Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Spain on a scooter Spain on a scooter
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Apr 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 4
Spain on a scooter
Hello, I'm not sure this is the right place to ask for help but it's the best site I've found - my friend and I are planning to take our lives and scooters from london to the east coast of Spain this summer and we're really starting from scratch. If anyone has any advice from packing to routes and roads then we would greatly appreciate it.

Many thanks, Alastair
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Apr 2003
POB/London's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
What kind of scooters do you have? How fast will they go? What is your range (for food etc and fuel? Do you want to camp or stay on hotels?

Lots to think about...
__________________
=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Apr 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 4

Thanks for taking time to reply. We've got 125's (Aprilia Habanas), not the full motorcycle license, just our CBTs. Range is about 100 miles, we'll be taking an extra fuel tank each and we're planning on camping - we're not in a rush but just want to try and make it across to the east coast -do you think it's a bit ambitious/naive? Alastair.

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Apr 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Vojvodina, Serbia&Montenegro
Posts: 125
Hi!

Not naive at all!
I'v read of people doing 15000 miles on a 49cc moped for a summer vacation.
And modern 125 is very good,almost a motorcycle.
Is it a 2 or 4 stroke?

cheers

jondoe
__________________
cheers

jondoe
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Apr 2003
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
Ambitious? Naive? Perhaps in some people's minds - but they'd be the ones who think a trip down to the pub is a big night out, and going away to Brighton is the big annual vacation.

If people can ride around the world on Vespa's, Honda postie bikes - CT90's etc, then your trip is no problem.

Take the backroads obviously, don't be in a rush, don't overload (you can always have stuff sent to you) and you'll have a great time, and it will be a superb introduction to travelling.

Small bikes like those are VERY common in Spain and Portugal, and France too, so you won't be anything weird to the local drivers.

Also have a look for the thread - "do it on a 250" - and others - somewhere on the HUBB, probably the "which bike" forum, for more small bike travel info.

Have fun!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Apr 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 59
I hate to bring up something negative but your lack of full licences may be a problem if you get stopped by the police for any reason. Don’t let it stop you going but it is something you may need to look into a bit further before leaving.

It’s worth contacting the Spanish tourist office in London. I found them very helpful and they send out a useful free pack of information about motoring in Spain that includes quite a decent road map. The Spanish love scooters, you should have no problems.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Apr 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 4
Thanks v. much for the responses, I'm going to look into doing my bike licence before we go and it's great to have some assurance from people who know.

One question someone might be able to help with - we're going to stay on campsites and wonder whether we'll have to take all our stuff around with us when we go anywhere, I would imagine it's too risky to leave stuff in the tent - do campsites usually have lockers or anything?

Alastair
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Apr 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Batley West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 25
We've travelled all over Spain and always camped. We have only once in 8 years had anything taken and that was only a lamp. Most campsites have safety deposit boxes in reception for valuables and if not they are usually very obliging and would probably keep passports, etc in their safe if you asked. All the sites have security and its kind of a community thing where there is mutual respect among campers and everyone looks out for each others things. We have even returned to our tent to find that people have put our things away for us because it has started to rain while we were out.

Ally
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Apr 2003
POB/London's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
Sounds like a good trip. One thing though - why not save your bikes and fly there?

Scooter rental is so cheap over there, and you'll get much more time on the road. I suspect that the journey down would become a bit of a drag...

With some persuasion you should be able to rent scooters with your provisional and a hefty deposit. This is what I did when I toured Greece by scooter before I got my licence. Have a look at the site below. The guy who runs the Marbella branch of Moto Mercado is really really good. Lovely guy - very helpful and not too pricy.

HTH - best of luck if you do decide to ride down.

http://www.rentabike.org/english.html

__________________
=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 9 Apr 2003
POB/London's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
21€ per day!

Told you it was cheap.
Think of how much fuel money you'll save.

Me and my g/f bought an ultra-cheap no frills 2 week package holiday.

Then we rented an XT and expored the hills and camped.

When it rained or it was cold we went back to our ready-reserved cheapo hotel (where we could securely stash gear).

I think we stayed in the hotel for 4/5 of the 14 nights.

It was great - the Pueblos Blancos are amazing, and there are great trails, caves and ancient towns to explore.

__________________
=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!

Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10 Apr 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 4
we're really in to making a journey of it, maybe take a week or so to get across the country (in addition we're both still paying our bikes off - would hate to leave them lying in London) so I think we'll take the road - thanks for the help though & scenic spots. Ally, cheers for the campsite info, it gives us confidence, we'll let you know if all our stuff gets nicked..! Anyone know any good stores in London for equipment, we're thinking about putting saddlebags over the side of the bike and for scooter petrol cans etc. Also whilst I'm at it, any decent bike insurance companies would be welcomed. We're with Red Star Equity and I'm not sure if they're competitive. Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 10 Apr 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 163
Hi

I wouldn't bother spending too much on gear before you go. you don't need to. Just use a couple of old holdall bags and strap them to the back of the bike. try and keep the weight as low as you can. By the time you get to Spain, if you head for Andora on the France/Spain baorder you'll have learnt thing or two and you'll know much better just what you do need. In Andora there are 100's of bike shops all duty free. You name it you can get it and atleast 30-40% cheeper than in the UK. You'll love the roads round there too.

Have fun
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 06:34.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top