Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Cycle-touring, Expeditions, Adventures, Major cycle routes NOT LeJoG (see other special board)
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thornie1543
Posts: 162
Joined: 12 Feb 2015, 6:30pm
Location: Port talbot.

Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Post by thornie1543 »

Hello everyone,this is a bit of a whiney thread so just humour me ok(or telling me to get a grip is fine too).Ok got ferry booked to northern spain next week and feel completely nervous and uninspired,i have done three trips in france,about two months all in between the three so its not my first tour but I am struggling to see anything to really see or do,feels like I will be just cycling for the sake of it.And my legs are not as good since my last trip and there are some real hills aren't there??
Sorry told you this was a whining thread,guess I just wanted to vent and hopefully stop feeling very nervous and I know I am lucky to have the chance to cycle at all,ok and breathe.
pwa
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Joined: 2 Oct 2011, 8:55pm

Re: Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Post by pwa »

Legs usually improve as the days go by.
reohn2
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Joined: 26 Jun 2009, 8:21pm

Re: Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Post by reohn2 »

From what I've seen of it,admittedly only from watching the Tour of the Basque country,it looks like and nice area with a lovely coastline,why not get a Rough Guide for the area?
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yutkoxpo
Posts: 423
Joined: 20 Feb 2017, 5:12pm

Re: Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Post by yutkoxpo »

thornie1543 wrote:Hello everyone,this is a bit of a whiney thread so just humour me ok(or telling me to get a grip is fine too).Ok got ferry booked to northern spain next week and feel completely nervous and uninspired,i have done three trips in france,about two months all in between the three so its not my first tour but I am struggling to see anything to really see or do,feels like I will be just cycling for the sake of it.And my legs are not as good since my last trip and there are some real hills aren't there??
Sorry told you this was a whining thread,guess I just wanted to vent and hopefully stop feeling very nervous and I know I am lucky to have the chance to cycle at all,ok and breathe.


A few years ago, I cycled down to Spain (From NL), did the Camino de Santiago (inland, Frances route), wandered over to the west coast, then up to Santander and followed the coast back to San Sebastian.

It was fantastic!

The roads are quiet, the traffic respectful. The views are spectacular and the food is glorious!

I was wandering, just following my nose. Had no real plan other than getting to a vacation park in France to meet some friends.

Campsites right on the sea, many with access to a beach, or a private beach. Often with great food too!

As for cycling for the sake of it? Stop thinking of it as a cycling holiday and just think of it as a holiday. Cycle as much or as little as you want. I remember one morning feeling sad to be packing up in a particularly nice campsite. I was doing it because I did that every day. 15 km down the road, I pulled into the next campsite, set up my tent and relaxed by the beach all day! :D

Don't quote me, but I believe you can put your bike onto most buses for a small extra charge.

Yes, there are hills! Lots of them! You'll grow into it. Take your time!

And enjoy!
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sabrutat
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Re: Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Post by sabrutat »

This is my 'why'. Maybe it'll do something for you:

[youtube]mhoQWXaQdOI[/youtube]
HarryD
Posts: 296
Joined: 9 Jan 2007, 5:44pm

Re: Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Post by HarryD »

You're in for a real treat. As has already been said the coast is rather good if a bit industrial mat times and it's not far inland to some really serious and stunning mountains not too far away. Yes, the hills can be long and sometimes steep. There are some great nature reserves and specially protected areas.

Architecturally and culturally there are many villages and towns worth stumbling on. They are usually self sustaining with bars, restaurants and hotels (unlike many other parts of rural Europe) . The food is generally excellent and the Picos are rated by some as the best area in the world for varieties of cheese.

There is a strong cycling culture. The roads are excellent. Maps can be a bit dodgy. The Garmin map is good though. you will get a friendly welcome. Possibly the reason you are not as familiar with, it as say France, is because it gets little external tourism and so there aren't many guides and precious few TV documentaries. Peter Mayle hasn't been there!

So go, explore, discover and enjoy yourself. I've been many times and not regretted a moment
ossie
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Joined: 15 Apr 2011, 7:52pm

Re: Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Post by ossie »

thornie1543 wrote:I just wanted to vent and hopefully stop feeling very nervous and I know I am lucky to have the chance to cycle at all,ok and breathe.


Pre tour nerves are usual. I usually work out roughly my first few night camping spots but once you get there you chill out and things change. The adrenalin will get you through it.

Spain has lovely roads and outstanding scenery.
thornie1543
Posts: 162
Joined: 12 Feb 2015, 6:30pm
Location: Port talbot.

Re: Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Post by thornie1543 »

Thanks for your posts folks,great points and a great video,thank you.
gregoryoftours
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Re: Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Post by gregoryoftours »

If you are arriving at an awkward time consider booking first night in a hotel through booking.com or something similar. Can set you off to a good start having a good sleep and no stress with the prospect of unknown place to stay when you arrive. I've heard that Catalonia is great for cycle touring, and also Pico's, especially if you like a little bit of off road. I toured in Spain for first time recently and loved it. And the driving is great
gregoryoftours
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Joined: 22 May 2011, 7:14pm

Re: Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Post by gregoryoftours »

I usually feel nervous before I go away, often just before I go I really feel like staying at home instead, I've come to expect that feeling, but it's totally always been worth it. I'd recommend cicerone cycling guides too to give you some ideas
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megilleland
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Location: Hereford

Re: Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Post by megilleland »

To give you a flavour of what Northern Spain offers have a look at this chap, Andres Basagoitia's drone videos, and watch them in HD if you can. He specialises in Spanish railways, but also covers the countryside of Gipuzkoa in the Basque country of Pais Vasco as well as Cantabria and Navarra. The scenery is just as good across the rest of northern Spain ie Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. Here's a few of my favourites and this should want to make you get on your bike.

VOLANDO SOBRE EL EMBALSE DE IBIUR

SUANCES (CANTABRIA)

COSTA DE BIZKAIA

PAISAJES DE EUSKADI

PUEBLOS DEL INTERIOR DE GIPUZKOA DESDE EL AIRE

EN DRONE POR LA SIERRA DE URBASA (NAVARRA)

AGUA DULCE Y AGUA SALADA EN EUSKADI
MartinBrice
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Joined: 13 Nov 2007, 9:57am

Re: Could someone inspire me about northern spain please!!

Post by MartinBrice »

Prepare to have your life changed. Spain has perfect tarmac, friendly people (i'm sure it's something to do with being run by Muslims for hundreds of years and on the entrance to Europe from Morocco) and it's cheaper than northern Europe by far. Not many campsites - it's too hot in summer and there's no business in winter. But hotels are OK.
You could do a lot worse than ride through the Picos de Europa, which will supply the ost amazing views, then follow the pilgrim trail to Santiago. Lots of places to stay, cheap, friendly. An international flavour, English is the spoken word.

I love Spain, it's by far the best riding in Europe. Be ready to be amazed.
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