Nick,
I did the run from Home to Gib last March, the rain through France was awfull, and it comes in straight off the Atlantic so the run Gascogne may well test you to your limits if the weather is against you, take as many spare gloves as you can, even the waterproof ones will give up eventually.

5 days to get to Porto ?? wus! Managed to get from Miranda do Douro to IJmuiden in 25 hours...

Seriously, don't attempt it, nearly killed me and took a week to sort myself out after.

Have a read through my site, Destination Gibraltar - it might give you a feel for some of your trip south.

In reality, the ferry from Bilbao to Southampton isn't that much quicker than riding your bike and taking the tunnel - you are right to ride rather than sale. I've done both, and for me the tunnel gets my vote every time now.

If you haven't already, get a handlebar bag - they are great for keeping the toll money in, and they don't let the wet in, I've a Hein Gericke one but there are lots available. There's loads of stuff I could go on about, but you've probably though of most of it.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.