Slippery in Santander!

[timmynich]

Hi Folks.
Just a quick warning about the new road layout at Santander port.
To enter/exit the port you now have to ride through the old port area which is criss-crossed by railway lines. Unfortunately they run across the roundabouts so you have to cross them whilst banking slightly. They are also VERY slippery when wet.
I came off on Monday before boarding the ferry in torrential rain.
As I was picking up the bike another bloke does exactly the same thing 10 yards further on.
Another bloke on board told me he'd gone over later on at the next turn!
The local port police were very helpful and confirmed that this is now a regular occurrence. I recommended some warning signage, though the visibility was pretty poor on Monday with the monsoon so maybe pointless.
Either way, watch your footing in the rain in Spain!

Tim

 

[johnnyrep]

That's outrageous,thanks for the warning.

 

[Glyno]

Some great road surfaces in Spain. Others not so good and some of the stuff that's been down for years can be lethal. Just cos it looks good doesn't mean it is. Theres a big clue in the fact that it rarely melts. Tread carefully.

 

[Our Gee]

Thanks for the "headup" Tim. Going that way in a few weeks time. I do treat all dock areas with the utmost respect especially when on the bike. Even after many crossing on the Zeebrugge to Hull I hate the loading ramp at Zeebrugge. When wet with rain and diesel the dockside ramp with it's inch square steel ribs (designed to give the trailer tractors grip) is awfull.

 

[needlongerlegs]

Check with Brittany ferries on your way out at Portmouth as they have changed entrance again if you follow signs yup you have to ride through three quarters of the dock.. but BF tell you to ignore signs and enter exit right by boarding / customs.

Entering Spain Sharp right after passports in to town - but cars go straight on tour of docks.

Same coming back ignore signs ride right in to town small entrance right by ships.

Well that was last week ..

 

[timmynich]

Hi Needlongerlegs

We were chatting on the ferry on the way over to Spain about your beautiful new GS. Interesting that BF told you to ignore the signs for the new way into the port, as they issued me with a map instructing us to go the new way! I know the quick route you mention cos that's how it was last year. Weird. Did they tell you to ignore the new route specifically or was it a bit of advice from the BF staff?

Cheers,
Tim

 

[needlongerlegs]

Hi Timmy,

Hope you had a good trip? Did you avoid the rain by going south where did you get to.. The Pecos were prity damp.

Only really sunny bit was ridding back to port grrrrrr.

Bike is awesome, keep nipping out for a little ride n doing another 100 odd mile wander.

They gave Pete (my mate on the Norton) , but not me..... A piece of paper with instructions to ignor signs...

Humm French / Spanish consistency I think LOL

Bikes been fine since clutch change, but picking up on others having clutch change issue...

 

[timmynich]

Hi Legs

Yeah I'm sure you're right - bit of manana going on there. Seems nuts to have 2 contradictory written instructions but hey.. Spain.
Glad to hear the bike is still stunning. Shame the weather stayed pissy in the Picos. We woke up each mornin, checked where the rain was coming from and rode the other way. Ended up near Valencia then went up to the N260 at Tremp and rode west. Beautiful. Still rained a bit tho.
Hopefully it's a bit better next year. I might have an LC myself by then - lowered suspension and seat are on my list!
Enjoy the bike dude.

Cheers,
Tim

 

[Elle]

Hi Folks.
Just a quick warning about the new road layout at Santander port.
To enter/exit the port you now have to ride through the old port area which is criss-crossed by railway lines. Unfortunately they run across the roundabouts so you have to cross them whilst banking slightly. They are also VERY slippery when wet.

Good advice
& I suspect there's a bit of diesel thrown about on those roundabouts for good measure too