Nothing like getting organised, but looking to do trip to Spain in September 2015. Would like to have some suggestions of where to head to. Most 'tripers' on here seem to get ferry to Santander, where do you go from there ? Will want to spend 4 days in Spain before returning home again on the Ferry Suggestions please.
4 days is not much - I would take mid channel crossing overnight from Portsmouth, ride down to Andorra the next day (yes its possible and not that difficult as boat docks early) then work your way west to Santander and ferry back. Use the N260 as a main route with a couple of loops off, lots of options and ideas but just don't think 4 days to get from ferry to Andorra and back (which most folk want to do) will be quite enough to really see and enjoy it. look in the touring section for a few reviews - search pyrenees
Beware on the N260 though, seems they have taken lessons from the Romans and straightened out bits of it, look for the N260A for the most fun. The old road used to go all the way to the med and places called Roses, I seem to remember a sign that said bends for the next 70km, and when you got to the end, there was another that said the same. Not much fun for the high speed blasters, but awesome for bend lovers.
The part I belive you mean is around the Embalsa De Yessa? Steve cried for hours last year when he saw they had bulldozed it around the lake. Still, moving on for Brad. Plenty of info about mate and we'll chip in where we can. But if I'm fully honest. Try and extend your time in Spain a few more days. Opens up so much more opportunity
Got to agree with more time, the bit I was thinking about was here missing out on the link round Biescas.
We went the old way too. Rule of thumb now I'd suggest for anyone. An up to date map. Spanish roads appear to be changing weekly. We had this discussion Recently. It's all the European union money "mostly ours" paying for all these upgrades in the name of making it all safe. Those tunnels for a start, how much must each of those suckers cost
The Spanish side of the Pyrenees are the best roads I've ever ridden - beats anywhere in the alps hands down. Google maps is a great tool - zoom in and find the twisties. N260, C28 etc.. We timed our trip this year for the MotoGp de Catalunya - highly recommended
I wouldn't bother with Andorra. It seems to rain every day and it's a busy place with lots of traffic. Sort is a good base......but you need more than 4 days to enjoy the area. The campsite near the town centre there isn't great but it is in the right place. A bit of discomfort hightens the experience anyway.
Enough folk from here have been to the Pyrenees that dedicated post should be put up where all the maps / routes / hotel / sights / attractions / tips can be put together - Would prob. need say 10 blank posts at the start, which can then be updated with information which would keep it all together.
With the time you have mate, I wouldn't go tbh... Spain is mega, but you could have six days in Germany for the four in Spain, and I personally think the roads in Germany are better. Can be up at 5am, have an awesome day and enjoying a pint by 5pm at the ring. And hell of a lot cheaper than the ferry. But if you've done Germany / haven't and want to do Spain then I'd say al has the best idea... Other option you could look at, is train down to Italy / France overnight and ride to Santander across Pyrenees maybe. But not sure on depart dates etc
Due to time limitations and cost I have decided to go to Germany either Eifel or Harz areas. Probably going early June and will have 4/5 days. From previous threads I think Jimbo is a fan of Germany, if he can have fun in Germany that's a good enough reason for me to go.
If you only have four days then I reckon your best option would be to head South West from Santander to the Picos de Europa. Perfect trip for four days as you'd get to see the most of it without stretching your limits.