque. We had lunch at La Tasca, a place of reference, where we tasted a tender and delicious sirloin steak. Afterwards, we drove along tracks between the pines, enjoying the views despite the traces of the fire that ravaged the forest canopy in the north of the island last August. I would like to point out that the Canary Island pine has the peculiarity of being burnt on the outside, but still alive on the inside, sprouting over the years, with only a few scars from the fire that passed through it; it is just a matter of time before its recovery.
We arrived at the Mirador del Lance, from where we had a breathtaking view of the Orotava Valley, with the statue of the last Mencey Guanche, witness to the history of the conquest of Tenerife. We returned to Puerto de la Cruz for a well-earned rest at the hotel.
The next morning, Monday 15 January, the KTM decided to take a day off due to a small contact problem. But we didn't let that stop us; a brave little Beta Alp 200 took up the challenge, which behaved like a champ throughout the day. Of course, i ended up kidneyless. We rode on tracks and back roads, exploring the backside of the airport and into the La Esperanza mountain range towards the south of the island.
We passed through charming villages such as Candelaria and Güimar, climbed back up to Izaña on a technical track and ended up in Arico for a late lunch, enjoying the unexpected presence of a small herd of wild mouflon that crossed our path - lucky us! These animals are rarely seen, wonderful! We continued our route, which took us along winding roads to the top of the island, crossing the mountain range that separates the north from the south.
We descended to La Matanza, marking the end of two unforgettable days with Amelie and Robert. The transfer back to their hotel was a moment of farewell, full of hugs and kisses, with the promise of meeting again, either in Tenerife or in Germany.
An adventure between volcanoes and forests that will remain unforgettable for all of us.
See you next time, Amelie and Robert!
