Hi, we're thinking of doing a trip to the Picos in October/Nov, chucking the bikes on the back of the pickup and sailing over on the Santander ferry from Plymouth. Anybody done the Picos? Any advice most welcome!
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experience is something you get ........ right just after you needed it!.......
Did the same thing last October, but you have to be really careful where you ride now. You used to be able to ride over the tops of the mountains and ride all day without touching tarmac, but now there are large areas of national park that you are not able to ride ane they are also hot on people riding the fire breaks. So do your research and make sure you now where you are riding or you will come home with an empty van. All that aside the riding it good and some of the scenery fantastic. couple of pics to wet your appetite.
Yeah, sat in a hotel in Potes in the picos mountains as i write this, i can confirm its great, not on the bikes been walking high up above Fuente De today!
I have a old newsletter peice from a couple of ex members on the pc back in blighty, will post it up at the weekend if we come home
That is some stunning scenery, Ross. Is there still plenty there to ride?? Hope you have a good trip Karrie. Don't forget to post a report and piccies when you get back.
Chris.
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It would appear that I am quite grumpy today; strangely, I didnt notice this until I came into contact withidiots.
Yes there is still plenty to ride but you have to do road work to get from trail to trail as opposed to riding all day off road as you used to be able to do. I intend to go back on my road bike as the mountain roads would be great on a road bike.
Heard from others that some of the National Parks are out of bounds in the north but the trails we used in the south are all still open.
Stay away from hillclimbs on firebreaks - there's a 3000euro fine if you get caught
Spanish rangers do ride enduro bikes (very well......) and have 4X4's and binoculars - beware if you do get tempted
Just came back from Brittany and asked some guys in an enduro bike shop about the legality of trails there..........some areas are clearly signed not for m/c's but the vague ones they ride but are prepared to come across people with guns and argue the toss then Not sure I want to try that with my command of their language.......
Re Asturias Tours: 800euros each for a guide and accommodation for 7 nights seems a bit steep as you'll be using your own bike and kit plus evening meals. Nice idea - but if there's 6 or 7 of you that's a lot of dosh to save and get some decent maps and info from the local tourism centre first.
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Caution - the poster may well have been drinking........
Mingo, we drove from Barthellona to Picos, heading thru Zarragoza, what the hell is that place?
Miles and miles of open country, before you head north and hit Rioja country.
Very open dry and dusty, we stopped a few times for comfort break cos it a mad 8-9 hr drive to the north coast, temp was 34C, so got back in the car pretty quick
The only main road was the AP68 autovia, other than that is was just dirt tracks, a crazy place but to get a big dirt bike up there would be amazing.
When people use the term, "as far as the eye can see" you have to asume some exageration but it really was the case.