Pyrenees coast to coast - Summer 2017

[Bonnielad]

I have decided that I'm going to fulfil a long held dream and ride the Pyrenees coast to coast (off-road). Some of the lads are interested in joining me but the logistics are getting a little out of hand and I can see it could become a bit of a nightmare. I want it to be enjoyable, not a chore.
I've ordered a french roadbook (with English translation) which has been used by a few other riders on the ABR forum so it is well proven. It runs from just inland from Biarritz and travels east all the way to the Mediterranean coast.
So far, everything is provisional. I have set a start date of 4th June so that if anyone wants to do the Twinshock Trailfinder they can add that on at the end (TSTF is 14/15th June).
My original idea was to take a van from Yorkshire with a support driver. Then the riders would fly out of Manchester and meet the van in Biarritz. At the end the riders would fly back to Manchester from Barcelona. The cost of the van & driver being split between those whose bikes are on the van. - Simple. ....
But then some wanted to stay in hotels while others want to camp, and in no time the trip became over-subscribed and there are more riders wanting to go than there is room in the van so I'm taking a deep breath to let the dust settle.
I then started to consider the idea of using the Tiger and riding the whole trip, wild camping with no daily targets. This would create more room in the van and save myself some money.
So I just thought I'd throw it open on here, ask if anyone else was interested, and hopefully get a bit of sympathy and encouragement.
Roll on June

[moscowjohn]

I really like the idea of riding off road coast to coast through the Pyrenees Steve.... I'd be more tempted to ride with my gear and wild camp..... I've followed Austins mini mondos with interest which he's done the last couple of years and it looks great fun....
so many trips, so little time!..... but the luxury of riding without gear is appealing too.....

[Bonnielad]

I'm definitely leaning more to the idea of wild camping as it makes life so much simpler.
If we go for that option, Paul is still likely to arrange a support van. If that happens, the van could courier our baggage through the day.
I had an email off Austin. He wants £850 for 5 days guided riding on his mini mondo and that's riding around the eastern pyrenees so I reckon he's just stringing his TSTF routes together.

[geoffbarnett]

I'm up for this. Wildcamping, travel light. I've got the GR11 Trail Guidebook (long distance coast to coast Spanish side footpath), which is a very useful source of information. it seems that the Senda Pirenaica high resolution maps are the ones needed. Google Senda Pirenaica and several UK stockists are listed.

[MT Pocket]

Hi Bonnielad.
I'm up for this any route, any camping.
Am hoping to be in the position to take a few bikes down next year by van and trailer but don't really want to line Austin pockets any more than I have done.
Keep it simple for yourself, if others want something different make them fit in with your plan.

[Bonnielad]

Thanks Ady. It would be good to catch up again. There's a good chance we're going to move the date to the latter part of June to better suit Gary and Shiney.
I'll keep you posted (bu-bum!).

Steve

[Bonnielad]

PROGRESS
I now have the Vibraction roadbook and it runs from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Taking account of those that want to do the TSTF, I have moved the date to just after it. This also works out better because Ripoll is only about 90 miles from the start point at Collioure in France.
So with this in mind, a few decisions have been made:
Dave (Bugsy 955) on an 1150GS and I (on the Tiger 800) have booked the Portsmouth/Bilbao ferry on the 14th June. We will then take a couple of days to make our way east to the start point.
The route in the road book actually lists a total of 808 miles, 435 on tracks and 373 on roads. It is our plan to camp in recognised campsites however far we've travelled (according to the roadbook wild camping is not allowed!). The roadbook has a full list of campsites and hotels along the route.

We will be at the start point for 11am on Sunday 18th June. Anyone else that wishes to ride with us will be welcome to join us.

Can't wait.

[geoffbarnett]

Barring unforeseen events, I'll be there.

[MT Pocket]

This sounds excellent, barring death I'll be with ya although unsure which bike as Bob the Big Ole Beemer has had to be sold. Maybe a christening for the F800

[moscowjohn]

Hi Steve... Is your route just in France, Spain or a mix?......