Cheers, I have tried ferrysavers, its a good site. Will read through the other link towmorrow. Cheers.

Jmo - Thank you, its a good compromise. Will review later.

I like Jmo's idea, it gives you more times in the place your planning to be and you can either leave a couple days at the end to head back (avoiding the tolls and saving money) or staying late and ferrying straight back from Bilbao again if your having too much fun! :)

You can get this cost down, if you change your route and are willing to accept a drop in 'comfort'. Have a look ath the Plymouth-Santander route, you can opt for a seat rather than a cabin, and the route is faster at less than a day.

The route Jenny has suggested is a good option, I know as I've done that myself (although the other way around). Give yourself more time, keep an eye on the weather and consider a route across France before turning south - when the rain comes in from the west you really don't want to be riding long distances alongside the Bay of Biscay, it's flat and exposed. One of the ways to feel the most freedom is the ability to completely change direction at a whim.

Motonacio the viamichelin site is 10 out of 10. Cheers.

I've been travelling back and forth for about 45 years now but having retired about 8 years ago I can choose when to travel usually. The Plymouth-Santander is cheaper and quicker - my son always uses it (he can bring his dog in the car as well).

Whatever you choose relax and enjoy the travelling - I sometimes didn't bother with a map even - just a piece of paper with the names of the major cities on the way and the nearest few towns to my destination. Navigating by the position of the sun in the sky or the Pole star at night and taking the road which appeared to go in the direction I wanted (not motorways) allowed me to discover lots of places to stop for a refreshing cafe solo or munchies.

Fran:- The write-up of my son's trip down disappeared with a number of other 'first impressions' from 2007 on but yes he did ride it down for me because he remembered the fun he had riding my Divvi 900 in France when he was 16 (that's the equivalent of 25 in metric!!!).

Tony.. nae doubt yer spain trip is not on the carsds now wi NO big Ten,, but if yer cycle thing is still on..let me know when ye come tae Scotland,, i would offer ma help tae ye on hand in ma van ifye needed me at any time due tae problems wi the locals throwin stones at ye,,, buckled wheels, crashes... or jist anything... anywhere on route fur me tae Joh o Groats is 6 hrs fur me... seriously,, im offering ma help if ye need it.......cheers. john. oh an a :snooze[1]: if ye need it aswell when yer passin ma neck o the woods

Cheers John, the Tenere got sold and there is no real wish to do it on the X. The cycling is still on though, originally planned but parked up due to finances being tight. Believe it or not cycling is not cheap when you prep the bike and tally up the B&B costs. Forget camping it isnt for me. I still want to do the ride, people who have done it say south to north is the better way.

Thanks for the offer of help.

Tony. jist dawned on me,, yer trip was summer 2010......Hmnnn :blowup:

It sure was, I did go there on holiday exactly as planned but flew with the family instead!

Spain!
 

Hi Tony, that's going to be a great trip, but having done this a couple of times (UK and back to Madrid where I live, here are my trip tips). I would skip France unless you specifically want to go there, three to four days riding across Spain one way and the same to return puts you out of days if you want to only spend 7 days on the road. I would take the fast ferry from Plymouth to Santander (it's still overnight, but is 16 hours as opposed to 24 for the Bilboa one). As to the list;


Bike fully serviced and ready to go!
:thumbsup[1]:
Luggage System (panniers/topbox or soft luggage) ?
If you plan to do this traveling a lot, get an alloy set from the likes of TT or Metal Mule, Trax etc. If not, use cheaper fabric ones.
Satnav or maps which one do I choose?
both, your satnav could fail.
Bike lock
Must have
Centre stand - should I fit one thinking is how to repair punctures on the road?
Punctures in Spain not likely, haven't had one in five years. Wouldn't say its a must for this trip although it's nice to have for chain lubrication. Also, chain adjustment on the Ten needs to be done on the side stand. For chain lubrication you can get your shoulder under the exhaust whilst on the side stand and lift with your shoulder, rotate the rear tyre with one hand whilst spraying lube with the other.
Campsite guide/B&B info ?
www.spaincamping.com I use it all the time
Camera and spare batteries
Essential, I would recommend a tankbag to carry these, then they are to hand when the good sites come along. No point having your camera at the bottom of the pannier.
Mobile phone and charger
Consider fitting a mini usb charger to the Ten, power take off is behind the dash, plenty threads here on how to do it, my phone and satnav use the same mini usb and as I have a voltage converter built into the mini usb line I can charge them one at a time when I'm on the road.
Bike spares consisting of:
Front and rear inner tube
Would only take a front as this can be used in a pinch for both front and rear. Unlikely you will use it.
Puncture repair kit
Inclined to say this is enough, but if you want to feel safer, take the tube.
Throttle cable ?
Juries out, I wouldn't, you can usually rig a hand throttle if the cable snaps and there are plenty bike stores in every village in Spain where they can make one up for you.
Clutch cable ?
I always take one
Engine oil ?
I wouldn't, if you want to change oil, you'll be able to buy any flavour you want here in Spain.
Chain lube
Yup, an aerosol can
Fuses - assorted ?
One of each
Bulbs (head lamp, indicators, side lights) ?
One of each
Spark plug
Yup
Cable ties
Very useful
GT85/WD40 - small
Yup
Insulation tape
Yup, I also carry duct tape as it's useful for everything from holding on broken body panels after a fall to repairing a tear in the tent.
Rag
Latex gloves x 3 pairs
Grease - small tube
Tools for all repairs consisting of:
Tools to remove front and rear wheels
Assorted tools
Spark plug spanner
Tyre pump (manual/12 volt or Co2 system) ?
Touratech do a good electric pump
Tyre levers
three of
Legal travel documents consisting of:
Passport
You have to have this on you in Spain
Driving licence (both parts)
No-one here is interested in the counterpart and if the trafico ask for your license the card is all you need show.
Bike Insurance certificate including european cover
Green card not required, but makes any stop and show easier as it comes in all languages and is a standard format so the Guardia Civil Trafico guys will know a green card, but may not understand your UK covernote. I would get a green card.
MOT - if applicable
Nobody in Spain will even know what this is (call it an ITV which is the local term for MOT and they'll get it) I like the way you're thinking though, shoving out a big heap of english official looking docs is a good way to get waved on!
Bike registration documents
NB, originals
Breakdown cover including european cover
I don't have, but if it makes you feel safer.
Money (Uk � and local currency/Credit card)
Leave your pounds at home and bring a debit card, ATM's are everywhere. Be sure to tell your bank that you are travelling to Spain and will use your card there.
Travel insurance
essential, must include repatriation.
Ferry or tunnel ?
See comments above.
Personal items consisting of:
Included on my list but deleted in this post as not relevant and I am certain I need all the items!

[B] Clothing consisting of Waterproofs
For the UK side, but in high summer in Spain it's very unlikely you will need these. I did 9000km's over 20 days in August last year through Spain and Portugal with no rain. I did have my waterproofs with me though :sad1:
Spare gloves
Get gloves that can let air in, it gets to 48 degrees celsius on the Meseta (plains in central Spain) and you need lighter gloves that do not skimp on the protection.
Hi-viz vest ?
You should have one

Camping gear consisting of (assuming camping is the preferred accomodation):
Tent
At this time of year a bivvy with a mossie net is enough.
Sleeping bag
Bring a sleeping bag inner, cotton is best, when it gets too hot you can sleep in the inner alone, also when you sleep inside the sleeping bag you should use this as it'll keep your sleeping bag clean for longer. a Cheap cotton one from Decathlon is good.
Ground mat (Thermarest)
These are the best, they make such a difference to me, no more sleeping on a thin mattress and ending up feeling rough on the road the next day. http://cascadedesigns.com/en/therm-a...neoair/product
Head torch inc spare batteries
Tea towel
Cooking facility and fuel
if you want to be self sustaining then yes, most campsites in Spain have a little bar/canteen where you can buy a hot meal for less than you could make it yourself.
Matches - wind proof/water proof type
Mess tin
Knife/Fork/Spoon
Metal mug
Cooking pan
T bags in sealed pot
Sugar - small pot or sachets
Milk - UHT shots ? How do i get my milk!
powdered milk in an old 35mm film cannister
Dehydrated food packs
Chocolate bars/energy bars
need these
Washing up liquid - small ?
Sponge - to clean pan/mug/cuttlery ?
Waterproof bags - multiple
Water container ?
I use a platypus which holds three litres and also keep an extra litre in the panniers. You must have water with you! I always have at least four litres of water per person when riding in the Spanish summer, mostly in case you have to spend time broken down on the side of the road.
Mosquito net/repellant ? If applicable
Mossies not bad on the plains (these are 700 masl, most of Spain is plain, closer to the coast you will need them.
I know the list is crazy and I need to thin it down but its on the list for consideration. Please offer your oppinions and feed back. I can then refine the list and be happy knowing I have thought of enough to make both holidays enjoyable. You'll have a great time, and I think you approach this correctly (the 5 P's approach) Proper Preparation Prevents Piss-Poor Performance. If you need help there are many XT660 forum members in Spain who would be happy to help.

I don't know if I missed it when going through everyones list ideas but could I suggest

BOG ROLL in your bike jacket pocket

Sounds so obvious, and yet it's surprising how often it's overlooked � after that one time you pull into a services and the stalls are empty, you'll never forget it again.

Hope you have a fantastic trip � it won't be your last!

For me...small packet of baby wipes instead of bog roll....won't disintegrate if rained on...

:)

Had a laugh reading this,my wife and I sat down the other day trying work out how many trips we'd done to Europe on a bike and we reckon it's between 120/30,just wish I knew at the start what I/we know now,but it sure is a steep learning curve!! and never stops.

Well done for the number of trips you have done. However pointing that out does not really help anyone. With all your accumulated experience it would have been more helpful to add to, or offer more/different advice. Everyone is different and does things in different ways. It is a sad day when we stop thinking we can learn from others, no matter how 'green' they may be, and assume we are superior. I am sure that was not your intention at all, but your cooment did read that way a little. I would love to hear advice from anyone and would be grateful to anyone who takes the time to offer it in response to a thread/question or offers an account of their own experience from which I/we can all learn.

Blimey your dammed if you do and dammed if you don't,did you read the part that says you never stop learning!!!.

Here's a photo.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...ing2008004.jpg

Thats as much as we take be it for a long weekend or two weeks on the road,the changes being size of tank bag and at the risk of the oh so superior we have the luxury of a different bike.

The blue bag on the topbox that looks a pigs ear!!! took years to perfect,zip on the side and in it is 2 pairs of unlined jacket and trousers which go over our so called water proof other kit for long days in the rain,also includes a tin of chain spray and anything else along the way gets stuffed in there including out inner fleeces when it gets warm.

Untill last year I'd have gone into a long ramble on gloves,sports gloves for normal riding,when it got wet trials gloves with XXXL Marigolds over the top and they would stay dry even on a 600 mile wet day,the trials gloves were used when it got hot,all that changed when Alpinestar brought out their 365 which does everything bar the trials gloves in southern Europe.

Clothing is 3/4 armoured jacket(with loads of pockets) and leather jeans different boots depending on north/south Europe.

Old clothes collected during the winter,tee shirts/undies,socks with holes in e'm are keeped and used for the holiday on a total loss basis,god knows how many hotel rooms bins we've left full to the brim!!,one pair of jeans/shorts and decent pair of Gortex walking shoes,either buy stuff if you need it or wash e'm in the sink.

I'll do another.

The unlined water proofs should have velcro cuffs,the elasticated is crap,rides up you arm at 100mph and the rain runs into your gloves.

Pack everything in vacum bags,they cost peanuts and you can shrink everything down to nothing and keep it dry,but be carefull you can end up with a top box weighing 40+ kilos!!

Put an insert in your helmet you'll need neither a dark visor or sunglasses

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...Bologna021.jpg

While I/we use a GPS at home wouldn't dream of using one on the continent(or have a hand held in your pockest),another item to get stolen and if you get lost it's what the tongue in your head is for,we could write a book on the aforementioned!!

If your going a distance go with new tyres,riding in the Uk do 200 miles in a weekend in UK doesn't compare to southern europe 35c+ doing anything between 300 and a 1000 miles in a day they vanish before your eyes.

If your hoteling it carry an Ibis book with you,no not for the Ibis but you always get others close by,if you do use ie an Ibis use e'm to book inadvance,I've know the time when I couldn't get an advanced booking for the next day but the hotel did in 2minutes flat.

We did camp for 5 years and then thought 'Why are carry all this lot with us'

We've tried just about every option going out,Dover/Calais cross over 9pm,prebook a hotel,loose the hour in your sleep and be up and out(with a decent breakfast) by 8am,we have been the other side of switzeland the same day,longer ferry,prefer Portsmouth/StMalo leaves at 8pm arrives at 8am,non of this getting chucked off at 6 in the morning(only took 30 years to work that out!!),longer still!! Santander easier to get out of,Bilbao!! it isn't Bilbao it's Santurzi on the other side of the river and it's not ideal for a fast get away.

For when it raining have always used a Bob Heath V wipe they come in various sizes hence the different colours.

For the bugs use a tennis ball with the top cut off and a sponge stuffed inside,when in a hot climate even have a small bottle of water(hotel shampoo size) so I can wet it on the move.

If the trip is in Northern Europe I'll us gortex boots but not down south things get hot enough as it is.

The reason why we use a 2 piece unlined rain suite,the water lies in the crease of the jacket not your trousers so you've a double layer,and spare jacket to wear if you going out on the lash!!!

Again if going down south,take the lining out of out jackets and wear a fleece instead it's another piece of usable clothing.

Never ride in anything with a collar it goes black within half a day,only round or just tee shirts/sweet shirts.

3/4 armoured jacket,if were north use a bulky/warmer Alpinestars jacket,but down south use a half leather half material it can handle the heat better.

Golden rule when travelling,never let your arse go off cuz if you do you've had it,the moment it does get up out of the seat,my wife normally pummels mine back into life,usually doing 90mph!!!

OH!!!! choose your travelling companions well.

If my wife sees this she'll be along with another 10 pages!!.

Great tip about the marigolds....as stated..you never stop learning!!

:)