TRIP THROUGH SPAIN

[monster]

I have just been to spain via plymouth/santander and really enjoyed the trip. Me and my mate got a cabin on the ferry and found that it was a good way of getting to europe. on arrival to plymouth bumped into two other groups of bikers who were going to moroco. Most of the bikes were BMW GS's and it was a very impressive sight. I didnt know there was mountains near Santander and they were awsome. We travelled through spain and took in the city's of Madrid and Valencia both of which were fantastic. I used the Garmen sat nav which was great and took some of the stress out of the trip. I can recommend the OE BMW luggage and liners both of which were leak free. As for the main roads when we did use them they were fast flowing and free from traffic, except for Madrid which was a nightmare. The reason we took the trip? We had nothing to do for a few days and sorted it out there and then. We travelled 2500 miles in 6 days and can say that the bikes mine 1200Gs and mates 1150GS were superb. The trip was so good I am going through Holland next year to the ALPS which looks ace.

 

[Davel]

Piccies?

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

Spain vs Holland

Spanish roads are just great, aren't they? Combination of low population density and lots of EU money bringing them up to scratch. They put our roads to shame.

It's paticularly nice of the Spanish to have some mountains and good roads within 30 mins of the ports! After 2 hours cooped up on the ferry, all you want to do is fidn soem twiaty roads, and THERE THEY ARE!

Have used Portsmouth-Bilbao route before, and will again. I reckon by the tiem you take off petrol, accommodation and tyre wear, the cost is pretty even (assuming you use the "budget" cabins).

Holland will be different - no hills and high population density equals not much fun, in my experience. Alps will be great, though - went this July for the first time. "www.alpineroads.com" contains some useful information. Ride down via Black Forest in Germany or Ardennes and Vosges to get you in the mood for passes and views.

Robin.

 

[Rabbitson]

TIP: If you want break up the trip a bit on the way down to the alps from Holland, check out the Alsace (Strasbourg area) it's also excellent, you won't disappointed.

If you found some nice roads on your trip, feel free to contribute them to BestBikingRoads.com and I'll happily post you a couple of free stickers.

David

 

[Rabbitson]

sorry spheniscidine, I just realised that Vosges is in the Alsace too

 

[kiwiAdventure]

 

[Dinger]

Out of interest, how much was the Plymouth-Santander ferry crossing? I did a check on the Brittany website for next year and it was well over £400 return , did you get a better deal and if so did you get discount from somewhere?

 

[monster]

Cost

It worked out £180.00 each with an inside cabin. However the reclining seats are available which knocked off £100. I checked them out and the rooms were empty so plenty of room if on a budget, showers were available. As for photos plenty available but on my mates digital camera so post them soon.

 

[Lord Snooty]

on arrival to plymouth bumped into two other groups of bikers who were going to moroco. Most of the bikes were BMW GS's and it was a very impressive sight.

The bunch of Beemers on their way to Morocco are the organised World Of BMW tour. My mate's on it with his GSA, had a text from him this week - "Morocco HOT, Delly belly even hotter! Stunning views, roads, scenery. Fabulous biking country, Sahara stunning"" So apart from the squits it looks as if he is having a rather good time of it.