This meeting marked a 20 year anniversary of international Varadero riders getting together to celebrate their love of the Varadero as the beginner of the genre and the friendships between their owners. The group has changed continuously over these 20 years, both with the people who come to the meetings and the model of motorcycle that they now ride. All are welcomed equally and we are proud that not only was this our 20th year, but that we were matched with 20 different nationalities attending.

The loss of the Varadero as a production motorcycle, since around 2011, has given rise to new Honda models that comfortably fit with the generic trail riding style motorcycle that the Varadero was introduced to meet. Of course, few owners of these machines go on 'trails' or 'off-road', etc. as the bike is simply too heavy and ill-suited to it, with its production suspension system, more suited to smooth roads. However, the owners of these big trail bikes - or adventure bikes - are of a type. Generally they are over 40 years of age, they are over 100kg in weight, over 1.8m in height, and they seek to ride long distances in comfort and with an assurance of reliabilty and good power from the machine. So, now, whilst the numbers of Varaderos attending VIM are becoming less and less, we became used to seeing more and more Crosstourers and, nowadays, the latest dream machine of the genre, the new version Africa Twin. What does the future hold?

We must not forget either the lowly BMWs, V-Stroms, Triumphs, etc. that come along to our meetings, to get a feel for how proper bikes of this genre perform. We, perhaps, ride a little slower for them. We are all friends at VIM.

 

Thursday 17th May 2018 - The day started with an unexpected visitor, Bonne from Denmark, at 8.30am. He had ridden the Iron Butt way since 9am yesterday and needed a signature to confirm that he had done it and in what time. So we gave him coffee and biscuits and he went on his way. VIM 20 had started! Cecile and Bernard Mattalia from Pau, arrived at 8pm and we were soon at table for a meal. It was lovely to see them again and to show the progress that we had made since their last visit in November. Too much wine on the top terrace and so to bed, in preparation for our ride to VIM 20 tomorrow.

Friday 18th May 2018 - Up and to breakfast and then Bernard and I packed and were off, leaving Theresa and Cecile to enjoy a weekend without their men folk. A good ride south via Ax les Thermes, across the border into Andorra and then on to our event base in Xixarella. Others were there already and we soon got ourselves settled in, in our new home, a bungalow, and then to find the bar for a beer. So many old friends were there and others arrived constantly as the 65, or so, participants came together for VIM20. Dinner was outside with a barbecue.

Saturday 19th May 2018 - To breakfast at 8am and then we set about seeing what was happening. Various groups were forming, but Bernard and I decided to simply do our own thing and to go exploring on our own. Considering that he has very little English and I had very basic French, we managed well, and I learned all sorts of things from him about my new country and its language. We rode most of the small roads that led up into the mountains, above snow line. The weather was good and the views spectacular. The roads were fairly quiet too. In the evening we had a lovely meal in the bar area and restaurant and the traditional strong drink was brought out for tasting.

Calva from one of my favourite Frenchme, Sebastien Poisson from Rouen. Linie from the cheeky Norwegian, Erik Snurrepus.

Geneva Gin from the Blacksmith, Mense Landlust from the Netherlands. I

have no pictures of the two Americans with their bottles of Moonshine, or Oleg, the Russian, with his dodgy looking bottle.

Sunday 20th May 2018 - After a tiring day yesterday, I decided to relax in the morning, reading and taking a walk to explore the neighbourhood. Then, when I fancied taaking the bike out, it rained, so we decided to stay on site. So, spent some time talking to the Americans, Trey, Elen and George, and generally relaxing. We had a group photograph in the swimming pool area, as it was raining outside, and then our final farewell meal in the restaurant. A great night and, another great VIM. An excellent choice of venue, excellent food, excellent company.

Mfanwy, the sheep from our Wales VIM, had to be packed away for her journey home, to hopefully join me for another VIM some day.

Monday 21st May 2018 - Up at 7am to get packed and ready and to our final breakfast in Xixarella, before heading home. Said our goodyes to everybody and then headed for the French border, avoiding the toll tunnel this time and going over the top. Incredible road. No stops at the customs, despite our cache of duty free cigarettes in our top boxes, and a fast ride home in superb weather conditions. Home to our respective ladies by around 10.30am. They seemed pleased to see us. Dogs too. Bernard and Cecile then set about getting acquainted with our sun beds and pool and enjoying a few hours with us before they had to set off for home. No sooner had they gone then Bernard Stikfort (Two Plugs, VIM founder) and Kitty arrived to spent some time with us. They too got settled by the pool as they re-acquainted themselves with Theresa and interrogated her about her absence from VIM. They clearly wanted to test my story as to why she doesn't want to ride the bike with me any more. In the evening we went for a drive in the car to Mirepoix and had a lovely meal outside at Le Petit Bouchon. Plenty to drink. Tired. But they decided to further test the hospitality by getting into the spa. VIM was over. Or was it?

Bernard, Jess, Kitty, Theresa in Mirepoix.

Bernard and Kitty in the jacuzzi. Lovebirds.

Tuesday 22nd May 2018 - Up and to, breakfast with a sore head from last night's excess. Bernard and Kitty packed up and were away by 9.30am, with fair weather, set for 1100km of riding to Luxembourg in two days. Good luck with that, on non toll and non motorway roads.

Hometime for Bernard and Kitty.

EPILOGUE

Tuesday 29th May 2018 - Whilst working at home, clearing out my barn in readiness for having a concrete floor laid, I heard a familiar sound. It was a Varadero on our track , with two persons on board. Who could this be? I soon discovered that it was Erik and AnneGro from Norway, on their long ride home, stopping off at various places of interest. I fed them with coffee and home made biscuits and they were soon on their way again. VIM was indeed ,finally over!

To contact me please email to sdapeze@aol.com

Jess Jephcott, 11240 Hounoux, near Carcassonne, France

 

 

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