There’s little doubt that Duncan Gough is an expert in the Iberian Peninsula and with that comes a wealth of experience he passes on to fellow travellers through a series of beautifully illustrated books and guides. The latest offering, a revised second edition, from Gough is Back Road Campsites Of Spain, and like the name suggests is a brilliant accompaniment to any traveller wishing to moto camp throughout Spain.

Gough has put together a selection of his favourite camp spots that take in the entire nation, all include detailed information regarding the site, costs, amenities, location, and more. As is the norm with all of Gough’s books, Back Road Campsites Of Spain is beautifully craſted, professionally written and highlighted by Gough’s own water-coloured sketches, all with a level of detail that many larger publishing houses could learn from, as it shows that Gough has a long and deep love affair with the Iberian Peninsula, its people, cultures, and landscapes.  

An aspect we like with Back Road Campsites Of Spain is the detailed list of wildlife to look for as well as identifying bird species with detailed silhouettes to look for, again drawn by Gough. If you are planning a ride through Spain, and/or Portugal, then getting your hands on any of Gough’s books wouldn’t be a bad place to start. It doesn’t matter if you are on two wheels or more, these books are the perfect accompaniment, especially Back Road Campsites Of Spain.

TRAVERSE MAGAZINE REVIEW ISSUE 41

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It was a spectacular Sunday the one witnessed by Team Gresini MotoGP at Austin, especially with Marc Marquez. Together with Acosta and Martin, he starred in one of the most exciting Grand Prix of the season – and beyond. Not all movies have a happy ending, however, and surely not this one: after ten laps, while leading the race, the #93 crashed under braking, losing the lead and the (virtual) second place in the standings. It was still an incredible performance for the Spaniard at his favourite track, as he secured a front-row start before finishing on the podium in the sprint race, with a big regret on the full distance. 
 
The bad luck does not end here, however, as Alex Marquez was forced to an early retirement following a crash moments before his brother’s tumble. The #73 showed great speed at CoTA and rode well up to eighth place. But that was one of those days for him, too. The MotoGP action will resume in Europe with the hope that the local venue will bring something better. 

2^nd - MARC MARQUEZ #93
“This is a podium that means a lot, especially as it wasn’t an easy one. The first race was very challenging: I wasn’t feeling comfortable on the bike, and it was difficult. I made a couple of important mistakes, but then I was able to keep Acosta and Martin behind and I also found a good rhythm – and from there I improved. I was feeling a lot better in the second part of the race and now we need to keep working in order to be competitive also tomorrow. I would sign for a third place, as there are so many fast riders.”
 
14^th - ALEX MARQUEZ #73
“A coming together with another rider at turn two has made things even more complicated, after a Q2 that already wasn’t very fortunate. It was hard to turn things around from there. Now heads down and work hard, we have a long race tomorrow and we have the pace to play our part.”

Back Roads To The Catalan Pyrenees: Biscay Ports To El Pont De Suert is the 2018, first offering of an eight-part series of travel books by Duncan Gough covering everything Iberian Peninsula. As with all other books by Gough, it doesn’t disappoint. Packed with useful information and interesting travel anecdotes Gough completes Back Roads To The Catalan Pyrenees: Biscay Ports To El Pont De Suert with beautifully detailed hand-illustrated maps, scenes, and inspiring photographs.   

Back Roads To The Catalan Pyrenees: Biscay Ports To El Pont De Suert is a wonderful way to start exploring Spain and Portugal, Gough’s knowledge of the region often surpasses that of even the locals and he’s extremely glad to be able to share this beautiful region of Europe. Through Back Roads To The Catalan Pyrenees: Biscay Ports To El Pont De Suert, Gough shows the ‘real’ Spain through his personal knowledge and thoroughly researched information, it provides a genuinely intimate look at the region.

If you’re thinking of travelling the Iberian Peninsula make sure you grab a copy of Back Roads To The Catalan Pyrenees: Biscay Ports To El Pont De Suert and all other books by Gough. They’re a must for any traveller.

Article TRAVERSE MAGAZINE REVIEW ISSUE 29

Traverse (traverse-magazine.com)

A factory special Vincent Black Shadow race bike from 1951 is one of more than 100 classic bikes that will be showcased at this year’s Stafford Bike Show.

Considered by many to be the world’s first superbike, the Vincent Black Shadow was built with the same labour-intensive hand-fitting of bearings and major engine parts that Vincent had used prior to the war, with a top speed in excess of 130mph. One of these exceptional bikes will be on the private entries stand at The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash.

The show which takes place from April 20-21, 2024 at the Stafford County Showground plays host to tons of carefully restored and preserved machines exhibited in their best possible condition for the award judges and thousands of visitors. This year, visitors can also see an Aston Martin Brough 001 that’s one of only 100 ever built, with this being number 35 off the production line.

Rare finds from other British manufacturers like Cotton, Norton, Sunbeam, BSA and Triumph will feature heavily in the show. International manufacturers are also represented as entries from manufactures such as Suzuki, Laverda and Harley-Davidson will be highlighted. Alongside the machines on the show’s club stands, the private entries will compete for a host of awards including the coveted Best in Show.

This year’s special guests at Stafford are celebrated TT icon Phillip McCallen on Saturday and renowned motorcycle racer and TV presenter Guy Martin on Sunday. Both guests will participate in live interviews on their respective days.

Keep up to date on the show by visiting www.classicbikeshows.com