Finally made it back in one piece and as a virgin european rider, had a blast.
little Drewps all ready for the off
5 in all went, me on the TDM, 2 other mates on XJR1300 along with Tommy's and 1 on a Triumph thruxton Ace special.
Took the Portsmouth Ferry to Bilbao where I picked up a screw in the back tyre so we got that fixed and had a drinky poos whilst waiting. The guy was 2014 24hr winner at Catalunya for Suzuki and his dad a champ in the 70's riding Montessa's.
first stop was Pamplona and the Albret Hotel. typical city centre hotel, but they had underground parking which was a bonus.
having a Leffe in an "Irish" pub
day 2 took us from Pamplona to castejon de sos, this was an amazing place, a little village and the best ride coming down the N260 at 9pm as the light faded, through this ravene, with the sound of the bikes echoing down was one of the many highlights of the trip.
this was the best place to stay IMHO Hotel PLaza, very traditional and great hosts. there was a fiesta going on and the small village was packed with guitar trio singin traditional spanish songs. great watch the senoras and senoritas dancing and the men doing those clapping beats
the next stop was to Viella which was a large ski town and again a fiesta was on, but not as personal as the last place.
here's some photos
it was a bit hot too
bike struggled at 2000metres due to lack of air, ran very rich and had to keep revs at 4k which made thwe switchbacks interesting
was like being on top of the world
so from Viella we did a round trip to Andorra, yes it was awful down in the main city but get up into the mountains and this is what greets you
it was a long day, 12 hours riding but it was worth it and had plenty of stops on the way.
aparently this was in top gear
part 2 to follow