2 choices of tour 2012

[rich p]

I'm planning on a 4 or 5 week tour next summer if Mrs rich p can get the time off work.

4 years ago we cycled from Brighton to Bologna and I've had an idea since then that one day I'd like to continue the journey down through Italy, catch the ferry from Brindisi to Albania and cycle north through, Montenegro, Bosnia and Croatia.

For reasons I won't go into we are now tempted by another route which would be something like N France to Spain, head west across the Picos etc and down through Portugal.

Anyone have any thoughts as to which would be the most rewarding?

I have to admit to being slightly apprehensive about cycling in Albania but I'll get over that.

 

[psmiffy]

Definetly the former - Across Spain Portugal would be good but you would have to do the west coast of France first - which is OK but a bit pedestrian - use up half of your time allowance before you get to the really interesting bit

Whereas start in nothern Italy - down through the west of Italy (I did a similar shorter tour - Venice to Venice via split - Italy east coast miles were definetly transit mileage) before crossing over for the ferry - more bang for your bucks

 

[Crackle]

The first one sounds a bit edgy, so potentially a lot more rewarding. The 2nd one sounds good but why not fly to Gibraltar first and cycle home.

 

[psmiffy]

and why come up - why not down to greece - circumnavigate peloponese et.al. and home from Athens

 

[rich p]

The first one sounds a bit edgy, so potentially a lot more rewarding. The 2nd one sounds good but why not fly to Gibraltar first and cycle home.

Possible Crax but I kind of like the idea of heading south, for the weather to get better and the more exotic and unknown bit to me (rural Portugal) to look forward to. France I know almost too well.

and why come up - why not down to greece - circumnavigate peloponese et.al. and home from Athens

Another good idea smiffy. The 'edginess' of the trip is some of the FRY appeal although I know little or nothing of Greece either. Food for thought.

 

[MarkF]

Both sound fantastic to me. My preference would be Spain, across the Picos or along them? I could cycle in Asturias/Galicia every year and not get bored, staggeringly beautiful with challenging but v.quiet roads.

 

[ceepeebee]

Northern Spain is perhaps my favourite part of the world, and they love their cycling around there too. large potential for precipitation though.


You only have to watch La Vuelta from the last couple of days to see how beautiful the Picos are. And the food in san sebastian is as good as anywhere I've ever been.

 

[jags]

say rich can i go too

 

[Muddyfox]

I like the sound of option 2 Rich .. sounds lovely mate

hope Terri can get the time off

Foxy

 

[rich p]

say rich can i go too

Ha! The tent's too small jags!

I like the sound of option 2 Rich .. sounds lovely mate

hope Terri can get the time off

Foxy

I think she can Fuddy but I've heard in the last 24 hours that the masterplan may be stymied by a new arrival.

 

[Mark Grant]

I think she can Fuddy but I've heard in the last 24 hours that the masterplan may be stymied by a new arrival.
[/quote]

At your age Rich! Well done. Never thought you had it in you!

 

[jags]

your lucky rich you have the perfect touring partner so any destination will be fine.

 

[frank9755]

Rich, Albania is great!

I went there last summer. Great cycling, smooth roads, very little traffic. Wonderful scenery and the food isn't bad either. Decent beer, too!

I was joining a CTC tour but I had a few days to spare so flew to Dubrovnik and rode out. The Montenegrin coast is wonderful - extremely pretty. I was a bit apprehensive about Albania as I was doing the first couple of days on my own but, once I got there, it was fine. Great fun in fact!

I'll tell you all about when I next see you, and persuade you to do that option!

Frank

 

[Dave Davenport]

It's quite simple Rich, just pick whichever route offers the best selection of beers.

Mind you, on that basis I'd just keep going back to Belgium. So maybe quality & choice of beer should only account for 50% of tour route selection criteria. Quality and availability of a good plate of steak & chips obviously accounting for the other 50%.

 

[rich p]

Rich, Albania is great!

I went there last summer. Great cycling, smooth roads, very little traffic. Wonderful scenery and the food isn't bad either. Decent beer, too!

I was joining a CTC tour but I had a few days to spare so flew to Dubrovnik and rode out. The Montenegrin coast is wonderful - extremely pretty. I was a bit apprehensive about Albania as I was doing the first couple of days on my own but, once I got there, it was fine. Great fun in fact!

I'll tell you all about when I next see you, and persuade you to do that option!

Frank

Thanks Frank; are you doing the Btn Fnr?

Dave, all beer is pretty shite in S Europe but we suffer for our addiction nevertheless! The wine is probably better in Portugal though!