 |
|
26 Feb 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
|
|
Spain cuts speed limits during oil crisis
As of Monday March 7th Spain's maximum speed limits on motorways and dual carriageways (OK, divided highways if you must!) will be reduced from 120kms/hour to 110kms/hour for the duration of the current oil crisis - bad news for Barcelona, where the new Catalonian regional government has just spen a small fortune abolishing the environmentally friendly limit of 80kms/hour around the city's ring road system!
Read all about it here - in Spanish of course!
Simon 
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.
The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
Last edited by TheSpanishBiker; 26 Feb 2011 at 09:52.
|
6 Mar 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 22
|
|
|
out of gas?
Ok I hope they don't run out of gas before I get my trip out of the way next month. I'll be north to south starting mid April. And is 10km really going to make a difference. Whats next mandatory walk to work days.
|
7 Mar 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 86
|
|
Sure, they were all doing 140-150kph on it anyways... I don't see how this would make any change. And anyways, they can take as many pictures of my muddy distorted reg plate as they want... 
|
12 Mar 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
|
|
The difference is they had only just recalibrated all the radar traps to tolerate speeds of up to 135 kph before starting a ticket. But now they've shaved in down to the 110 limit!
But ordinary roads still have the 10% leeway rule. So the real answer is never to use an autovia and never ever use an autopista!
News latest is that the measures will be in force at least until the end of June and wil be reviewed then in the light of the unfolding crisis.
95 octane unleaded is now at around 1.33 €uros per l. - if you've got a huge tank to fill you can search for the cheapest gas here - and the latest radar traps!
The site is in Spanish: the map has the 30 cheapest stations in Spain, not much use really, but scroll down the right sidebar to search by province or find the nearest 20 stations to your location!
Regs
Simon
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.
The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
|
12 Mar 2011
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Posts: 404
|
|
Was in southern Spain up till last week.
For anyone interested, there was occasional police radar presence around the tunnels on the new-ish autovia that runs east from Malaga.
Even without the police presence, ALL the traffic slows down to the 80kph limit in those tunnels. (That never happened in previous years).
Then a local paper announced that a permanent radar in one tunnel was now operating, the fine being up to E600 depending on speed.
Safest thing I think, if you're above the limit, is to go no faster than other traffic around.
I've been visiting regularly for about 8 years (including by bicycle) and general traffic speed has definitely come down. Maybe there're more police booking drivers over the speed limit now.
Simon, just found your website. Could be handy info when I next visit. 
Cheers
|
12 Mar 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
|
|
Hi Mr C et al,
It's worse than that: most of the long tunnels on the major highways now trap vehicles on entry and exit - calculating the average speed through the distance - so that's why everyone is so speed conscious!
My message is - get onto the 'slow' roads and leave 'em all to it! 
Regs
Simon
and thank you indeed for you kind words about my guide!
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.
The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
Last edited by TheSpanishBiker; 12 Mar 2011 at 23:48.
|
24 May 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
|
|
|
Possible increase in speed limits!
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSpanishBiker
As of Monday March 7th Spain's maximum speed limits on motorways and dual carriageways (OK, divided highways if you must!) will be reduced from 120kms/hour to 110kms/hour for the duration of the current oil crisis - bad news for Barcelona, where the new Catalonian regional government has just spen a small fortune abolishing the environmentally friendly limit of 80kms/hour around the city's ring road system!
Read all about it here - in Spanish of course!
Simon |
Hot of the (highly right-wing!) press: the private company that runs the toll roads in Spain - the Autopistas - are proposing to increase the maximum speed limit to 140 kph in response to a 5.5% drop in traffic levels - aka profits! - over this time last year.
In fact the tendency has gone on for longer than the recent reduction in speed limits, which reduces the advantage the toll roads have over the conventional ones. The non-toll ' Autovias' are now much more extensive, the most obvious example of this is along the Catalan coast south of Tarragona, where the two run side by side for about 50 kms, the one empty and the other, brand spanking new and much better engineered, clogged - a barking state of affairs!
Ho hum . . .
Simon
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.
The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
|
7 Jun 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
|
|
|
Simon,
I am Spanish and I just have to say: YOUR SITE IS COOL.
Let's get on that instead of our excentric government policies...
Gracias,
Esteban
|
7 Jun 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
|
|
Hi Esteban,
Muchas gracias por su respuesta - ¡Me siento muy halagado!
Well, it's not all bad. The big news here in Catalonia is that the Transit is opening another 30 radar speed traps this month, making about 150 altogether - and they're kind enough to tell us where they all are! - given the same area in southern Great Britain, which is similar in urban density, highways, etc. to the coastal areas of Catalonia, there would be around 150,000!
¡ Salud!
Simon
PS - no beach today - June 6th, 2011 - torrential rain hits all regions of the Spanish Peninsular!
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.
The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
|
7 Jun 2011
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Back in Blighty
Posts: 171
|
|
Nice website, I will be travelling down through France & Spain in July heading to the Faro bike meet then back up to the Picos for some leg stretching before catching the ferry back to Blighty, will be using your info as a resource, many thanks 
Andy
__________________
Andy L
From the midnight sun to the silk & rhubarb roads, 2014
I am not an adventure rider, just a biker that has adventures.
|
7 Jun 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
|
|
Hi Andy,
Thanks for the feedback.
If my new shock absorber eventually comes through from Wilbers (and that's a big 'if' as it appears at the moment  !) I'll be travelling from Catalonia through to Mid-Portugal by the back roads - and blogging each stage - from June 20th-ish.
I know lots of locations/roads east of Madrid but from then on it's all discovery - wild places in Estremadura!
Later I'll be heading back along the north coast and the sierras just inland - definitely the place to be in July! - if you're in that area send me a PM nearer the time.
I hope to be in the central Pyrenees during the last week of July of you're on your way home fom Portugal. ditto the above.
Cheers
Simon
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.
The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
Last edited by TheSpanishBiker; 8 Jun 2011 at 08:22.
|
8 Jun 2011
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Back in Blighty
Posts: 171
|
|
I had a Wilbers shock fitted to my Strom in May, made a big difference, have been quite impressed so far.
Four years ago I rode through the Pyrenees just East of Andorra & down the East coast of Spain to Valencia then across the centre (Cuenca,Toledo,Caceres,Merida) to Evora in Portugal in July so I hear what your saying  !
We will be be coming through the Pyrenees through the Valee D'Ossau & Valle de Tena in the 2nd week in July, plan to camp in Anzanigo, then a fairly rapid ride down Spain to get to Faro for the meet by the evening of the 14th.
Heading back up through Portugal via Tomar to the Picos from the Sunday onwards, plan to walk the Carres gorge again, then ferry from Bilbao on Sat 23rd.
If your not a million miles away would love to meet up for & a yarn.
__________________
Andy L
From the midnight sun to the silk & rhubarb roads, 2014
I am not an adventure rider, just a biker that has adventures.
|
9 Jun 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
|
|
Wotcha,
Thanks for the encourageing review of the Wilbers shox - it's now four weeks less a day since I made my order and no news, not even confirmation: the product had better be good because with this level of un-professionalism I'm amazed that they're still in business 
Back to the good bits. Small world dept. - I'm booked into Anzanigo from July 25th - doing their amazing four nights camping plus breakfast and evening meal (for bikers only!) - for just 55 Euritos! Strikes me as a great base to explore the central Pyrenees- Barcelona Pat also tells me that the owner, Emilio, is a really great geezer who makes sure everyone fits in together and is a huge source of information about the area and its biking.
If I ever get off the ground I may even have my knobbly tyres on again by then, so that would be cool!
Back to your trip, here's my map. I hope (Herr Wilbers willing!) to be setting off around June 20th, staying for two nights at each location and exploring each area during the day in camp. I hope to be able to blog each day as it happens so if you find yourself in my zone just let me know by PM.
I'm leaving Mrs Spanish Biker with my mobile so I'll let you know my temporary number when I have it.
Cheers mate
Simon
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.
The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
|
10 Jun 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
|
|
|
Mate Great web site, I was in Andalusia for 10 days, round Alozine, Rhonda & many other places.
__________________
We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
|
26 Jun 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
|
|
Hot off the press: the speed control is to be scrapped as of July 1st -Yippee
Hi Sealous - thanks for your kind words. I'm jealous of you being down in Andalusia. It's too late now for me to go there on my Grand Tour - I'm staying up north where it's nice and cool!
Meanwhile I've been road testing my luggage handling and new shock absorber around the Pyrenees - luvely-jubbly! 
Enjoy
Simon
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.
The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
|
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Spain cuts speed limits during oil crisis
Linear Mode
