Charity cycle from Glasgow to Benalmadena

[lemond89]

Hi folks,

Just joined, and am looking for some advice, if possible.

I am planning to cycle from Glasgow to Benalmadena in 2015, in memory of my late Dad, John. He was born in Glasgow and passed away in Benalmadena.

I am a keen cyclist, and regularly do 100 mile runs, but my issues is that I have never cycled abroad. I am told that cycling in France and Spain can be "virtually traffic free", which obviously appeals to me!

Could anyone give me any advice on sites or route planning for this? I am looking to do this on a budget so will be camping (1.5 kg tent), and to ensure that none of the money raised is wasted on stuff for the trip- it must all go to the British Heart Foundation.

Hope you can help- thanks for your time.

Robert Arthur

Read more at http://www.cycle-route.com/forum/Cy...na-Spain-Thread-5514.html#m3b9E5KBRPjxkDyX.99

 

[vernon]

Use www.viamichelin.co.uk

Select the cycle option and legs of around 180km max as it can't cope with longer distances. The routes that it selects are pretty reliable for being quiet and scenic.

 

[lemond89]

Use www.viamichelin.co.uk

Select the cycle option and legs of around 180km max as it can't cope with longer distances. The routes that it selects are pretty reliable for being quiet and scenic.

Thanks Vernon- much appreciated.
Robert

 

[steveindenmark]

Robert, dont start worrying about riding abroad.

Why do you think everyone loads their bikes up and head off over the Channel in Summer?

In my opinion, mainland Europe is far more geared up to cyclists than the UK. Have a search for the Eurovelo routes and see if they can help you.

Steve

 

[arranandy]

Best of luck Robert. Sounds like a fitting tribute to your late father

 

[srw]

Take a look at www.crazyguyonabike.com, where you've got loads of travellers' tales, or at this forum.

I'd be inclined to think of it as several rides, and steal routes where possible. Something like Glasgow - Bristol (steal from a JOGLE), Bristol - Portsmouth (you may have to make this one up yourself), Caen - Bordeaux (look at the Fridays' tour on the Informal Rides forum), Bordeaux - Bilbao, Bilbao - Madrid, Madrid - Benalmadena - those last three routes are part of reasonably popular touring routes.

 

[MarkF]

Robert, look at my trip "Spain North to South" on crazy guy, lots of camping & cost info on there.

My first trans Spain was Bilbao to Malaga and I did it at 49 after a spectacular month long bender, with zero training and a new (to me) untested hybrid. It was easy peasy. I would ride well west of Madrid, look at the N-630, you can make good progress and it's very quiet as a new autovia is often running paralell.

 

[lemond89]

Guys can't thank you enough for your posts. I was made redundant in September 2014, and did not get a job until March this year, so my trip will be 2016. Have already secured the time off from a very considerate employer, and all my equipment is in place. Your posts have helped me decide on a rough route, although in keeping with the advice it is rough and not too planned.
Will post on how I get on and thank you again.
Robert

 

[lemond89]

Mark your post makes me and my wife laugh every time.I read it. Your info has been extremely helpful so thanks very much. I see your point about west of Madrid. Plan to enter Spain around Bagneres De Luchon, and want to climb Superbagneres as a wee treat (listen to me as if I am Robert Millar!) Well that's the plan haha.
I will be 49 when I do it so we have that in common but you sound much more mental than me haha.
All the best.
Robert

 

[MarkF]

Mark your post makes me and my wife laugh every time.I read it. Your info has been extremely helpful so thanks very much. I see your point about west of Madrid. Plan to enter Spain around Bagneres De Luchon, and want to climb Superbagneres as a wee treat (listen to me as if I am Robert Millar!) Well that's the plan haha.I will be 49 when I do it so we have that in common but you sound much more mental than me haha.
All the best.
Robert

Good luck Robert, it's nice of your new employers to give you leave to do the trip. "Not too planned " is good IMO, only bettered by "Not planned at all". Enjoy yourself and be sure to post after.