Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
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
  #16  
Old 19 May 2009
NewAdventurerLee's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 97
rocamadour

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
Look up ROCAMADOUR
Beautiful place in France , cheese, pate de fois gras, sauternes etc etc a gourmet's paradise and visit the church of the Black Madonna, the underground rivers by wee boat or sling your fishing line in above!
It certainly looks very nice, but my daily mileage ratio requires me to get further south on that stage of my trip, so it looks like Cahors for me.

Cheers
Lee
__________________
'Never worry about things that YOU cant change'
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 19 May 2009
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
Needs must if the devil drives - I often have (and still do at times) ride past some amazing places just because of the time/schedules- so I try to slow it down and re-arrange my planning as not to miss places like that that really need to be experienced. It's too easy to sit and throttle by ...and miss it.
But if Cahors it must be then Cahors it is!
In the 13th century, Cahors became renowned as the birthplace of Pope Jean XXII. He did a lot of good work for the town, including the construction of a University. Between the river and the Boulevard Gambetta, stroll through the streets to enjoy this beautiful architecture With the 100 years war, the town was fortified, and some trace of this remains (la tour des Pendues, la Barbacane – both on the northern side of town). Above all, the Valentré bridge on the west of town, known as the devil’s bridge because it really was devilishly hard to build. They even engraved a devil on the central tower, and some say that this protected it from attack by the English. It’s a daunting bridge with its three square towers each over 40m tall. Six gothic arches span the Lot river.
Fishing anyone?
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 24 May 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 13
"Very nice but a little too fussy" sums up the restaurant very well.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 24 May 2009
NigelPGrace's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Ringwood
Posts: 23
Hi there and back again

Well I did it - France, Spain, Andorra and back through France - XRV750 - chugged along and did not skip a beat - the camp sites were good to excellent and the one B & B was great. And for the record I passed through all the borders without even being stopped !!

I can recommend the B&B at Refuge-pour-Motards at Laponouse de Severac www.refuge-pour-motards.de/english and the camp site Camping Moto at St aubin de Narirat Dodorgne www.motocamp.com . The trip was great - lots of open roads and great country side - over the Bridge at Millau and over the Pyrenees too - there is still snow up there... nearly forgot the Camp site in Andorra Xixerella in La Massana. I was the only one there until the arrival of two German chaps both on XRV 750s like mine - never got to chat to them as they parked themselves 200m away and did want to mix !! How odd....

1800 miles and a sore bum - where next ---- Lithuania sounds fun !!!!

Nigel
__________________
Nigel
Adventure before Demetia
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 25 May 2009
NewAdventurerLee's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 97
Nigel, glad your trip was a great success, it certainly sounds enjoyable.

How was the Portsmouth - Caen overnight ferry? , did you have a reclining seat or a cabin?

Cheers,

Lee
__________________
'Never worry about things that YOU cant change'
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 25 May 2009
NewAdventurerLee's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 97
Hi Bertrand,

There is a hotel in Cahors, which is near the Valentre Bridge. Is this area worth riding into or would I better staying on the oustskirts and just wandering in to town in the evening by foot.

It may sound a stupid question, but the least hassle in parking / finding hotels etc the smoother the overall trip would go.

Lee
__________________
'Never worry about things that YOU cant change'
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 25 May 2009
NewAdventurerLee's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 97
Quote:
Originally Posted by Electra View Post
"Very nice but a little too fussy" sums up the restaurant very well.

I can probably manage slightly fussy, but is there anywhere else close by to get a nice meal. I may even walk down into the town, so can you recommend anywhere in particular to look out for.

Cheers
Lee
__________________
'Never worry about things that YOU cant change'
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 26 May 2009
NigelPGrace's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Ringwood
Posts: 23
The boat from Portsmouth to Caen

Hi - Thanks for the question - if you are travelling during the day then the reclining seats are fine and the Lounge is reasonably quite - I did this on the return leg.

On the way out I booked a reclining seat on the night boat - most people appeared to has done this before and all produced sleeping bags and mats and slept on the floor !! and why not. You pay the £5 for the quiet of the Longe...

If I was to do it again I think I would upgrade to a cabin for the night boat !!
__________________
Nigel
Adventure before Demetia
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 31 May 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 13
Loches

Dear Lee,
The hotel at Loches is just off the main road, it was easy to find, but perhaps 2km out of and above the town. Don't bother to walk. Sorry don't know any places in town. I think the hotel locality did not have any other services nearby. I suggest you might put up with the fancy meal, or ride into town for a snack or takeaway.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 31 May 2009
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Quote:
Originally Posted by NewAdventurerLee View Post
.................................................. ...and stop somewhere like Peniscola for the night ................

Lee
This sounds like a strange place, Lee. You be careful there!!!!
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 31 May 2009
NewAdventurerLee's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 97
Hi caminando,

Yes, Peniscola does sound strange doesnt it, but I know from past experience that its not as odd as its name suggests........but i will be careful all the same !!

With regard to the border crossings, I think Nigel was mainly referring to Andorra as i had been told that it cane be a nightmare to pass through there.

Cheers
Lee
__________________
'Never worry about things that YOU cant change'
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 31 May 2009
NewAdventurerLee's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 97
[quote=Electra;244078]
put up with the fancy meal, quote]


that sounds like a plan, fussy food it is then...

I am sure I can manage one night of semi-gourmet nosh.

Thanks for your help.

Lee
__________________
'Never worry about things that YOU cant change'
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 16 Aug 2009
NewAdventurerLee's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 97
My Big Trip, extensively planned, ferry booked, hotels booked etc etc. Due on the Portsmouth - Caen ferry on Wednesday July 15th at 11.30 PM .......

At 9.30 AM on Monday 13th July I pulled my back in work and knew instantly that i would not be riding. I refused to admit to myself that i could not go and waited until midday on the wednesday before cancelling everything. I could not put my own socks on let alone ride the bike..

To say that I was disappointed is a vast understatement and all that i can do is re-plan for another time. I managed to get on a plane the following week and have a holiday with the family in Spain but I kept looking at the garage that i had booked for my bike and crying into my .

Never mind, EH, theres always another time.

__________________
'Never worry about things that YOU cant change'
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 4 Jan 2010
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 89
Borders Andorra

Crossed through this border about 20 times and never even slowed down, if its misty you might even miss it.
steve
Quote:
Originally Posted by NewAdventurerLee View Post
Thanks for your interest Rob / Nigel.

I am altering the route regularly, so i think i need to stop doing that soon and pick definite stops,

I am currently, Caen to Loches (near Tours) then Lochs to Cahors but I will certainly look at the place Rob suggested near Cahors.

With regard to Andorra, my cousin tells me its a nightmare to get through the border customs and it will take a lot of time.. what do you think Guys.?

I am limited to the eastern side of the Pyrenees as my cousin lives near perpignan.

I have bought some large Michelin maps of France and Spain and the possibilities seem absolutely endless, my only definite restriction is getting to Calpe in time to hire the car (pre booked) and then getting to the airport in time to collect my wife and family.!! best not be late for that one !

Cheers
Lee
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
Cali, Colombia - Casa Blanca Hostel Your Mileage May Vary South America 3 8 Jun 2009 11:45
London - France - Costa Del Sol Spring 2009 Rob Hodder Route Planning 13 8 Jun 2009 00:42
Bahia Blanca to Ushuaia by the 28th of Nov Eeeeee! Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 13 Nov 2008 01:00
Hi from Costa Rica Mischa Welcome to HU 2 12 May 2008 15:35
Where to go from Costa Rica dylanwilliams Route Planning 5 27 Apr 2006 01:21

 
 

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!

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 08:42.