RIDIN’ EL TEIDE!

Story and Photos by ITN European Reporter Herve’ Rebollo.

Salut à toi American rider,

You may remember that I love to travel worldwide … this time, let me take you to the beautiful island of TENERIFE, Spanish territory … not exactly in Spain.

Tenerife is an island located in the Atlantic Ocean opposite the northwestern coast of Africa. It is the largest of the Canary Islands. Tenerife is part of the Canary Islands archipelago, which belongs to Spain. The island is about 300 kilometers west of the southern coast of Morocco.

Tenerife, Spain is an island that offers a vast range of unique experiences. You can relax on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches, marvel at volcanoes and other natural land formations that make you think you’ve landed on an alien planet, or pick up some new clothes or a souvenir in one of Tenerife’s bustling markets. No matter what you choose to do, it’s impossible not to have a great time on the island.

And if you really want to have an excellent time, you can rent a motorcycle at the local Harley-Davidson dealership: GUBRA (see: Alquiler motos Harley-Davidson en Canarias | Harley-Davidson® Canarias — Gubra).

Because, yes, Tenerife is a land of bikers where motorcycles and bikes share amazing roads.

Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands by land area and it also has the largest population (about one million inhabitants).

The island lies off the west coast of Africa and is dominated by Mount TEIDE, the tallest peak in Spain and a dormant volcano that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The city of La Laguna in the northern part of the island is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to the University of La Laguna, the oldest university in the Canaries. The capital city of Tenerife is called Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and it’s home to huge festivals, gorgeous beaches, and many historical landmarks.

With so much to do and see in Tenerife, the best way to make the most of your stay is to rent a bike and explore the island at your own pace.

Tenerife certainly offers some of the most beautiful roads in Europe. As a result, bikers from all over the world come here to spend a week (no need to stay longer, the island isn’t that big) riding these magnificent roads.

And all are in absolutely perfect condition (quite impressive, actually). Not to mention that the local drivers are absolutely charming; driving here is really very cool.

Bikers are not the only kings of the road here. Cyclists are even more numerous. They are everywhere. Along the coasts, on the volcanoes, up the climbs, down the descents (impossible to follow them as they go so fast – very impressive). I think during this week we saw almost all the international professional cycling teams training here. Unexpected and amazing.

Sometimes even quite dangerous because when they come down the mountain at almost 80km/h and we meet them in the small bends going up, it can be quite frightening at times…

The tourist who does not ride a motorcycle or bike can thus relax at the beach, or visit the many small villages, all very beautiful.

Sometimes with the feeling of being somewhere in Latin America.

However, be careful not to come here in the summer. In mid-April, the attendance is moderate. During the summer season, it gets absolutely crazy.

Naturally, in Spain, the food is very good.

It’s even with France and Italy one of the countries where you eat the best in Europe.

It’s not just about charcuterie; seafood lovers will be delighted.

And don’t worry about the drink; the Spaniards have what you need. First, the famous Sangria as an aperitif.

And all the wines you need…

And for dessert, the famous churros saturated with sugar dipped in almost solid chocolate sauce will guarantee a nap on the motorcycle (the bends will wake you up).

Returning to the road, let’s head to the north of the island (look at this road!!!!).

Here, it’s the forest, almost the jungle. Humidity guaranteed and many very small roads with thousands of bends.

Practically no straight lines. Guaranteed fun!

I had chosen to rent a Panamerica. It was the first time I rode it for so long (I had only tried it at my dealer). Needless to say, it completely changed from a Road Glide Special. And I cheerfully missed one or two bends in the mountains. Funny but not always easy. Guaranteed sensations at all levels (the motorcycle is great, the biker may be not. Lol).

When you come back down to the coast, the landscape and the atmosphere change radically. It’s the seaside with its many resorts (of fairly good quality), with its tourists in swimsuits and a few very beautiful villages here too (but I repeat, do not come here in July/August).

When fatigue comes, it’s time for coffee or beer (the famous Dorada, a local production)…

… you will always find a small bar to welcome you (they are numerous) and mingle with the local population who are very friendly.

Good vibes guaranteed!

When you leave the coast to take the roads that go up towards the volcanoes, the scenery changes again.

The palm trees at the foot of the mountains make you forget the northern forests and the touristy coast.

It’s worth noting that on the coast you ride among thousands of banana plantations. With tourism, the production and export of bananas are one of the pillars of the local economy (strangely, the local cuisine offers absolutely no banana-based dishes).

As you start climbing the mountain, you will discover new roads among the most beautiful in the world (I have traveled enough on this planet to be able to affirm this) where it is sometimes difficult for two motorcycles that meet to pass at the same time in a bend.

The roads that go up towards the volcanic plateau are magnificent. To a certain extent, they reminded me of Colorado and, of course, the Black Hills (with the view of the sea as a bonus. Lol).

And once you enter the El TEIDE Nacional Parque…

… it’s a radical change of scenery less than 30km from the coast.

El TEIDE is 3,715 m high; it is the highest point in Spain, the tallest peak in the Atlantic Ocean, and the third highest volcanic structure in the world if measured from the seabed.

The formation of Tenerife began 12 million years ago, but volcanism on the island is still active, the most recent eruption dating from 1909. The formation of the Teide edifice began 200,000 years ago. However, the risk of a Teide eruption is not ruled out, and increased seismic activity in 2004 encouraged the government to increase volcanic monitoring, as an explosive eruption could have very severe consequences on this very populated and very touristy island.

It goes without saying that at this altitude, even in spring or summer, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, not to mention warm clothes and a rain suit.

And especially because by continuing to the summit, at the level of the meteorological observatory, you pass above the clouds (thus through strong mists).

And there! The show is simply fabulous and almost impossible to describe. You have to see it with your own eyes to appreciate its beauty.

On the way down, don’t miss stopping again at another small local bar…

…to recover from all these emotions.

Just before returning to the hotel for dinner. It takes what it takes!!!

Tenerife was a very beautiful discovery and a real surprise; we (my guy and road mate Patrick, and our spouses) did not expect to spend such a beautiful week at all levels. Fun guaranteed!!!

So don’t hesitate to go there (a week is more than enough). We met many tourists from all over the world. The island’s people really know how to welcome foreigners.