On 24 January, TOUR models Johanna and Stefan met in heavy snowfall in Munich to set off for Gran Canaria. There they were to take the pictures that would bring spring to the TOUR in March and April. We first met Daniel, our photographer, at the airport in Munich, as he was coming straight from another job in South Africa. In the evening, leaving the usual stress of travelling with lots of excess baggage and cramped plane seats behind us, we finally landed on Gran Canaria in the sunshine. There we were met by the supporters of this production trip, Dagmar Seckinger (Free Motion Bikes & Tours) and Saro Arencibia (Gran Canaria Tourist Office). We travelled swiftly in a VW bus packed to the rafters with equipment to the "Sandy Beach" hotel in Maspalomas. This was to be our base for the first two days.
Thumbs up for the great support from Free Motion Bikes & Tours
Our plan for the first working day was to explore the island for great locations for the TOUR photos. To do this, Daniel first got some insider tips from Dagmar and the guides at Free Motion. Meanwhile, Stefan and I got the equipment ready. What followed was a day of hot riding along the island's adventurous winding roads. Always accompanied by heavy downpours, which ruined our plans to take a few photos.
Nevertheless, by the end of the day we at least had an idea of where we could produce the images in the following days. Someone in the crew must not have eaten well in the days leading up to the production week, because the following days were also repeatedly characterised by heavy rain showers. And that was despite the fact that stable weather had been forecast for January! No matter, we made the best of it and made the most of every ray of sunshine for the photos. After two nights by the sea, we then moved our base up into the mountains to the "Las Tirajanas" hotel in San Bartolomé. Perfectly asphalted mountain roads in the immediate vicinity, ideal for producing fast pictures from the bus travelling with us, for example.
Short break at the TOUR bus - Daniel is still looking for the right location
A couple not just for the photo - Johanna and Stefan
Every little thing has to fit - Wolfgang adjusts Stefan's helmet strap
Always up for a bit of fun - Johanna and Stefan trying to get on the palm tree
Always a smile for the camera - despite a sick day
Large vendor's tray - photo outfit issue with Wolfgang
The sky is crying - farewell after an exciting week of production
In any case, time flew by and even Gran Canaria seemed sad on the day of departure. The sky was weeping so heavily that the journey to the airport still had an adventure in store. A small road was flooded by a stream that had become a raging mountain torrent. The current was so strong that we decided not to drive through it, but to take a diversion on the way back. In the end, we arrived back in Munich safe and sound, on time and with many beautiful pictures in our luggage.
Photos: Daniel Kraus
