The Joys Of Planning An Overseas Trip

Hughjarse I do similar to yourself. First trip planned and paid for is not that far away, 26th February, Spain and France for three weeks, mainly Spain. The other planned trip is to Nordkapp on the 16th July, also for three weeks. Had to book and pay for some of the hotels already due to availability issues if I left it until nearer the time. I really enjoy touring the UK in the summer and I am hoping to spend as much time as possible on the bike in 2019.

 

Well !! that's decided then.
Neither the Lot or Bavaria.
After much discussion we've decided to go to the Moselle.
Let the planning begin

 

Just booked the Ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao in September,going to spend 3/4 days in the Picos,then head down to Aragon for the Friday to Sunday at the MotoGP, then take 3/4 days to get back to the Ferry via the pyrenees.
couple of questions...
1.When i'm at the Picos am i better basing myself at one Hotel and if so any recommendations??
2. When i head back to the ferry from Aragon (Alcaniz) can anyone recommend a good route through the Pyrenees that will include the N260?..again any recommendations for Hotels?,i'l probably be staying 3 nights in the Pyrenees

 

@Dougie D Sounds like you'll be getting off at Bilbao just as I'm getting on

I planned/booked my holiday last week.
Crossing via Caen, riding down through Auvergne, Ardeche and Pyrenees, finishing up with a stay at campsite about 50 miles east of Bilbao, for a few days R&R and blatting around without luggage, before heading back from Bilbao on 12th Sep.

Looks like it'll be my first solo trip as none of the usual travelling companions can make it.
Not a problem in France as I've been so often, but the Spain bit could be interesting, never having been and not speaking the lingo

p.s. have a look here for routes in the Pyrenees.
https://www.ride.co.uk/routes/?

 

Hi mate, as you're going close to Millau it would be worth your while (assuming you've not done so) taking time to visit the bridge and it's visitor centre. It's an awesome piece of engineering and design and quite beautiful too !!

 

Been across the Millau bridge numerous times on trips since it was built (and through Millau town before the bridge was built)
The bridge made the journey a hell lot easier when travelling down south, the town was a real bottleneck....
2017 was the first time I actually just went just to see the bridge itself.

 

I arrive in Bilbao on Tuesday the 17th early morning..i can't speak spanish either.. i'm hoping the google translation apps work ok?

 

Dougie that does sound like a nice trip.

Personally I’d head west of Bilbao for a few days, you could ride along the coast or go inland.
When I first went to the Picos about 20 years ago it was relatively unknown, but the words got out and it’s more popular now.
We’ve stopped in Paradors and hotels, all to a good standard and you’ll find that most small villages will have a b&b.
Get a map or look online, look for the bendy roads and there’s plenty and pick your accommodation close by. You’ll not be disappointed. There’s quite a few rides on YouTube to wet your appetite.
If you can’t speak Spanish don’t worry not a great deal of Spaniards from the north can speak English,,,,it’s all part of the trip.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy.