Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By bobbyrandall

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 May 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: England
Posts: 7
Spain

Hi all, my husband and I are taking the bikes to Spain and have two weeks there to explore. We are sailing to/from Santander and Bilbao but happy to go a bit further afield. Ideal accommodation would be camping. If possible, we would also like to do one day offroad but will need to hire bikes and join a tour for that.

I would be very grateful for any recommendations for routes and tour companies. I can see a few off road tour companies but they are based quite far south.

Many thanks in advance.

Lux
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 May 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
What bikes have you got? Two up? Or ...

Start off doing the Pyrenees. You can take a week dipping in and out of Andorra and vicinity. Tight, small, narrow roads through stunning mountain vistas. There are off road rental shops in/around Andorra and some nice trails to explore there. You can rent Trials bikes and take a class too.

I've done two tours of Spain. No camping, as cities are some of the best things to see there and best places to be. Discover Tapas bars to save money and find where locals eat for Lunch. (Plata del dia or somesuch)

In the country side you can camp I guess, but not so much in cities? Dunno?

I crisscrossed Spain in my two months, all the way to Portugal. Too many good roads and places to list here. I liked in interior best and the Pyrenees, going back and forth on the many passes between France and Spain. It's all a hoot!

Get a good guide book and pick out what suits you. The touristy beach areas (Costa del Steam Hammer Pile Driver) are crowded and expensive but a few unspoiled ones ... if you can find them. They've overbuilt badly, many have gone bust.

My favorite thing in Spain was Alhambra Castle in Granada. Stunning.
The small to medium sized INLAND towns were my favs, stick to small roads like around Ronda. Small mountain roads are most fun and get off the tourist circuit.

If you're race fans, maybe catch a MotoGP. If you time it right and if you can handle that madness. 2 or 3 world class race tracks in Spain. The Spanish are MAD for bike racing and bikes ... never try to outrun Spanish cops on the motorways. They love a chase ... but have NO sense of humor.

For the big cities leave the bike somewhere (Hotel, Campground?) Use public transport. I avoided Madrid but did do Barcelona ... good without the bike and a lot to take in.

More adventure? Go South to Tarifa and take the boat over to Cueta, Morocco for a day or two. Leave bike in Spain. Another world ... but frankly I preferred the "Moorish" areas in the Spanish towns. Narrow cobblestone streets, little shops and Cafe's. Wonderful atmosphere. Many Spanish cities have these small Moorish Arab "ghettos" sections, which are fantastic to walk through. Just like Morocco without all the hassle.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 May 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Madrid
Posts: 58
Yo have really near Bilbao and Santander

Virtus offroad

This people have guided tours, but they are more orientated to enduro, if you feel happy with that, they are your best option.

On the other hand, I don't mind to show you some nice routes, but I don't have bikes for rent.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Jun 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: IoW
Posts: 21
Hi dark-angel
I'm leaving Bilbao in 2 weeks heading to Lanjaron (near Granada) ... if you guys are goin south, maybe we could hook up
Brian
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Jun 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: tenerife
Posts: 75
Northern Spain

...do not miss the Picos de Europa region, and Asturias in general..it is a special place....do the Ruta del Cares walk. The road from Potes to Panes and onto Arenas de Cabrales is outstanding. (Been going to Spain for 55 years, lived there for 32, visited every single province and all the islands and the North African territories)....but the north is a very special place. Oh, and try the fabada broad beans, the rice pudding, the cider and the Cabrales cheese, then report back to us...!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Sep 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: England
Posts: 7
Hi all, thank you for the replies. I didnt subscribed to email notification so I didnt realise there were replies.
It is terribly rude of me not to say thank you until now. We have now been on the trip and had a great time.
The roads were like race tracks.

I am on a CBR so we had to stick to the roads, generally good but downhill hairpins were a bit roubg on the wrists. We are going back next year offroad!

Cheers!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Nov 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: IoW
Posts: 21
Dark-angel
Obviously you enjoyed Spain ... I can't get enough of the place! Off in a couple of weeks for some walking in the Alpujarras mountains (near Granada) sadly not by bike, but in the Spring I will be back there on my trusty Peg (Aprilia).
I can recommend Touratrail for off-road adventures....
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Spain for dummies... pachovilla Europe 5 4 Mar 2014 00:55
Uk to Spain. John933 Trip Transport 13 3 Oct 2013 22:37
Going to Spain in late Spring? Don’t miss Motostrail 10th anniversary meeting! estebangc Europe 2 30 Jan 2013 20:36
Hello from La Rioja in Spain Rioja del 73 Welcome to HU 5 15 Nov 2012 19:49
Southern Spain back to UK Sept 19th-30th jc_bromley Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 17 Aug 2012 00:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:39.