|
12 Feb 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
|
|
Suggested routes for Spain?
Just an idea but I was initially thinking of trying to get down to Morocco from Edinburgh for my paltry 2 week hols but after futher thought, I don't really fancy 4 days of solid riding at each end so:
If I took the ferry down to Santander and had maybe 10 days or so to bumble around some of Spain, assuming I don't want to visit the big cities or the Costa del whatever areas, what areas would the HUBBers recommend which would take in some mountains, coast line (ie some beaches) plus some gravel roads, some camping etc?
|
12 Feb 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
|
|
|
3 Mar 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
|
|
Thanks Steve,
I'll have a read of those to get some ideas (just looking at the photos of those GSs reminds me how big and bloody heavy the GS is off road- give me back my DR you thieving b*stards!!)
Cheers
|
15 Mar 2009
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
Mike:
I really highly recommend the area of Spain that is directly north of Portugal - I think the region is called Galicia. There is a very mountainous area in there called 'Picos de Europa', it is awesome riding.
You might also want to consider poking your head into Northern Portugal. I have always had pleasant tours in Northern Portugal, the roads are generally good (and can be quite challenging), good food, lodging, etc. and not too expensive. People are friendly.
Michael
|
20 Mar 2009
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Britain
Posts: 73
|
|
I've taken the Santander ferry several times. It's a great way to start your holiday, and to wind down after it. It would make a nice break given the motorway slog from Edinburgh to Plymouth. Food on board is good and cheap.
As has already been pointed out, the Picos start almost right outside Santander. I know you said you wanted to abvoid the cities and the Costas but Spanish cities are fantastic places to use as overnight stops. You could do worse than head for Salamanca on your first day. It's an architecturally stunning university city (30,000 Spanish students make for a lively night scene), and there are some cheap hostels/pensions smack bang in the centre. There are some hefty bars to chain your bike to. Or you could pay much more and get a hotel with underground parking.
Road signs in Spain will, surprise surprise, put you on and keep you on the motorways. I hate motorways. I found the best way to navigate the A and B roads was to know which village was next and follow signs to it. It's a bit fiddly, but you get to see the "real" Spain.
After Salamanca, Spain is your oyster. Caceres is beautiful (the central old walled bit anyway). Then there's Seville, Cordoba, Toledo....there's just so much to see in Spain. And it's difficult to go wrong with the roads.
Don't try to see everything in this, your first trip. Save some for another time. You will return.
Last edited by SpitfireTriple; 20 Mar 2009 at 20:56.
|
26 Mar 2009
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Madrid
Posts: 3
|
|
Definitely the Picos de Europa is one of the most beautiful areas in Spain to ride. Mountains, beautiful scenery and delicious food (unless you are vegetarian). The Picos are in Asturias and not the same thing as Galicia, which is further east, but very close. It also deserves a loop and North of Portugal. In Galicia roads are worse, but not terrible. And on top of that it is not as hot as the rest of the peninsula in summer.
Enjoy yourself.
|
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.
|
|
|