I can recommend Spain, but bear in mind the ferry cost. This year (April/May) it's �746 return for two bikes and two riders sharing a cabin.

I personally dont mind either or as long as we have a good crack and fantastic roads! What about the potential for using the channel tunnel and riding accross to the french alps?

I was planning something along these line with my 4x4 off road club as it worked out so much cheaper. Last time i looked it was 70 quid return for a bike 2up. (not sure of that still stands!)

I'd be up for it in 2013, already got an XT expedition planned for this summer (three XTs from Northern Ireland to North Cape). Northern Spain or French Alps would be my suggestion... I've spent many happy weeks in both areas.
The Stella Alpina Rally happens the second Sunday in July every year, would be worth including if the French Alps was being considered.

http://www.stella-alpina.fsnet.co.uk/

It's not a rally in the true sense of the word but great fun on easy (for XT) trails.

Catchya

Hi guys

It sounds like you are talking about something like: http://www.adventurebikerider.com/fo...-1st-2012.html

Seems silly to reinvent the wheel. I know Simon (the Spansh Biker) well - top bloke to knows those them there hills - and I also know a number of the folks on ABR too - good bunch.

My Americas trip means I won�t be around for the bash in May/June this year - but I�ll certainly be involved in the 2013 bash.

Cheers
Pat

if anybody is thinking of the pyrennes book the ferry early, we booked in oct four bikes four riders sharing a cabin portsmouth to bilbao caen to portsmouth in july �280:sunny:

Hi, I would be up for a Pyrenees xt meet. i did the Llavorsi humm in '08, me and my mate Bob on his 80 PD may not have won but it was a awesome 2 days of competion!.

I have the checkpoints done up in gps and can vouch for some really interesting trails. The maps are easily purchased locally. I fancy leading a trail or two if your interested

abandoned village claramunt
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...vorsi023-1.jpg

awesome trails!
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...lavorsi052.jpg

watersplashes abound!
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...lavorsi012.jpg

perfect for XT's!
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...lavorsi050.jpg

I propose that we put together a planning team during the Lakes meet. If you are interest in being involved in this please let me, steved,stumpydave or keithblade know in the next couple of weeks,( if you aren't or can't make it.)

stoic's pics are awesome!

I think a trip to the pyreneese would go down well!

Just gotta get planning in nice and early to save pennies!

:bigwink:

Has this died a death?
If not, another option is to visit us in the lovely Mosel Valley of mid-west Germany. We have a piece of land that could be used for camping/bbq (no toilets but have a caravan on site we could use for a porta-loo). We also have a B&B for those not into camping (limited numbers).
I run bike tours anyway, so don't mind in the least organising some ride-outs and coordinating 'holiday things' (the Mosel is after-all, a fantastic holiday area in its own right). Can include some trails too (largely non technical but with great elevated views). We're 35 miles from the Nurburgring, 3 miles from Bernkastel Kues and handily-placed for visits to Luxembourg (35 miles), Belgium (40 miles) and France (59 miles). It's also not so far to go from the UK and has a range of ferry points to enter from (Calais/Dunkerque/Zeebrugge/Rotterdam/Amsterdam), so might some who have less time or don't want to haul to the Alps (mind, some could, then extending their stay before or after, heading for other places).
You can get an idea of the local terrain and stuff from the pictures on our websites www.moselbikes.com and www.river-valley-guest-house.com - including some pictures of me and my last Ten on the trails!
Just something to think about ....

sorry, that second website should be www.river-valley-guest-house.co.uk