1st tour advice

[geezer2005]

I want to tour Spain next year and will be my first motorcycle tour.

Is it advisable to go with a guided tour company, or a pre-planned tour from a company or take the bull by the horns and do it myself?

I would like to do a "lap of Spain"

Any advice gratefully received

 

[Blackal]

First question to ask yourself:

Do I want to do this solo, or with friends/a group?

Al

 

[geezer2005]

First question to ask yourself:

Do I want to do this solo, or with friends/a group?

Al

To be honest, either doesn't bother me.

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

Why pay somebody else?

Invest your time on this forum in the travel section, put a plan together and enjoy.

 

[boxer]

Why pay somebody else?

Invest your time on this forum in the travel section, put a plan together and enjoy.

Along with google maps & booking.com.

 

[Mr K]

Guided tour if you're not confident at all.
Planned tour if you feel slightly more confident but not quite ready.

Or just do it yourself. The internet has made information so much more accessable - You could book your whole tour from where you are sitting.

I love Spain, but the south coast can be congested which ain't ideal in bike kit in a hot, strange land. A huge variety of landscapes.

Try to learn some Spanish. Buy a language CD and stick it on in the car or whatever and just let it play over and over and you'll be surprised what you pick up.

 

[phooey]

I did a 'lap' a few years back. Solo with tent / bivi. It is a big country, was really hot, lots of mountains and flat olive plains. If you are happy for hours on end with your own company, the scenery and your bike why not adventure a bit. In 2 weeks I hardly saw another soul on 2 or for that matter 4 or more wheels. If I did the same journey tomorrow I would prefer someone to share it with.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

As you're asking the question, I would suggest that you go with a group to 'find your legs'.
I can recommend you speak to Hanna at Motoadventours. She does tours of Spain, amongst other places.

 

[POL382]

Ride magazine have downloadable routes for a tour around Spain, It's a 13 day tour starting/finishing at Santander.

http://www.ride.co.uk/Routes/Spain/

Bottom of the page has the links for the tour.

 

[geezer2005]

Thanks for all the advice.

I used to work in Spain, and would probably visit some friends down in Malaga if it was on route.

Im going to look at the different options

 

[Blackal]

If you speak the language, are already comfortable driving on the wrong side of the road, and enjoy your own company and that of people you may meet at stop-overs - then give it a go solo.

At least if you are on your own - you can set your own schedule as the trip unfolds - without needing to allow for others.

Make sure you have good travel insurance (which doesn't exclude motorcycle riding as a sig part of the holiday).

Al

 

[jbox]

there's some lovely roads up in the mountains from Malaga
and great routes to get there
the east coastal drag down to Barcelona is a bit grim imho
you should really enjoy your trip whatever you choose
all the best

 

[Norfolk Tiger]

Try to learn some Spanish. Buy a language CD and stick it on in the car or whatever and just let it play over and over and you'll be surprised what you pick up.

¿Puedo tener una pizza por favor

 

[Engineer]

Go with a guided tour, let them do the planning, hotels, etc, - see how easy it is then do it yourself from then on

 

[twizzle]

Only you can answer this...........

For a guided tour with people that get on my tits is my worst nightmare...... I prefer to go with people I know/trust or on my own........... Ask yourself what you like and how comfortable you are in your own company.....

 

[Flipfly]

My advise is don't over think it. Pack light, get on ya bike and avoid the main routes as much as possible.

Spain is much bigger than you think, so don't think a few hours a day will get you around. Google earth is a good resource if you want to see what sort of road you'll be riding.

 

[hatzyian]

You don't mention how much time you have.
As said, Spain is pretty big, and to do a 'lap' is quite a distance.
Do you want to rush about and cover as many miles as possible, or do you want to bimble along stopping as and when?
Things to consider.

 

[uncle dick]

IMHO, the best bit about riding a bike is being able to do the speed you want. The moment you share your trip with someone else, that freedom is lost. If you don't mind that, then some of the organised tours are pretty good value - not cheaper than a diy trip but not far off, and the logistics are all handled by someone else.

 

[diver1]

If you want to consider an organised tour, I would recommend this company:- http://www.asturtarmactours.co.uk/home/

I have no association with this Company other than being a very satisfied customer.

Regards,
JOhn

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Thanks for all the advice.

I used to work in Spain, and would probably visit some friends down in Malaga if it was on route.

Im going to look at the different options

Motoadventours are based near Malaga.