Spain N240 N260 to Roses and up through France edit

Rhys · Trackday Trickster Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Karma :

Right so I've read threads and seen the roads and recommendations and I've put together a google maps trip and a plan for what to do roughly each day. Plan is to get a Plymouth to Santander ferry on a Sunday at 4pm, which arrives on the Monday at 1230 so then I have Mon,Tues,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat and returning on Sunday. Its a total of 2300 Miles from the riding to Plymouth from mine on the Sunday, and the returning from the Eurotunnel to mine on the next Sunday, so an average of 328 each day. I'm planning on getting up early, putting in 4 or 5 hours and having the end of the days, and if its a long stint, do an early session, a midday rest and do a final 2 or 3 hours from like 4pm or so.

I've got in there the N240 & N260 Spanish Pyrenees roads across to Roses, the N202 in France and the N85 on the way back up.

Here is a googlemaps link to what I have put together, and here are what plans I have too.

https://www.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Santander,+Spain&daddr=N-240%2FAv+de+Nuestra+Se%C3%B1ora+de+la+Victoria+to:N-260+to:N-260+to:N-260+to:Sort,+Lerida,+Catalonia,+Spain+to:N-260+to:N-152%2FCarretera+de+Barcelona+a+Puigcerd%C3%A0+to:Roses,+Avinguda+de+Rhode,+101,+17480,+Roses,+Girona,+Catalonia,+Spain+to:Avinguda+de+Catalunya%2FC-31+to:Autopista+del+Maresme%2FC-32+to:Barcelona,+Spain+to:Nice+to:Avenue+du+G%C3%A9n%C3%A9ral+de+Gaulle%2FD6202+to:Avenue+Fran%C3%A7ois+Mitterrand%2FN85+to:Grenoble,+France+to:Dijon,+France+to:Calais,+France&hl=en&geocode=%3BFdiCiQIdvob3_w%3BFcI9igIdkNv9_w%3BFYLMhgIdxOUFAA%3BFba0iAId1FsHAA%3B%3BFVhQhwIdpBEdAA%3BFbDOgwIdJm0hAA%3B%3BFcLufgIdguQvAA%3BFfKjewId9FUpAA%3B%3B%3BFRiSngIdAs9qAA%3BFVa0pwIddoJcAA%3B%3B%3B&mra=ls&via=2,3,4,6,7,9,10,13,14&doflg=ptm&sll=49.823809,4.921875&sspn=6.393517,14.150391&ie=UTF8&ll=43.53262,6.328125&spn=8.010976,19.6875&z=6

Sun - Depart Home @ 7 or 8 am to Arrive Plymouth about 2pm - Ferry @ 4pm
Mon - Arrive Santander @ 12.30pm - Head to Jaca through Pamplona on Legendary N240 & N260 (230miles - 4 hours) Find Camp.
Tue - Depart Jaca @ 7am & Head to Sort (153miles - 4 hours) and push onto Roses (159miles - 4hr 20) Find Camp & Whatnot.
Wed - Depart Roses @ 7am & Head to Barcelona on Coast Road (112miles - 3hrs) Spend Day in Barcelona or nearby
Thu - Depart Barcelona @7am & Head to Nice through Montpellier (411miles - 6hrs)
Fri - Depart Nice @7am & Head to Grenoble on N202 & N85 (208miles - 5hrs 20) have a break, push on to Dijon (187miles - 2hrs 55)
Sat - Dijon to Calais (354miles - 5hrs) and find somewhere
Sun - Euro Tunnel & Return from Folkestone to Home (236miles - 4hrs 25)

Sun - 330 Miles
Mon - 230 Miles
Tue - 312 Miles
Wed - 112 Miles (Rest Day)
Thu - 411 Miles
Fri - 395 Miles
Sat - 354 Miles
Sun - 236 Miles

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This is the question what I'm trying to get round though. Do I really need to go from Roses to Barcelona and spend a day there, its just that I see its 100miles away at that point and I thought hmmm while so close go do it, or do I make the journey abit more relaxed, do the 339 Miles from Roses to Nice and stay somewhere there and spend a 'full' day without any riding on the Thursday. I have seen Itchy's thread about Nice and saying that it was ...well, 'nice' but I cant remember seeing anything about saying to avoid it for trying to find somewhere and maybe make a day of it there, I think it was Grenoble that it was said about to avoid stopping in. I'm also thinking either have a full day off with no riding, or split some riding up, I think it would maybe be best for the Pyrenees bit to have less intense riding days with?

The plan of where to go to each day as a final destination are not 100% set in stone, the route is where I intend going, but I thought I would put the rough plan out and ask peoples opinions on here who have done it, if they seem decent places to end the day with places to (ideally) just find somewhere to camp in a field or something, or campsite, or if I should finish a little shorter in a town or stretch on to another. I'm thinking on the return leg through the apparently boring North France, to maybe stop in a cheap B&B or Hotel or something for a little comfort, and do the camping which I like in the start and middle of the week.

No date decided on exactly at the moment, I'm just wanting to plan a given week out so I could know what to expect to do on each day etc. I have a decent small tent and sleeping bag, small cooking stuff etc and will look into the things taking later, I'm fairly minimal anyway so these aren't much to worry about I shouldn't think. Maybe get some of them Oxford Sports Lifetime soft panniers to make things easier.

Rhys
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dodger · Traffic Copper Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

I think you're being overly optimistic on how much riding you can do in a day.

250+ miles in a day may not seem like much but in reality it is. When I was planning my trip last year I figured I could travel at an average of 50-60 mph but again in reality it is a lot less.

I reckon around 200 - 250 miles is the most you should be doing. Otherwise all you will be doing all day is riding and not actually spending anytime in the places you head for. You're route looks like the pretty standard Euro tour route but I would seriously reconsider how much time you have available or seriously cut down your mileage...
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Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

Rhys · Trackday Trickster Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Karma :

Thanks for replies Smile

I did see that bit in dodgers thread about doing 900miles on the way back and thought hmmm lots of mileage on the way home on last day maybe something could think of and know can rest when back.

I would like more days but yes definately need to reschedule mileage to days I think, and changing to and froms in the day but similar route. Removing the Barcelona bit for a start.

Interesting about the ferry then and slow progress from there then. Sorry to sound really stupid but this Victoria Gaistez route swap with the San Sebastien one, where are they in my route Embarassed

*edit* only bit didnt check, found it! Very Happy

Just a quick show of alteration to mileage, however Friday and Sat I'm going to have a look at a change and even the mileage out between them; and a look at the long Jaca bit, as haven't looked at splitting that yet.

dodger · Traffic Copper Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

Rhys · Trackday Trickster Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Karma :

TheDonUK · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Karma :

Looks good, you have the all important N240/260, incidentally if you want to pick up any bike gear Andorra has an unsuaully large amount of bike shops.

Barcelona is worth the detour just because its such a lovely city, go chill on the beach.

North of Reims is pretty much boring flat france so which ever way you go its nothing compared with what you will have done.

Just to give you an idea if you are into it for the hard riding as i was, In one day i did Pamplona to Montpellier (the best day), it was a long day 8AM ish till 10PM,

And then the next day i decided i wanted to go home as i knew nothing would top the pyrenese so i did Montpellier-London in a day too, possible.

Have fun, Look out for F1 Hotels, i rate them for cheapness...
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dodger · Traffic Copper Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

Certainly think adding the extra days will make all the difference.

Rhys · Trackday Trickster Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Karma :

Woah TheDon thats mad! I'm not that hardcore! My RVF would cripple me! Will check out F1 places.

Dodger, thanks for the route recommendation, any chance you could get a googlemaps link for that bit of the route though? Razz

Having trouble finding them, well can find the D6.

Just been thinking after getting all these roads planned out, its gonna be a nightmare putting them into a sat nav! Hope the Rider or Zumo whichever I choose can put them in from the PC!

Been doing some ferry quotes and this is abit barmy! £130 for Single person in the recliner lounge. £150 for Single person in a Cabin which sleeps 2 ...but then, for 2 people in a Cabin which sleeps 2, its £343, so £170 each!! £20 more each than it is to have a room to yourself.
Surely one person could order the room for them at £150, and the other get a recliner for £130, to make it 140 each, then just find each other and both go in the room as they aint gonna be able to keep track of whos going in and outa rooms are they?! Seems bit silly, I thought oh nice one £150 surely it'd be around half that each then for 2 of you going.
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Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

Meh last year they wanted more than £20 for the cabins they wanted closer to £70, IIRC it was something like £134 with recliner and £210 with a cabin so I opted for the recliner (or rather the floor of the reclining seat lounge).

And don't rely too heavily on the GPS , you can find good roads without it, if I had GPS in 2007 I would have found the N85 again easily and ignored to N202.

Its handy I suppose in that I spent some frustrating time lost near Onyeux , BUT this turned out to be a blessing as I managed to go through the canyons near Aix Le Bains.

Also your route home is a tad motorway like between Grenoble and Dijon you can always have a crack at this bit (I do not recall my exact route though it followed a train track for miles and was fast twisty and addictive.

https://www.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=D8&daddr=45.866585,5.537109+to:D1504&geocode=FQxHvgIdfPhTAA%3B%3BFQEduQIdLURZAA&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=11&via=1&sll=45.903866,5.606461&sspn=0.219315,0.4422&ie=UTF8&ll=45.888574,5.603027&spn=0.219375,0.4422&z=11
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

dodger · Traffic Copper Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

dodger · Traffic Copper Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

Not that far from Livorno, again, I'll see if I can find it on Google maps... Cool

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dodger · Traffic Copper Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

Having some trouble linking from Google Maps but as for the Nice route I headed to Dignes-Les-Bains as I remember having lunch in a lovely cafe. I also remember there being a choice of either taking the D3 or D6, I opted for the D6 and it was staggering.

As for the mountain pass, I was heading from Livorno to Bologna and remember branching off from the main road which was the SS12. Looking on Google the road may be called the SS26 not the SS76 which I thought it was but it should be easy to find especially with a michellin map... Cool

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Rhys · Trackday Trickster Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Karma :

Havent looked in here for a while!

Thanks for them route recommendations Dodger, by the looks I think I'll include them on another trip another time where I'm thinking of going down Italy way as they look to be out abit more distance.

Been looking at ferrys after my mates said the date I'm on about sounds alright. Don't suppose anyone is, or knows of anyone in the Brittany Ferries Property Owners Club for the 15% guest of theirs discount? Razz

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Rhys · Trackday Trickster Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Karma :

Been looking into my route and as it happens I've found the D6 road and put it in so thanks Dodger Very Happy

Managed to get a discount code for Brittany ferries, googled property owners club discount and PM'd all the people saying about it, one messaged back Very Happy

One thing I was wondering is, I'm going to be in reclining seat lounge, and obviously going to be going in my bike gear. Is there anywhere like lockers to put this stuff in? or will I need to take a big bag or something to stash it in and carry about with me? I was thinking either do this or leave at bike. Does anyone know if the food costs onboard are reasonable or not? I was thinking taking a bag with loadsa sarnies and stuff to get me through.

Got some Oxford Sports Panniers from boot sale for £15 in red. Just looking at Campsites now, first night 20miles before Pamplona, is saying €3,65 for motorbikes to camp, bargain!

Was reading in an old Ride mag I think it was, and saw abit about a French old Formula 1 Circuit, just near Reims, my route passing there so think I'll pay a visit. Last used in 1960 or 70, with the grandstands and old buildings still there by the roadside.

https://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=32635

Just need to get my bike in order now, Cant wait!
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Rhys · Trackday Trickster Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Karma :

Woo, its tomorrow I go now.

Had abit of a route change so I have a full day off doing nothing.

Tomtom rider was meant to come yesterday, so hopefully it does come today and we can get it fitted and tested out.

Bike has had new Chain and sprockets, air filter and oil filter, changed the oil, new tyres, and had some work done on the rear hub as it wasn't turning properly so the chain can be adjusted easy now.

Got myself one of them Gelert 3/4 Xtreme Lite Self Inflating Mattresses, poss taking a folding camping chair with me. Got things like a Microfibre towel off ebay, something I almost forgot. Basically got all my camping stuff in one pannier, and clothes in the other with some bits and bobs. Taking a rucksack on the rear seat which has my sleeping bag in (dont have compression sack) with also my waterproofs in there and the self inflating mattress fits in there too (its on the top on the pic loaded up, but im putting a small bag in its place there with a packup to tuck into on the ferry to avoid their crazy costs!)

Not taking tank bag but taking the bottom bit of it the map reading pouch thing, putting printed maps in it which I've posted below, that and where some campsites are if needed, oh and my all important ferry ticket! Going in my two piece I think, and gonna have the small bumbag from my tankbag around my waist with the days money in and for easy toll access as think I'm going on two.

Here's a pic of it loaded up on a test fit the other week Very Happy

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/12062009022.jpg

I've set up a blog here which I might put pics on as I go and update, its also got a pic of the bike loaded up on there Smile

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Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

NOOOOOOOOoooo

split your camping / tools / clothing into each pannier evenly , thus if you lose a panier a panier gets wet only 50% of what you have goes missing.

My tool kit was in my left panier , the entire pocket off the front was torn off , my ENTIRE tool kit has gone missing and has been for quite some time.

This is a mistake even Walter a 16 year hardened adventurer made recently he put all his tyre tools in a soft panier , that panier went missing.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

early_911 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 29 Apr 2009 Karma :

Jealous . . . . Love the bike, not the most obvious of touring weapon, but great all the same. Be safe and enjoy yourself.

Phil

D O G · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Karma :

Enjoy it, you utter, utter bastard.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Have fun.

Watch out for general idiots, taken on the N240. Laughing

Rhys · Trackday Trickster Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Karma :

Yeah I bet that road does get its fair share, will be taking care. Yeh its not the best touring bike, my mate is saying his bike isn't big enough to be putting things on and then theres my bike its a 4!

Itchy, good logic there, I have done some swapping about things, my mate is taking the main tools I'm only taking chain tool and chain lube so not much to worry about tool wise haha. I'll make sure he's put his stuff on alright, I'm pretty confident with mine now I put a bungee over the top aswell from the pillion pegs.

Got a right good packup for the ferry haha Very Happy

3 beasty tiger bread sarnies, get in! plus some tikka slices, sausage rolls and other bits and bobs. Taking them in a backpack, light enough, I'm just using down to Portsmouth then having it flat under the rucksack when on rest of trip. Just I dont want them lovely sarnies getting bungee squished! Laughing

Damofo, LOL! Razz

Off to bed soon ready for leaving at 5am Smile

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instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

Mate you're going to have the time of your life there.

I did those roads around the Pyrenees albeit on an sv650, doing it on a 400...with that handling...superb fun.

Enjoy Thumbs Up

dodger · Traffic Copper Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

Have fun... Cool

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Rhys · Trackday Trickster Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Karma :

Got back Wednesday night, 2 nights earlier than planned. My mate messed me about and spoilt it mainly, but the roads and my fun on them was ace. Phone got stolen in Collioure, when I was on my own, and I thought if something did go wrong, on my own and no phone too plus it was raining a fair bit when I got up past Grenoble, I just did a 700 mile day on Wednesday and got from Dole near Dijon to home near Scunthorpe. Not bad to say before this trip the most I had done was just under 200!

When on the N260 I just felt so at one with my bike, it was amazing that road. Had to keep waiting up for my 'so called mate' on his ZX6R too ...after the night before he told me I needed to get a 1000cc bike - OK then Mr Twist and Go on the straights.

After me putting a comment on my blog about him chatting up some 14yr old girls he just did one and left me in Roses, so whatever, I had everything to do it by myself anyhow. I had gotten fed up with him being so negative all the time and being so contradicting, and also how he wouldnt help at all packing/unpacking the tent etc, late up every morning and generally wanting to do the opposite all the time, oh and not to mention going off all the time and me going off and finding him, I was going to tell him on Sunday that I wanted to go seperate ways, but instead he just did one without saying anything and then slagged me off on Facebook not having the guts to do anything to my face.

Bar that, a good trip and I'll definately be doing another again, just without that nob, I think if I was to go again I'd probably stop in Sort for some white water rafting! I'd probs split the N260 to maybe 150 miles a day for a better mid-day break and still evening time, as it was quite hard work on there in the heat too. My last 3 days were 2x400 mile days and 1x700 miler, and they felt fine for just crunching them up. Roses is a rather nice place too, and one worth stopping at, with quite alot to do there, good waterpark.

Big writeup on my blog to save repeating. Dont have all pics I took as phone got stolen, just the ones I MMS messaged my Girlfriend, and the ones she managed to save off my so called mates facebook he uploaded before he deleted us both, but here they are anyway.

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/DSC07995.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/Rhysbikeferry.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/6175_118626031982_583781982_2888771.jpg

On top of Mountain near Pamplona, first night.

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/Rhysmountain.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/RhysPamplon.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/6175_118626081982_583781982_2888778.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/6175_118626106982_583781982_2888782.jpg

The fort thing

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/Prison3.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/Prison1.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/Prison2.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/6175_118626111982_583781982_2888783.jpg

Lake Yesa

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/Rhysyes.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/6175_118626131982_583781982_2888787.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/RhysriverYesa.jpg

Roses

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/Roses2.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/Roses.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/6175_118626246982_583781982_2888808.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/6175_118626271982_583781982_2888812.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/6175_118626256982_583781982_2888810.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/rhysbarratt/Spain%202009/6175_118626251982_583781982_2888809.jpg

Just googled about that Fort thing, turns out there was some massive prison break in the early 30's, over 200 people shot and scattered over the mountain, and we camped up there ...nice

https://www.2pamplona.com/2008/10/feature-san-cristobal-pamplona/

Thumbs Up

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