Cycling UK Forum

Gearoidmuar wrote: ↑18 Dec 2023, 4:10pm We have an apartment on the Spanish side near Ayamonte.
The Ferry goes once an hour in the winter, from Portugal on the half hour after 9.am Portuguese time and from the Spanish side on the hour after 10 Spanish time. You pay about 3.40 euro for bike and yourself.
There is a motorboat ferry from Alcoutim to Sanlucar and back. You just whistle or yell and you can get the man. It takes your bike too. It's cheap. Note, it's hilly to Alcoutim and hilly as hell after Sanlucar. I've often cycled it but not with full touring kit. I'd recommend crossing at Ayamonte.
Much higher up the river there's a bridge at Mertola.

HarryD wrote: ↑13 Dec 2023, 11:02am From the airport take the train to Malaga, then to Alora to start your ride

Alora to Antequera (hilly), to Fuente de Piedra to Algamitas to Olvera (climb out of Algamitas 6km 5.7%) otherwise undulating, Via Verde to Puerto Serrano (flat)
Puerto Serrano to Prado del Rey (entering the mountains) to El Bosque (option to head for Grazalema via El Boyar 16km @ 5.5%) to Ubrique to Benoacaz (5.9% for 6km) then onto Grazalema to Montecorto to Setenil to Ronda. Ronda to El Burgo to Ardales to Carratraca to Alora. Around 370km plus 5300m of climb

An option to extend is from Ubrique head for Jimena de la Frontera via the Puerto de Galiz then take the ridge road to Ronda. Trains can take to from Jimena to Ronda

simonhill wrote: ↑13 Dec 2023, 10:27am The zip wire website says this
"Yes, there is a ferry service that constantly crosses back and forth between Alcoutim and Sanlúcar."
Could be worth emailing them to ask.

On a general point. This is why I encourage all people to post on Google reviews about what they find. I have used them a lot post COVID to see if things (hotels, bike shops, transport, etc) have opened. If no reviews for 3 years, then it's a reasonable guess that it hasn't reopened. My review on a ferry still running near Seville has had many likes.

simonhill wrote: ↑12 Dec 2023, 4:56pm Pomarao is a bridge. Although not across the main Guadiana River but a tributary. You cross the main one a bit later in Portugal. Google maps in Street view shows it as a good road bridge.

For the Alcoutin ferry, there are a few recent reviews on Google (1 month latest) but as you say, nothing about bikes.

Interesting review here from Sanlucar, the town opposite:
"It is a charming place, in the last week of March it places a floating bridge that communicates with the nearby town of Alcautin in Portugal, celebrating the smuggling fair that in ancient times existed throughout this area, mainly coffee, tobacco and basic necessities. that were scarce in this area after the civil war, "

Is that your zip wire?

Jdsk wrote: ↑11 Dec 2023, 7:21pm
Be prepared for eating later in the evening.
: - )
Jonathan

slowster wrote: ↑24 Nov 2023, 1:46pm Target Composites might be worth approaching - https://www.targetcomposites.co.uk/. I suspect the cost of a good inspection will be high, because presumably the whole frame and fork will need to be checked.

This is a scenario which the solicitors used by BC and CUK for their members should be familiar with, and should be able to tell you what you should expect in terms of offers to repair, replace or make a cash settlement.

briansnail wrote: ↑21 Nov 2023, 3:57pm ps You might be to kind and generous.Insurance companies write off cars as they might have hidden damage that will result in harm to other road users. Think they not not only owe you a new helmet but a new bike.You need to ask for lots and negotiate downwards.The car driver went into YOU .You did not ask him to run into to you. Whatever was he doing? Mobile I bet.
If they think an accident bike is ok they can have it.! The old bike can be donated to a school to teach youngsters how to mend punctures and do basic cycle maintenance.
*******************************************
I ride Brompton and a 100% British Vintage

gregoryoftours wrote: ↑20 Nov 2023, 5:13pm [snip]

You could consider this Kona as it may be suitable for your needs - the battery is removable but needs a long Allen key with decent leverage (ie p or t Allen tool). This means that the front wheel either needs removing or turning 90° to get the Allen key in place so that's a bit of a faff, but apart from that it seems pretty decent. Electric system is Shimano steps, and can be had much cheaper than RRP listed here. IMG_20231116_160808.jpg

• prognosis for riding again? (I haven't tried yet - only been hobbling about the house as little as possible)

• I was using SPD cleats - would they perhaps have contributed to twisting my ankle?

Lovecycle wrote: ↑18 Oct 2023, 4:25pm I was in Spain last week with a friend with our bikes after flying into Madrid.
We caught a train from Madrid to Avila which is a one and half hour journey.
We simply bought a ticket at the train station which included reservations for our bikes.
I have in recent years travelled on trains with my bike in Spain without any problem.
Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time before your train departs as some stations are very busy with big queues.
Good luck!

Jdsk wrote: ↑16 Oct 2023, 10:25am You may be past this point, but there are two paragraphs of hints on tickets and bikes from The Man:
https://www.seat61.com/bike-by-train.htm

Scroll down to:
• Taking bikes on trains in Spain beyond Barcelona
• Traveller Jennie Parsons reports

Jonathan