France & Spain 2015

[nevil280659]

Day 11 - 27th July

Route - Cuenca to L'Amettla del Mar
Distance 281 Miles

We knew that this was going to be a bit of a grind, so got packed up and set off early to get some miles in before it got hot.

Leaving Cuenca, we headed due south on the N-320 and picked up the Autopista towards Valencia near Motilla del Palancar. Just before we hit the junction, Mrs Nev realised that she'd left her Samsung tablet at the hotel. We elected to get it couriered, as turning back was a non-starter by this point.

By 10.30 the temperature was at 30c but the road was pretty empty and we cruised through an increasingly hilly landscape down towards the coast. As we approached Valencia the guage hit 38c, we took signs for Barcelona and turned left to follow the coast up to L'Amettla, stopping for water, petrol and an argument just north of Valencia.

We pulled off the Autopista before the toll and took the A7 up towards Barcelona - this road takes you past the biggest White Elephant in Europe, the 'Ghost Airport' at Ciudad Real.

We stopped for more water a little short of our destination and rolled up to the house around 4pm. Hot, sweaty and slightly smelly, I insisted that Mrs Nev get in the pool immediately.

A tiring slog with a nice welcome at the end of it.

 

[nevil280659]

Day 13 - 29th July

Route - L'Ametlla Del Mar - Viehla
Distance 201 Miles

After spending a day relaxing by the pool and catching up etc, it was time for us to get back on the road. We'd had marvelous weather down on the coast and so it was a little surprising to wake up to rain that morning.

We packed the bike, said out goodbyes and set off Northish, up the coast towards Tarragona. In the early stages of the journey there was some light rain but soon the skies began to clear. We took the N240 and then the A2 up to Llieda and then the N230 to Benebarre. At this point the route (still N230) became much more interesting and once more we found ourselves cruising on well surfaced open mountain roads that led us up into the higher parts of the region. This is one of 'The' roads in the area with great views and entertaining twisting sections. the N230 leads all the way up to Viehla and the final stretches are land-marked by a 5.3km long tunnel that exits high above the town, snaking down to the centre of things over the last 5kms or so.

A great days riding, recommended!

We stayed here for the next three nights in the 4 Star Acevi Spa - Don't be fooled here, the place is OK but I dunno about 4 Star!!! Vielha itself is a nice place to stop over. The central part of town has plenty of bars and restaurants, there's also supermakets and all that if you need supplies. It's also ideally placed for a great days riding over the Cols -

Head towards France from Viehla, at Bossost take the Col Du Portillon (N141) then at Bagneres de Luchon, take the Col du Peyresoude (D618) leading nicely on to the Col D'Aspin (D918) and then finally the big one, Tourmalet (Still D918). You'll love it, I can absolutely guarantee!

 

[nevil280659]

Day 14

Nuttin

 

[nevil280659]

Day 15

See day 12.

 

[nevil280659]

Day 16 - July 31st

All my plans to ride the Col's we left in tatters by the weather. We hunkered down, drank beer and tried to get a job presenting Breakfast Tele.

 

[nevil280659]

Day 16 - Sat Aug 1st

Route Vielha - Castres.
Distance - 273 Miles

After 3 days of heavy rain (interspersed by heavy drizzle) we left Viehla for Castres. Our route took us South Eastish through the mountains, skirting the Andorran border, back in to France, then through the Gorges to Galamus, up to Carcassonne and then Castres.

We left Vielha on the C-28 towards Sort, riding through the clouds until we broke through into blues skies once more at the ski-statio, up the hill from Salardu. Great views here and the road from this point on is just amazing!

At Sort, we took the N-260 towards La Seu D'Urgell. We'd left the incessant greyness of Vielha behind and the weather was now perfect for riding. The N-260 takes you back up the hill and offers some of the best riding in the Pyrenees (IMHO) After La Seu, we carried on along the border with Andorra, crossing back into France at Bourg Madame, then the N116 towards Mont Louis. Once more this section delivers on scenery and riding pleasure with high climbs and more stunning views.

 

[nevil280659]

Day 16 - Sat Aug 1st (Cont..)

Route Vielha - Castres.
Distance - 273 Miles

At Mont Louis, we took the D118 across the Col Du Quillan and at this point the weather started to turn. Grey mist greeted us as we climbed the col and we had to stop to put another layer on as the temperature dropped to 7 degrees (we'd had 37 just a few days earlier!) The Col descends through a narrow gorge and in better weather has a lot of potential for a decent blat. At Axat we turned right onto the D117 towards St Paul de Fenouillete and hopped through the Gorges de Galamus.

Then on to Carcassonne and our final destination, Castres.

Hotel D'Europe in the centre of town is a little more expensive than some but has a great vibe and nice hosts.