Picos, northern Spain and France trip report

So now on with the report….

Day 3 Riding. From Picos to the small village of Mues

Again an amazing brekky at the Oso and went to pay the bill. Hold on your hats lads…2 nights, 2 dinners with 2 bottle of wine, tax and brekky…….€135 per night 😱😱
Amazing prices. Not even that in France let alone back in fekkin UK…

Anyway headed back down to Potes and then northeast and east. Temperature was only 10 degrees when we left but soon back up to mid 20’s and upon arrival again 36 degrees!
Not too many photos but after the amazing climb out of the mountains and views back towards Los Picos the scenery changed to much more open and arid countryside. Some great long sweepers and some straights. Then heading north in the hills of the Rioja region and the Basque Country. Miles upon miles of vineyards and our route took us into the foothills so great views into the valley with huge wine fields. And loads of huge Bodegas selling as well as some big names. Final destination the small village of Mues with an absolutely gem of a hotel. Old building huge thick stone walls to keep it cool beautiful modern rooms and a kitchen that opens at 1830👍👍👍

Hotel is called the Hotel Rein de Ane in Meus. I would highly recommend this place. A bit out of the way but simply gorgeous.

Anyway. Some photos of the mirador looking back at Picos and some great road pics. Will put some of the village and hotel up later

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Been to that Mirador (Piedrasluengas) a couple of times. The second time we crested the hill (heading towards the Picos) and the entire valley was filled with cloud. It looked spectacular! After ten minutes photographing and just enjoying, it dawned on me that we had to ride down through the cloud. Cold and scary! I'll see if I can dig out a picture...

EDIT: Here you go...

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Edited to embed picture.

Richard
 
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Beautiful. We had a bit of fog in the Hills beyond Potes but otherwise clear skies. I think you can just see the fog in one of my photos
 
Low cloud is not great at the best of times. In the Picos and Pyrenees you also have the hazard of cattle and horses seemingly teleporting in front of your bike
 
Great dinner at our hotel. 2 trains were in at the main station. The usual RENFE service south and another train that was a nostalgia trip in very old rolling stock

Couldnt get anywhere near the bar for a drink in the posh hotel.
All closed off to plebs visiting but to the posh twats staying, champagne welcome and the full works. Went for a beer over the road.
The hotel is really impressive.

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I was lost, wandering around aimlessly through the forum, when this popped up.
Shed roof on that station looks impressive. (y)
 
I tried booking hotel del Oso for a night in September 2027, already booked so might stay in San Sebastián for an extra night. Previously stayed at Fuente De, it was ok.
 
Take a look at Comillas, a real gem of a fishing village plus luxury epoch villas of the steel and shipbuilding barons of the day and architectural fantasies. There's even a Gaudi, a Japanese restaurant last time I was there :)
 
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Yup, I'll be off as soon as I've finished on the seat of ease ... 😀
 
Day 5. CanFranc to Llavorsi

So day 5 began a bit later. Popped up to the old France Spain border crossing which was further up into the Pyrenees. Again weather was spectacular. Today was going to be a short day at just over 260km and we had arranged to meet up with a local forum member @Simon_100
After a coffee stop and some location sharing on WhatsApp we linked up at the tourist town of Ainsa. Temps were well into the late 20’s as we hit the N260 and it certainly did not disappoint. Very varied. Huge wide roads with sweeping bends and then into the twisties and back. So much variety on this amazing road. After riding together for about 100km Simon peeled off to return home and we went on the small village of Llavorsi about 30 km west of Andorra. Reasonable hotel with amazing underground secure parking but the hotel looks a bit tired. I’d recommend only for the parking.
Some great photos along the way.
Good to meet you Simon and thanks for riding along

.....oh and by the way just as we were taking the photo in the gorge with the tunnel the local police came by and waved us on.....no stopping...!!!

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Day 5. CanFranc to Llavorsi

So say 5 began a bit later. Popped up to the old France Spain border crossing which was further up into the Pyrenees. Again weather was spectacular. Today was going to be a short day at just over 260km and we had arranged to meet up with a local forum member @Simon_100
After a coffee stop and some location sharing on WhatsApp we linked up at the tourist town of Ainsa. Temps were well into the late 20’s as we hit the N260 and it certainly did not disappoint. Very varied. Huge wide roads with sweeping bends and then into the twisties and back. So much variety on this amazing road. After riding together for about 100km Simon peeled off to return home and we went on the small village of Llavorsi about 30 km west of Andorra. Reasonable hotel with Amazon underground secure parking but the hotel looks a bit tired. I’d recommend only for the parking.
Some great photos along the way.
Good to meet you Simon and thanks for riding along

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Surprised Simon lowered himself to ride the N260.
There are much better roads apparently 😜
 
Again we were on the same roads today. I left Hotel Meson, recommended, in Ainsa and rode to Quillan. 200 miles along the N260 and Aude Gorge. Great roads and fairly quiet which surprised me.
 
he agreed to follow us ''tourists'' but did recommend some other great routes for next time.....
 
Again we were on the same roads today. I left Hotel Meson, recommended, in Ainsa and rode to Quillan. 200 miles along the N260 and Aude Gorge. Great roads and fairly quiet which surprised me.
you were probably about 4 hours ahead of us. Roads were pretty busy when we were on them early afternoon
 


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