From a Mediterranean Cruise to a Motorcycle Experience in Valencia 🏍️

A Very Special Cruise Stop 🚢

Bill's story is one that deserves to be told because, to me, there's something truly special about it.

Back in February 2026, Bill was enjoying a magnificent Mediterranean cruise that happened to be stopping in Valencia on Saturday the 14th. So he got in touch with us and asked if we could put together a one-day motorcycle experience for him.

I don't know if you're familiar with how cruises work. Basically, you travel (or rather, sail) at night, and when you arrive at the day's destination, you're allowed to disembark and enjoy the activities usually offered by the cruise company. At the end of the day, before dinner, you return to the ship and sail off towards another city. More or less, that's how it works.

And I have to say, if you've never been on a cruise, it's an experience I absolutely recommend. Being someone who's used to travelling by motorcycle, the idea of not having to drive and, above all, moving from place to place without constantly packing and unpacking your bags is a really wonderful feeling. I love it, to be honest! You go to bed in Barcelona and wake up in Rome... Amazing! 😎

Anyway, the thing is that Bill, instead of doing what I imagine most of the other passengers on the ship were doing, decided to come riding with us.

Now THAT'S what I call a true biker spirit! 🏍️

A Yamaha Tracer 900 to Discover Valencia

For this experience, Bill rented a Yamaha Tracer 900, along with a jacket, helmet, and gloves. The complete package.

And I have to give a special mention to the Yamaha Tracer 900. What a fantastic motorcycle! So well-balanced, versatile, and fun to ride. There aren't many bikes in its class that can match it.

I'd previously ridden the Tracer 7, which was so incredibly smooth it almost felt like an electric motorcycle. But the other day I got to try the Tracer 9, and wow... that's a completely different level!

For me, it's a 10 out of 10.

Acceleration? Excellent. Brakes? Excellent. Stable. Nimble through the corners. Comfortable on open roads and long journeys.

One of the most versatile motorcycles out there, I'd say. I absolutely fell in love with it, and that's coming from a Honda fan!

But when a motorcycle is good, it's good. End of story.

Chapeau! 👏

A Little Delay and a Proper Valencian Breakfast ☕

Due to sea conditions, the ship docked later than expected, so we had to wait quite a while for it to arrive.

But rather than letting that spoil our morning, we did what any self-respecting Valencian would do: we treated ourselves to a proper almuerzo, a magnificent mid-morning feast fit for kings. Just as it should be! 😋

I had another commitment that day, so I left Bill in the capable hands of Floren and Rafa (the other Rafa!).

Although the three of us welcomed him at the Port of Valencia, Floren and Rafa were the ones who spent the rest of the day riding with him.

Twisty Roads, Beautiful Landscapes and the Albufera of Valencia 🌾

The route, which unfortunately had to be shortened because of the ship's late arrival, took them through Montroy, Dos Aguas and Millares before reaching El Palmar just in time for lunch.

After enjoying plenty of curves and visiting the Montanyeta dels Sants, a wonderful spot offering absolutely spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding rice fields, it was finally time to sit down at the table.

And there, as you might expect, they treated their taste buds to some of the most traditional and delicious dishes Valencian cuisine has to offer.

Valencian Gastronomy: From the Twisty Roads to the Table 🍅🥘

Tomato Salad from El Perelló with Tuna Belly.

Now, the tomatoes from this nearby village are something else. They're the kind that make you believe in natural flavours again.

They actually taste like tomatoes, not plastic! You know exactly what I mean.

And with all due respect to the big supermarket chains, there's simply nothing quite like a tomato freshly picked from the garden.

That's my opinion, anyway.

All i Pebre.

This is a traditional dish from El Palmar, and for me, it has two wonderful qualities. The first is just how incredibly simple its ingredients and preparation are.

Garlic, sweet paprika (or hot paprika if you prefer), eel, potatoes, chillies and water.

That's it. End of story.

It's almost unbelievable that such basic, simple ingredients can produce something so absolutely delicious.

And it's one of those wonderful old-fashioned dishes that simply demands a good chunk of bread to mop up every last drop of that tasty sauce.

I'm telling you, you're even allowed to lick your fingers! 😋

Traditional Valencian Paella with Chicken and Rabbit.

The ultimate classic. The classic of all classics, and the perfect finishing touch to a fantastic meal.

Not bad at all, eh? 😋

Well, after treating themselves to all that wonderful food, the three of them got back on their motorcycles and enjoyed the easy ride back to Valencia along the El Saler road.

They returned the motorcycle to the garage and took Bill back to the port with more than enough time to board his ship again and rejoin the other passengers.

What Felt Like a Windy Day to Us Was a Fantastic Day for Bill ☀️

Here's a little story, and something that never ceases to amaze me when we welcome clients and friends from outside Spain.

That day was actually quite windy.

And as any motorcyclist knows, strong winds can make riding rather uncomfortable. Not to mention that a sudden gust hitting you from the side can give you a pretty nasty scare.

But of course, Bill only had that one Saturday to enjoy his motorcycle experience, and we felt a little disappointed that the weather hadn't been "perfect". Because that's what you always want for your guests.

But there was Bill, and I genuinely appreciate his understanding of what is and isn't within Toro Biker's control, saying something along the lines of:

"Oh, don't worry about it! Back in Canada, this is just a normal day! No problem at all. Let's ride and enjoy ourselves. Look at that beautiful sunshine!"

It turns out that what we considered almost exceptional, a bit of gusty wind, felt practically like paradise to him.

And having the sun shining above and a beautiful clear blue sky? Well, that was almost a luxury!

There we were, worrying about something so silly...

Oh well! 😂

From Clients to Friends: Beyond the Route 🤝

As always seems to happen, despite the relatively short time they spent together, Floren, Rafa (the other Rafa!) and Bill started the day as hosts and a client.

And they finished it as friends.

For us, there really is no better reward.

Of course, Bill received his Toro Biker Family Welcome Pack, and the moment he saw the T-shirt, he made us a promise:

"I'll send you a photo of myself wearing it at Niagara Falls!"

And as you can see in the photo gallery, he kept his word!

Bravo, Bill, and thank you so much! That photo means the world to us. ❤️

As often happens, we've stayed in touch with Bill ever since. Every now and then, we exchange WhatsApp messages to see how things are going on both sides of the Atlantic and keep the friendship alive.

And I have to say, that's something really special.

The Next Experience? Morocco!

The last time I heard from him, Bill asked me whether I knew anyone who could organise a one-day guided motorcycle tour in Marrakech.

And of course, I put him in touch with my favourite motorcycle guide in Morocco: Brahim.

I don't know how things turned out in the end. I really hope they managed to put the experience together.

But that... well, that's another story! 😉

Here's What Bill Wrote About Us on Google ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Had a wonderful day riding with toro Arranged a guided ride and rental bike through Toro. Was met at my cruise port by Rafa and Floren They were patient as the ship was 3 hours late .Was able to ride all day right up to the departure time of the ship There knowledge of the local roads and best places to explore were exceptional Will definitely be a return costumer"

Read Bill's review on Google ⭐⭐⭐⭐