Picos, Pyrenees and Alps Trip (Trip account starts page 3)

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

Transit day today, uneventful.
Bit annoyed about lack of good photo opportunities, as with all the best views there was nowhere safe to stop. But this did mean that it was good for riding fun Smile

Weather great all day, quite hot this afternoon.

A few pics from the N260 part of my route to Sort:

https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCN9229_zpsmrgexqjs.jpg

Gives a better impression of the road through that gorge perhaps; mind you don't bang yer lid on the rocks! :

https://i.postimg.cc/d1CY1Tvm/DSCN9224.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/6qhF2rPR/DSCN9235.jpg

Not much snow about thus far:

https://i.postimg.cc/HWtNttS8/DSCN9234.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/XvwLYVmB/DSCN9241.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/gj58K51P/DSCN9245.jpg

Sorry, that's it for today!

Arrived at hotel, have made mistake of going straight on the sherbets on an empty stomach Embarassed

Never mind, 4 days to explore the region, hope to do better from tomorrow. Adios.
____________________
Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!

Tracer1234 · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2014 Karma :

Glad to see some blue skys for you. Fingers crossed they stick around over the next few days!
____________________
Riding: Yamaha MT-09 Tracer Occasionally Riding: 08 Suzuki SV650, Potato: 2011 Yamaha YBR Custom.
Used to ride: ~~2015 Yamaha MT-09 Tracer (smidsy)~~ ~~09 Triumph Street Triple (P/X'd) 08 Yamaha YBR (Sold)~~
CBT 04/14. A: Mod 1 & 2 13/04/15

Enduro Numpty · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 Oct 2012 Karma :

Chickenstrip - Collada de Toses on the N260 (where else), the climb up is superb and worthy of some photos but the drop down to Ripoll is sublime - don't stop for photos, it's just too good not to ride it really hard. The best 20km of the trip!!! Think I've killed my tyres Cool

If you're in the area highly recommended.

The N260: the road that just keeps on giving Very Happy

Deaks · Traffic Copper Joined: 16 May 2010 Karma :

Enduro Numpty · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 Oct 2012 Karma :

Just got back from ordering new tyres. The tyres on the bike were split new before we left and apart from yesterdays short blast were treated very gently. Just under 2000 miles done on them and at best, I think there's 500 miles till the wear indicators on the rear, maybe a bit more on the front.

With at least 1500 miles, but likely closer to 2000 still to go there was no way they were going to get us home. A real PITA!!

The guys at the Yamaha dealership in Mataro were great and will fit the tyres on Monday after our weekend at the Motogp. Meanwhile we're going out to play on some twisty roads in brilliant sunshine Wink

Tracer1234 · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2014 Karma :

Enduro Numpty · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 Oct 2012 Karma :

Tyres were T30 GT Bridgestones and got Pirelli Angel GT'S ordered. I always get lousy mileage from tyres but 2up touring with all the luggage I can usually squeeze 4000 miles from a pair. 3200 miles is my long term average on the FJR (over 50k miles). The tyres might have made it home but I've had 4 punctures in under a year and just don't need the grief of another if it can be helped.

I usually buy my tyres online and fit myself so the near 480 euros for the replacements really hurts. Labour charge at dealers is reasonable, I think it's the pound /euro exchange that's the biggest factor.

As for todays run: I spent a lot of time on planning a route and punching it all into the Garmin. Didn't even get to the start of the planned route and it was trying to take us through a garden. Eventually we got on track and onto the BV-5301. It doesn't sound like much but once it starts climbing it's another masterpiece of road building. Hardly had the FJR out of 2nd gear the whole way up and the longest straight is barely 100m. Each turn blends in with the next superbly and in 30c temperature the smooth well cambered surface offers seemingly infinite grip. Knowing the tyres are being changed has relieved me of the self control that I've been exercising in the failed attempt at making the rubber last. Great to have the panniers and tank bag off the bike. Only the top box with little in it to carry water etc.. At the top of the hill is Coll Formic. At 1145m it's far from the highest but worth a quick stop. Colette tells me the views on the way up the Coll were good - I'll have to take her word, I was just too busy. Easily the road with the most corners per mile I've ever ridden and another one worth doing if you ever get the chance. Not long after we came down the other side the route turned to shit again with the sat nav taking us in circles. We abandoned it and headed to Montmelo for lunch. The MotoGP circus is building momentum and tomorrows big decision is free practice at the circuit or a day out on the bike......

Tracer1234 · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2014 Karma :

Copycat73 · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2013 Karma :

Enduro Numpty · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 Oct 2012 Karma :

Enduro Numpty · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 Oct 2012 Karma :

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

Left the hotel at about 10am, and headed for the N260 bit that Enduro suggested. Top of the first pass not far out of Sort:

https://i.postimg.cc/HLxSBGhr/DSCN9255.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/0QKV1Yxx/DSCN9262.jpg

There were actually some longish, pretty boring bits too between the good stuff, but they made a nice break from the hard concentration needed for the mountain roads. Did I say mountains? Razz

https://i.postimg.cc/wjxFj8Hw/DSCN9266.jpg

There was a group of about 8 French riders. I had stopped to take some snaps, and I heard them coming from miles away, the sound of loud pipes rising and falling as they gassed it between the bends:

https://i.postimg.cc/vmcz5r49/DSCN9279.jpg

They pulled in where I was stopped, and took to babbling excitedly; I guess there were some near misses! Then I followed the first bunch of three for a few miles. They weren't hanging about, but I managed to stay glued on their tails until they pulled over somewhere and I carried on.

Time we had some more mountains Laughing

https://i.postimg.cc/prtJN3qY/DSCN9285.jpg

Oh, go on then. Have a church:

https://i.postimg.cc/QxmkP451/DSCN9296.jpg

And not to be outdone by Enduro:

https://i.postimg.cc/Rh9KpKZg/DSCN9304.jpg

Mr. Green

I got quite frustrated, as all the best views had nowhere to pull in for snaps, but as I went further, I started to pull in in dodgier and dodgier places, determined to get something good.

https://i.postimg.cc/wM6RQzwP/DSCN9317.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/xTpNMWMx/DSCN9325.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/sfchDBXR/DSCN9319.jpg

The photo doesn't really capture it, but it was a long way down that dam wall:

https://i.postimg.cc/NMtKQYvM/DSCN9332.jpg

I wound up in a place called Sosano, which I don't think was on my planned route, having come along the C462 (?), which wasn't either. Just stopped briefly to catch this church/cathedral/monastery/I don't know what, with it's striking blue dome:

https://i.postimg.cc/tTzYTf9z/DSCN9333.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/cC9C7ngg/DSCN9335.jpg

I ended up on one road, the BV/LV 4241 - that one was brilliant, and almost completely empty. It was part of my return route, but how I actually managed to hit it is a mystery, as I wound up on a section of motorway at one point first, and that definitely wasn't in the plan.

Typical little Spanish hamlet:

https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCN9337_zpswnsomfui.jpg

but not really the shot I was looking for. I kept seeing such, perched on their own little rock outcrops with mountains in the background, but once again, never somewhere safe to stop Mad

Don't ask, no idea where I was Laughing

:

https://i.postimg.cc/VNWYBC2f/DSCN9345.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/kG4X5g1n/DSCN9344.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/prpRH1rr/DSCN9353.jpg

3 more days based here in Sort - hope the weather holds!
____________________
Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!

Howling Terror · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

Tracer1234 · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2014 Karma :

GREAT work Chickenstrip, great work indeed! Chuffed for you that you had some good roads and weather to match! Fingers crossed the weather holds for you!

Many nice places to stop for good and drink? Are there any bike cafes along the routes?
____________________
Riding: Yamaha MT-09 Tracer Occasionally Riding: 08 Suzuki SV650, Potato: 2011 Yamaha YBR Custom.
Used to ride: ~~2015 Yamaha MT-09 Tracer (smidsy)~~ ~~09 Triumph Street Triple (P/X'd) 08 Yamaha YBR (Sold)~~
CBT 04/14. A: Mod 1 & 2 13/04/15

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

I haven't seen anywhere you'd call a "biker cafe", most riders seem to be in transit like myself, just touring. But I haven't been around likely places on a Sunday, so couldn't say for sure. You see bikes pulled up outside cafes here, there and everywhere.

Enough places to stop for refreshments until you get on the smaller mountain roads, then you'd better be ok for food, drink and fuel because you don't get many opportunities. Main routes are fine though.
____________________
Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

A, er, hard day.

Shorter route planned, so I could take my time a bit more - yesterday was a long one, and really took it out of me in the heat. Today, the plan was a loop through Vielha, and detouring onto some little road that looked to head into the midst of the mountains, coming to a dead end somewhere up there. I had no idea what I would find along that one.

It was a little cooler today, with some high cloud, but still pleasantly warm.

Shortly out of Sort:

https://i.postimg.cc/PqyCf9XQ/DSCN9359.jpg

Then climbing the pass:

https://i.postimg.cc/KjkjNYn0/DSCN9373.jpg

Same mountains, but liked the clouds in this shot Rolling Eyes

:

https://i.postimg.cc/hG2GRmsC/DSCN9376.jpg

At the top:

https://i.postimg.cc/d1XtLKzr/DSCN9380.jpg

Decided to add a bit to that height and clambered a few hundred metres up the hillside to get better views:

https://i.postimg.cc/WzkpZHvK/DSCN9395.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/c1n8wDX0/DSCN9401.jpg

and part of the reason for that was, they sure know how to string a mountain view with ugly pylons and wires:

https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCN9416_zpslg056iro.jpg

Spot my bike ^

So I thought since they'd gone to so much effort to slap those ugly pylons in all the best views, I ought to acknowledge the fact:

https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCN9419_zpsxhc1ek26.jpg

Pretty, aren't they? Rolling Eyes

Also seen at the top of the pass:

https://i.postimg.cc/6QPyGRZ8/DSCN9420.jpg

Lots of groups of bikes around at this point:

https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCN9421_zpsfiqexdi1.jpg

The last shot just before the crunch:

https://i.postimg.cc/KcBRR18Y/DSCN9422.jpg

Then I walked to the edge to get a shot of the mountains without the bike in, and behind me, I did indeed hear "crunch!" Oh bugger. Knew what it was even before I turned around of course. The bike had gone over Crying or Very sad

Dammit, I ought to know better than to park it in neutral on mountain roads! Evil or Very Mad

Strangely enough, it didn't seem that hard to pick up - must have sussed the technique the last time.

Of course, you're worried something disabling might have been done in the damage, but we got off surprisingly lightly. Minor fairing damage:

https://i.postimg.cc/9MTFRkVk/DSCN9429.jpg

Engine casing scraped a little:

https://i.postimg.cc/3NF89DkC/DSCN9430.jpg

And handlebar bent:

https://i.postimg.cc/yNDNBdGs/DSCN9428.jpg

Not bad enough to kink it, so I still trust it's strength. Funny thing is, it's made it more comfortable for my dodgy shoulder, as it doesn't stretch it so much now Laughing

And because of that shoulder, it doesn't even feel odd being bent back like that. Doesn't touch the tank on full lock either. Had to twist the clutch lever mounting back around on the bar, but that was all. Five minutes later, and I'm hacking it down the mountain, whistling a tune as if it never happened Laughing

Battle scars Cool

Stopped in a typical local town for refreshments:

https://i.postimg.cc/vZHBqXL1/DSCN9426.jpg

Then eventually came to this little mountain road. The sat nav, although identifying it's designation, gave up and decided I must be riding along in the river Laughing

:

https://i.postimg.cc/yY7YxnGf/DSCN9440.jpg

So what would I find along here? Mountains of course:

https://i.postimg.cc/2j7rsh5n/DSCN9452.jpg

Then a few miles along, the road went single track as I passed signs about a conservation area. Crossed the bridge, and saw the dam up the valley, which drew me on:

https://i.postimg.cc/Gh3ddtBV/DSCN9458.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/bwsPS59R/DSCN9461.jpg

Looking back down the valley:

https://i.postimg.cc/85BgVgTT/DSCN9468.jpg

Another of those pesky mountain shots:

https://i.postimg.cc/XYTRGYJV/DSCN9473.jpg

And at the top, a little lane lead to a parking area at the very base of the dam:

https://i.postimg.cc/bJP4gVkW/DSCN9476.jpg

Probably should have taken it without jacket and lid draped over the bike Rolling Eyes

https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCN9479_zpssxumy3ue.jpg

Just managed to get the full height of the dam in shot, whilst stood between two of the buttresses:

https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCN9481_zpsh3b279fe.jpg

You could go down some steps and walk through these little tunnels through the dam buttresses; I did for one, but bottled this one when I saw how dark it was (here, it's lit by the camera flash, but it was pitch black), and heard the roar of water inside Embarassed

:

https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCN9483_zpsep3p7uel.jpg

I seem to have some strange thoughts when mooching around dams. Standing on top of the one yesterday, I wondered what it would be like if it started to fail and collapse under my feet. Standing right at the very foot of this one, a similar thought came to me. Maybe it was the sound of all that rushing water echoing inside Pale

On the cliff side nearby; a fortification, or something to do with the dam?

https://i.postimg.cc/0j2FR6tC/DSCN9488.jpg

And a blast back to Sort on that N260 again. Nearly got the shot I wanted:

https://i.postimg.cc/pdf6mQ4Z/DSCN9497.jpg

but still not quite what I'm looking for.

Hmmm, where next?
____________________
Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!

Enduro Numpty · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 Oct 2012 Karma :

Stunning photos as always Chickenstrip. Looks like you're really enjoying the trip. Glad it's going so well Wink

Dave V4 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 08 Jan 2016 Karma :

stunning photos, making me very jealous as I was supposed to be there myself.

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

Yes, saw your post about that, sorry you couldn't do it. I hope you can squeeze something in later in the year perhaps?

Ok.
Welcome back my friends
To the show that never ends
We're so glad you could attend
Come inside, come inside

Roll up, roll up, for the mountain extravaganza! Here you will find huge rocky eminences of astounding beauty, breathtaking precipitousness (and try spelling that when you've had a few), and.....something.

Today's route covered the N230, N141, N260, A1605, N....well, never mind. Suffice to say, I rode lots of roads, dipped my toe into France, got lost, worried a bit about fuel, and got positively knackered in 31deg of heat.

not much to say, so I'll let the photos do the talking:

https://i.postimg.cc/PxGSxkbN/DSCN9501.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/TYkQbbjz/DSCN9502.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/90mtRXDX/DSCN9508.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/bYgRXn5Z/DSCN9520.jpg

Views must be pretty spectacular up where he's been:

https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCN9534_zpszsrjcxqf.jpg

Mad airstrip; didn't know anything like this existed outside of the Himalaya:

https://i.postimg.cc/dt0jJ1M4/DSCN9524.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/mkgCZdnt/DSCN9526.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/2j0n9Dqv/DSCN9532.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/FH5zDWx3/DSCN9538.jpg

Highest point reached on this trip so far*:

https://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b550/nicknicklxs/DSCN9546_zpsuidjxxth.jpg

En France, D618 I think:

https://i.postimg.cc/283hPKvt/DSCN9547.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/d1qTnHw4/DSCN9554.jpg

Back in Spain:

https://i.postimg.cc/rFdRht2X/DSCN9557.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/FzYznwqg/DSCN9560.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/BvNvZqfB/DSCN9564.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/NF2Gxm9d/DSCN9571.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/dQgGc9Bt/DSCN9576.jpg

Watched this tower approaching, thought about the mountains beyond, darted into another dodgy parking spot just as I thought it would all align:

https://i.postimg.cc/TPkW7j1x/DSCN9579.jpg

One last shot when absolutely flaking:

https://i.postimg.cc/rF3TJDMH/DSCN9580.jpg

Still had that damned N260 to do to get back to Sort, survived on fags, coffee and fresh orange juice.

Got to decide where I'm headed next tonight, and book as appropriate. I still reckon the Alps, but I'll check the weather forecasts later. That's all folks, time for another beer Smile

Edit: It's all kicking off here. Seems like a big family gathering behind me (sat at tables outside the hotel, some old fella has been yacking away - swear I've heard that voice in a film somewhere, maybe a spaghetti western Laughing

And now some fella has struck up a tune on an accordion; oh, very atmospheric! Laughing

Could do without the attempts at singing though Shocked

*No it ain't; just noticed that's in feet Rolling Eyes

____________________
Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!

Enduro Numpty · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 Oct 2012 Karma :

Brilliant post Chickenstrip. All the times we've been to the Pyrenees it's been all about the roads. We've never come close to exploring in the detail that yoi have. Great photos and dialogue.

Our last couple of days have involved serious weight gain through nice food and fine wine with some Motogp practice and qualifying thrown in. Valentino has got his work cut out starting from the 5th row but hey-ho have seen him win from further back. 34c on the way back from the circuit today and the 2 of us look like beetroots in spite of being in a covered area at the track. Apart from the superb racing tomorrow the prospect of even higher temperatures and the mayhem of getting in and out the circuit don't hold much appeal. Mataro has been ok but the traffic is no less manic than Barcelona was last year though leaving for the circuit this morning was pleasantly quiet. Tyres on Monday then a motorway blast most of the way to Pamplona for 2 nights then the boat home
Confused

Howling Terror · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

I should be with you Nick instead of spending that week getting lost with 11 retired coal miners in Scotland. Brick Wall

Soak it all up son. Thumbs Up

____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

I should've sorted myself out for the MotoGP, but realised too late Doh!

Right, I've now booked one night in Perpignan and one in Menton, where I will be poised for the Route des Grandes Alpes Dance!

So two transit days. Perpignan to Menton will be via fast toll routes, a little over 300 miles - should be doable.
Just got to look at hotel bookings for The Route itself; I figure to do it over 3 days, then stop at Annecy for a couple. Then.....

Pat, I don't think it would have been possible for anyone to join me on this trip, as it's completely open ended. Only limitations are the money available, the weather (if it turns to shite again like last year I'll be headed home), and my stamina. Which seems ok so far Smile

Any suggestions of hotels between Menton and Annecy on the Route des Grandes Alpes would be most welcome! Not going all the way to Thonon Les Bains, so want two hotels en route before Annecy ideally.

Enduro, some of the roads in France started to remind me of our bumpy fare back home. But found some really great ones even high up in the mountains. I plotted my route, but here and there just darted off of it on a whim - you never know what you'll find!
____________________
Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!