Musings on a Spanish Coast to Coast - The Report

[Dave Barter]

It's taken me far too long to write this up. In May some of you (at least 8) may remember that pistonbroke of this forum organised a most excellent Spanish C2C.

This is my account. I'm sure you know by now that will be long, waffly and sweary. So enter at your own risk. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and Duncan tells me he is planning a repeat next year. My advice, SIGN UP when he does.

http://phased.co.uk/musings-on-a-spanis ... -to-coast/

[benp1]

That looks like a proper write up Dave, good job. Look forward to reading that

[Bearbonesnorm]

Superb. Hopefully a lesson for all those 'semi-pro bikepackers' the world over, who record their exploits in a way that manages to capture little of the 'bikepacking spirit'

[Chew]

feck-it-let’s-see-what-happens

Can we have this on the next lot of stickers

Thanks for sharing Dave. Well worth the wait.
It all the better when I read it in your voice

[Mike]

nicely put dave. Reading that made me smile alot, bringing back all the things I'd forgotten we'd done. It seems like ages ago now. Would I do that route again....Yes ( I'd carry more food for sure ) would I do it with the same folk..Most definitely!! It was a blast

[Dave Barter]

nicely put dave. Reading that made me smile alot, bringing back all the things I'd forgotten we'd done. It seems like ages ago now. Would I do that route again....Yes ( I'd carry more food for sure ) would I do it with the same folk..Most definitely!! It was a blast

Same Mike. I don't think I can make next year but I'd 100% do this one again as long as the Andy's left the razors and onezies behind

[pistonbroke]

Many thanks for the brilliant writeup Dave, don't think anyone's called me enigmatic before!
You alluded to the run-in to Bilbao being less than ideal, I'm already working on an alternative which stays out of the congested valley floors. Ive found a refugio in a stunning location which allows a descent straight down to Bilbao.
Couple of little videos here https://youtu.be/4vAvMKOZbM4 https://youtu.be/5xF7sIu6Kc0
If anyone who stayed at the hostal in the centre of Bilbao has the contact details, could you please let me know. Also if Mike and Hux have their route to their Sat night campsite, I'd be keen to have a look, the plan is to finish a bit further up the coast leaving a short run to the airport.
As you may have guessed, all things being equal, I'm planning to run the trip again next year, likely the same dates in May. If anyone fancies it who missed it this year or wants to return could give me a shout, I can get a rough indication of numbers to plan the logistics. I'll update the Musings thread as I go along.
Cheers Duncan

[GregMay]

Well written Dave. Actually insightful in places. I enjoyed it, thank you.

[Mike]

Duncan, I will send you the gpx of the extra coast section and camp we did over the weekend no probs. Also the ride from the coast to the airport. This section was hilly but stunning through the suburbs on very quiet roads!

[benp1]

That was an excellent write up Dave, really enjoyed reading it. Spent a lot of it smiling or chuckling

Sounds like a lot of climbing...!

[Dave Barter]

That was an excellent write up Dave, really enjoyed reading it. Spent a lot of it smiling or chuckling

Sounds like a lot of climbing...!

It's not as bad as I maybe make out. I'll add daily profiles and GPX downloads shortly.

Oh and thanks all for the kind comments. Means a lot as I've had a big fight to get writing again.

[Richpips]

Great writing Dave.

[99percentchimp]

Thank you... still laughing every time this comes to mind.

The tight clothing held no secrets and we complimented his masculine form through the medium of retch

[HUX]

Brilliant write up Dave,brought back some great memories with a big smile on my face. Would definitely rejoin the Conquistador's for another crack at the route! vaguely exciting trip.

[Scattamah]

It's a good 'un Dave. Thank you for stickin' with it. Thrice read and each time enjoyed.

Greetz

S.

[Zippy]

Finally made/found some time to read this Dave. I enjoyed that, great writing and put a smile to my face.

[pistonbroke]

Has anyone had a copy of January's CTC mag as yet? Keen to see what they've done with Dave's report.

[Dave Barter]

Not published yet, will be end of Jan I suspect

[Pickers]

Has anyone had a copy of January's CTC mag as yet? Keen to see what they've done with Dave's report.

My copy landed this morning - 5 pages, a good read!

[Dave Barter]

Mine had better be there when I get home then

[RIP]

Yep - just read it, nice one

In the same issue there's also an advert for a Creme Cycles "Cafe Racer" bike - hope they paid you some commission for the name Stu!

[Bearlegged]

Ha!
A bit late to this, but that's a great account!

[pistonbroke]

Picked up a copy from the post office on the way to the airport yesterday, thanks for sending it Dave. Something about seeing it in the flesh beats reading a pdf hands down. Had a few enquiries about this year from readers, I'll be putting out a shout for those interested once I get back next week.