Hi all.

Been riding for years and done a few trips in different countries but time has come to plan my first solo trip riding from my home town. Going to keep my first trip short and not to far to break myself in slowley so thought a trip to pyrenees would be good. So after advise as to when to go and any tips on roads to ride and places to visit, going to camp so if anyone knows any good scenic places to stay??. Hoping to keep the trip to about a week long so good to hear if thats enough time as well. Will be leaving from brighton

Thanks

Darren

Hi Darren,
If you plan to take a week why not get the ferry to spain, that would cut out the long ride through France and give you more time in the pyrenees.

Dave.

good idea, does anyone know of any good camp sites?

Hi Darren,
I did a solo trip from the UK to Barcelona in September, & rode over the pyrenees at Andorra. I also thought about whether or not I should get the ferry straight to Spain. In the end I decided to ride the whole length of France, & I'm glad I did.
It was 2 long days of riding to get down France (I avoided toll roads), but I loved every minute of it - the French countryside / scenery was amazing.

I also camped most nights, but occassionally stayed in an 'F1' hotel - these are very cheap / no-frills hotels (but very comfortable) in France & the cost is often not much different to the cost of camping for the night (I spent approx 30 euros for 1 night) - see hotelf1.com: 260 budget hotels throughout France

For camping, if you have a satnav, download the 'Archies camping' POI for it (free). I use this a lot when I'm riding in Europe; whenever I get tired of riding I just tell it to take me to the nearest campsite.

I took the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre (LD Lines), only £35 for me & the bike. Arrived about 7am in Le Havre. Highly recommended.

I stayed in Poitiers first night. On the second night, I was intending to stay in Toulouse, but I just kept riding & managed to get to Andorra before sunset. Stayed at Valira campsite, which is a good location, close to the centre of Andorra la Vella.

Sorry don't know anything about the pyrenees apart from Andorra.
Have fun!

John

thankyou john

anyone recomend some good roads to ride?

Another option is ferry (or tunnel) to France then ride to St Nazaire and get overnight ferry to Gijon then head east to the Pyrenees or just stay in the Picos de Europa which is a brilliant area to ride, hardly any tourists, spectacular roads and very friendly area. We did this in August this year, had 8 days of great riding no rushing and will definately be going back again.

+1
I could have writen that...
John933

__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.

I just bought a waterproof cover for my tomtom but it will work on most makes .( ebay no 330566540030).
I got the model with the extra width(5 inch) & battery compartment.
So far I'm very impresed with it.
Rory

getting to the s/west France area is a long haul, but potentially a lot cheaper than the ferry to Santander or bILBAO.

The A roads are great, but slowing and stopping in a million villages that all look alike is a crock if you are on a short trip.
I have done the overnight to Santander a few times and if it falls within your budget its a great way to sleep 800+ miles away.
IF YOU DO THE FERRY there, don't miss the the Pico's it would be a shame to miss their charm and the 'Grand Tour' roads are quiet and scenic. Camp at Fuente De and do the ski lift..... scary with only one wire and two towers with 2 miles in between straight up.

|San Sebastion is cool, I have nor done the P's yet, but would consider the ferry if I was flush ££££££