Spain on a Sporty!

[gsilander]

In just 19 days I am getting on a large boat and sailing to Spain with my father. We're planning on riding through the mountains in the north west in to Portugal then across the plains and up in to the Pyrenese through Andorra and in to France. We'll be riding through France over the highest bridge in the world (Millau viaduct) up to Calais and then home to England on the channel tunnel.

All in all I think we'll be riding over 2000 miles in just over a week. I'll be on my stock XL883 (!!!!) and my dad will be on his 09 Triumph Bonneville. I just can't wait for this trip!

Apart from telling me what a numb ass I'll have, do you have any advice for a novice long distance traveller?

I'll be sure to write up a post-trip report and post some photos when I get back.

Cheers

and Ole!!!

[dale0812]

Sounds like a great trip. That is alot of miles to be done on a Sporty in that short of a period. Be safe.

[gsilander]

I know! Put 720 on her in two days with a trip to the D day beaches in March! We're not planning on doing much more than 350-400 in any one day so it should be ok.

Safety is the name of the game!!

[Dogsoldier]

Be prepared to change you trip to suit the moment - sometimes covering distance one can merely do that day's distance to meet some goal yet miss the beauty of the world you're driving through. Take the usuals, rain gear, keep luggage requirement down to a manageable level and stop often to keep fresh. Know your gas points in advance and never pass up gas when available - one never knows what's ahead - you can fake everything else except gas.

Perhaps you might want to take a cleaning product to clean your face shield and windscreen from time to time - assume everyone is out to kill you and then drive accordingly. Somewhere on your trip you'll know ever bug by the color of the remains and wear good leather if you have it!

Stop often and drink plenty of fluids. The rest you've already experienced - enjoy!

[sofapilot]

Sounds like a great trip.....

Bring a camera take pics and post them when you get home.

[XDixiecratX]

Don t forget PICS, PICS, and more PICS ! Ride Safe.

[ziderman]

Are you camping or hotel can give you some good places to stay if you need them,if you ride in the early morning it's going to be quite fresh up in the mountains.RIDE SAFE

[Strat HD]

Be sure to keep drinkable liquids and a tool kit of some kind with you in case of a breakdown.

[sfarson]

Outstanding Graham! Have ridden Normandy, would love to ride your route. Looking forward to the report. Send me a postcard every evening.

[gsilander]

Originally Posted by ziderman

Are you camping or hotel can give you some good places to stay if you need them,if you ride in the early morning it's going to be quite fresh up in the mountains.RIDE SAFE

Thanks Ziderman. Got it covered already. I'd love to camp but my old man is having none of it! He's booked us into motels and hostels a few of the nights but the rest we'll see where we end up. He's been down there a couple of times on his Suzuki Vstrom and knows the area we're visiting fairly well.

Sorry to bang on about my dad but I just gotta tell you all...

He retired a few years ago. He's always been into bikes (not Harleys but I think i'm slowly converting him). He's done a few long distance trips (Spain, Poland, France). We used to live in Connecticut and we've both got a real passion for the USA. Anyway, to cut a long story short, he's always wanted to ride the trans Alaskan highway and was planning to do it next summer. He's changed his plans a bit now and has decided that rather than start in Seattle as planned, he's going to start in FLORIDA!!!! Now, is does that qualify for iron butt or what!? I wish I could do the trip with him but I can't get the time off work One day maybe....