Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
London - France - Costa Del Sol Spring 2009 London - France - Costa Del Sol Spring 2009
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: England
Posts: 19
London - France - Costa Del Sol Spring 2009
Hi!,

Newbie here on the Hubb , - I've lurked for a while and everyone seems thouroughly decent so thought I'd join up.

I'm hoping to get a couple of weeks sometime between now and mid summer to bimble down to the Costa Del Sol from London. and back of course.

Just wondering what routes, sights and stops people would recommend me?

Thanks for any input.

Rob.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 36
In southern Spain i would recommend seeing Ronda, Cordoba and Granada and Sevilla is meant to be worth a visit, although not been there myself.

Around Ronda, which is a couple of hours west of Malaga are some great roads, especially the road from nr Marbella to Ronda.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: England
Posts: 19
Hi Michael,

Thanks for your ideas, I was beginning to feel a bit neglected!

I've driven that road from Ronda to Marbella a couple of times, but not ridden it yet. It's a superb piece of road, albeit pretty hairy with steep drops and plenty of switchbacks.

I'll be heading to Fuengirola, and because I like the Almeria region I'll probably be heading down the east coast of Spain - if so Valencia, Alicante, Almeria region and then across via Granada to Antequera (or through the Alpujarras) and down to Malaga and along the coast motorway to Fuengi.

However if I go through the centre of Spain down to Madrid then I may well try and get over to the Ronda side of things and down that amazing road.

What I'm pondering the most is the best route through southern France and whether to cross the pyrenees on the west (Hendaye?) or east side, or maybe there are some options straight across the middle - I don't really know?

Cheers Rob.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 36
Not ridden through France before so cannot offer any advice. There are a few routes through Pyrenees, although i have not used them myself, going along the east coast would be quicker but lots of people rave about the pyrenees so i'm sure it would be worth going through there.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: England
Posts: 19
Well it looks as though this little trip is beginning to shape up. I'm looking at leaving 19th/20th April, eurotunnel to Calais and spending a week or so trundling down Malaga way.

There only seem to be a handful of routes over the pyrenees, and I'm just going to plump for one as the journey unfolds..should be fun.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Apr 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: England
Posts: 19
Still planning to leave this saturday (18th April), just hope that the chunnel stays open and doesn't get blockaded. If you know any french farmers or fishermen, please tell them I'm a nice bloke who deserves a trouble free holiday!!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Apr 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: England
Posts: 85
Hi Rob,

You must be half way to Malaga now! Hope it`s going well. I`m on my way down that way beginning of May. Let me know how the trip`s shaping up and any road tips welcome!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 22 Apr 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: England
Posts: 19
Hi, mr motivator,

I´m currently in the campo not far from Barcelona. Enjoying it immensely, crossing the pyrenees was excellent, still mighty chilly up there though.

As you descend into spain it warms up immensely and it´s warm and sunny here in Mora La nova today. You´ll love the spanish roads, superb surfaces and stunning scenery. Met up with country contact Luis Oroma yesterday who has a BMW dealership and found a replacment screw for a carb dashpot and recommended a great onwards route. Many thanks Luis.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Apr 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: England
Posts: 85
Hi Rob,

Really good to hear you`re enjoying the trip! Must say, I`m really excited about setting off beginning of May. Hope you`ll post a ride report when you get back.
Safe riding!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 7 May 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: England
Posts: 19
Well the outward trip finished a couple of weeks ago and I'm currently writing it up on the travellors stories pages. Under my name of course!

Trouble is I've only written up day one so far, and can't upload photo's cos the upload software is at home.

However suffice to say that riding in spain is brilliant, - weather and roads mostly excellents, roads much less congested than UK and spanish drivers fine so long as they can overtake you at the first opportunity, which is fine, as I don't like tailgaters.

Finding accomodation was ok, if struggling just go into a bar and ask 'Ay un hotel por aqui' or something like that. Worked for me.

Rode 6 days in a row, 1631 miles to Costa del sol, then avoided the bike for several days and enjoyed the rest.

Homeward trip start in a little over a weeks time.

Regards Rob.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 8 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Riogordo, Spain
Posts: 325
There's a great road from Torre del Mar, inland to Lake Vinuela, turn right just before the lake, through Zafarraya Pass and Alhama de Granada (stop off to see the gorge there), past Pantano de Bermejales and on to Granada.

Also, got to El Chorro. If you're still in Fuengirola, it's only a short ride away. And if you're near Antequera, take a detour to El Torcal.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 8 May 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: England
Posts: 19
Hi Dakota,

Thanks very much for getting in touch! I know Riogordo a little bit, having stayed up the road in the Hotel Retamar a few years ago. Lovely part of the world to live in eh? oh well one day....

Thanks for all the suggestions, - Lake Vinuela I've seen - we visited Torre Del Mar from Riogordo so you can guess the route we took. Never taken the turning for Granada though.

El Torcal we've also seen, but never yet got round to El Chorro, - that's the lakes/dams isn't it?

I start the return journey in just over a weeks time. I'm toying with going out Lanjaron/Orgiva way and through the Alpujarras to Almeria region and perhaps stop near Cabo de Gato area, - any thoughts?

Best Regards Rob.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 9 May 2009
NewAdventurerLee's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 97
very interesting thread Rob, sounds like a great trip. Please keep posting your route as it is of great help to some of us who are planning similar trips.

__________________
'Never worry about things that YOU cant change'
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 7 Jun 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: England
Posts: 19
Hi fellow Hubb'ers

Just a note to say that I've managed to write up all of the outward part of the trip, with piccies and everything. Who knows, may be of interest to someone contemplating a similar trip.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tst...der/003756.php

I guess I'd better get to work on writing up the return trip.

Cheers, Rob.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Need a bike in Costa Rica Feb/Mar 2009 Miah Bike Swap or Rent 2 11 Feb 2009 03:53
The South West Peninsula Spring Rally. Saturday 4th April 2009 kaplan Motorcycle Events around the world 0 9 Feb 2009 21:59
Need a bike in Costa Rica Feb/Mar 2009 Miah Central America and Mexico 0 9 Feb 2009 16:21
California to Costa Rica Spring '08 gecko49 Central America and Mexico 4 27 Sep 2007 04:03
California to Costa Rica Spring '08 gecko49 Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 23 Sep 2007 18:51

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:21.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top