Picos mid to late October

[Wonkey donkey]

Hi All

Due to holidays and 2 weddings me and a mate cannot do a bike tour until mid Oct at the earliest. He wants to do Picos or Pyranees so some advice to best option, at that time of year with the weather would be useful

Thanks

 

[2 wheel humvee]

Hi All

Due to holidays and 2 weddings me and a mate cannot do a bike tour until mid Oct at the earliest. He wants to do Picos or Pyranees so some advice to best option, at that time of year with the weather would be useful

Thanks

I've done the Picos twice in October before with no weather issues to speak of, both times were great as the roads were virtually deserted, last year a group of us did a trip over 10 days down to Southern Spain and back and took in the Picos on transit days, we got soaked on 2 out of 10 days so not too bad, the further South you go the better the chance of good weather but it's still Northern Europe and mountainous so the weather can change-fast, in terms of kit to wear hope for the best but prepare for the worst, I took vented kit with a Gore Tex liner I was glad of both features in equal measure, do it and enjoy

 

[MarkShelley]

We did Pyrennees last year, returning mid Oct and it was chilly until mid morning but perfect biking temperature after that. I dont like it too hot myself. I reckon mid to late teens is perfect so you are comfortable when wearing full kit. Fog at altitude is the thing to look out for. Not much fun when you are in a pea souper on single track roads with drop offs. I was using the sat nav to get a clue what the road was doing it was that bad! Doing Los Picos this September.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

As Humvee said we have done Picos last Oct and it was fine
A few years ago I did the Picos in late October & into early November and the sunny days were fab - bright & crisp and we had snow on the tops overnight too
Book into hotel de L'Oso and enjoy the log fires each evening - toasty

 

[Wapping]

As Mark S says, fog or very low - very wet - clouds are something to look out for, along with:

Suicidal Danish cyclists descending through the mists

Cows and other herbivores, lying on the roads in the morning light

 

[ymfb]

never mind the bears

 

[Wonkey donkey]

Thanks al for the input sounds like it's doable and looking forward to it.

 

[Simon_100]

Be sure to book accommodation over the weekend of the 15th of October. It's a national holiday and in some respects the last holiday weekend of the season and in November the weather changes dramatically.

Regs

Simon

 

[Jockser]

Been to the Pyrenees every October for the last 7 years and it's like anywhere else - the weather changes. But generally it's been very good for/to us. And sure it'll be much more fun than being sat at home in front of the fire