@@midlifemotorcyclediaries It's a mystery to us?? It's almost identical sister ship the Salamanca made it back from Bilbao to Portsmouth with us on in 24 hours. We got stitched up by Brittany Ferries really. Originally booked by me pre covid on the 24 hour crossing Portsmouth to Santander on the Cap Finistere, two cabins four bikes four people. Brittany rolled the booking for a fee the first year and then the second year said that we could transfer for another additional fee to this outgoing ship but instead of arriving about 6.00pm Saturday, it wouldn't dock until 7.00am Sunday! Was a case of accepting or trying to claim back the considerable ticket cost through insurance. The only explanation we got was that it was a greener way to travel, gas powered ferry going slower didn't produce as much CO2 and pollution! Nothing of course to do with having a captive audience to sell food and alcohol to for a whole evening, following day and another evening but perhaps I'm being cynical.
Definitely not cheap but not much more expensive than crossing the English channel then riding 1100 miles across France on their toll roads with two bikes.
Was a great week out there Mark, I'm currently reliving our first full day's ride out out while editing it down to hopefully a watchable length. Yes some roads we just didn't see ANY other vehicles. Its an amazing place to ride a motorcycle. Thank you for watching
It was great to see you meet up with Hippo-Drones before you set off, he seems like a lovely chap bless him 😁 corrr that was a very long queue, glad it was easier for bikers. The room on the ship looks basic but very practical, you got some lovely night photos 😁 glad you all had a laugh during your time on the ship. Some awesome scenery, almost difficult to remember to keep your eyes on the road 😂 I’m a big fan of the apartment parking, what a huge space, could get lots of bikes in there 👏 Hope you both have a great time 😁
Pete turned out to be just as I imagined from his vids, just a decent nice bloke. I feel sort of bad just mentioning him for a minute when he did a whole vid on us. We did have a great time, roads are awesome and empty over there, food and drink is cheap and the Spanish welcoming.
Never done the Picos but been across Spain a few times to the Med coast, great cross country route through the mountains to Soria avoiding the motorways, great memories…
The Picos is just a tiny bit of Spain, so much more to explore. Do love the country, like the relaxed attitude, the outdoor eating and cafe culture. Love the empty roads.
Absolutely wonderful, loving the camera work, really creating the feeling of being on the bikes myself. This is going to be the inspiration I need to sort a tour to the Picos 👍🏻🍻
Top first installment of this tour and one that we have contemplated a few times doing. Thank you so much for the GPX files which I have downloaded and exported to KML files so I can explore in google earth exactly where you rode. I believe its Carol who's the sat nav expert out the pair of you and she has done a great job planning those routes. Can't wait to see how this all pans out and really look forward to seeing the roads and scenery. Big time on our bucket list now and have started looking at prices of ferries and digs, keep the excellent work coming R & C and big thanks again for sharing GPX's ride safe.
Thanks Steve, we look forward to seeing a video of you and your buddies out there at some point, and hope the routes are useful 👍 i must have go with that KML file exporting, you mentioned it on one of your videos a while ago, but id forgotten about it, thanks for the reminder.
You know what Steve, Carol said to me she could see you and your friends doing this trip. Its not too difficult to get to, got loads of circular rides (think you will like the first day ride I'm editing now) Food and drink is well priced and the scenery stunning. Yes indeed Carol did loads of work on the routes and route notes. We didn't find any glitches so happy to share. There are obviously loads more options you can do but a good basis for a DIY Picos experience. We didn't take our drone as the Spanish don't alow flying in their national parks and most of the Picos is within the park.
@@Flummoxed-B4 thanks Carol have been roaming around tonight with Google earth looking at the photo points you included and dropping myself on the roads to look around and it's stunning so great job and thanks 👍
@@Banditmanuk thanks for the drone info Richard am learning all the time from you guys about tips and again the routes I now have is a great base for me to investigate all around that area cheers, really look forward to Ep 2 and know how much effort goes into the editing of one of these video's. 👍
I really want to do this type of trip one day. Plymouth is just down the road as well . Wonderful place. I thought that was you breaking out into song at 22:31 Richard. I'm going to look at ferry prices now!
Yep be really handy for you. Plymouth ferry, 24 hours and you're there. 70 mile ride to where we stopped. You know I could imagine you, Saddlebags, Noo Biker and Weston Super on that trip together. Would make for great viewing. Believe me you don't want to hear me break into song!
It was cracking to finally meet you both, and always great to have an excuse to get the bike out for a spin. Portsmouth looks ace at night all lit up, and the naval dockyard is pretty well stoked at the mo too! 🙂 Incredible road through the gorge! 🙂
Cheers Pete, was great to meet you. I'm embarrassed I didn't say more about you and your channel after your brilliant vid on us. Hope we can make amends in the future and there is an open invitation to stay here for a night or long weekend to explore our area. best wishes Richard and Carol
@@Banditmanuk No need to be mate, I don't do those vids for anything in return 🙂 Ahh jolly kind of you, will have to see about taking you up on that next year! 🙂
Great watch guys just luv the way you both draw one into your vids ,it kinda makes one feel involved somehow in everything that your experiencing ,Lookin forward to the next part and what a brilliant road to ride on through the Pico's 👍👌
Great video guys, we've just booked a two bed apartment in the same block for the end of next September, can't wait. We've been talking about doing this trip for so long now, really looking forward to finally getting out there. Love the channel, keep the videos coming 👍👍
Fantastic. You guys will have a great time. There's some great run out routes from Potes in the description of our videos. Cheers and best wishes from Carol and Richard
You will have an amazing time Ian. Loads of fantastic roads. All our routes are in a link in the description. The ride out of Cangas being an absolute highlight. On a clear day try the cable car at Fuente de.... stunning.
Awesome start to the tour! Good to see you take full advantage of the "facilities" on the 2 day "cruise" 🍷🍺😆 Incredible first day ride through the Pecos, what a lovely road!! The accom looked top notch - all you needed and more, and a fine first evening exploring locally. Great stuff, looking forward to the rest of the trip.
When we originally booked pre covid the crossing was one night, Brittany then contacted us to say their new ship was going to go slower for environmental reasons! Anyway yes more food and alcohol consumed (guess that's their idea) Trip, weather and accommodation all good. Really good fun riding out there.
Great to see you both enjoying another holiday and sharing your experience with us all, thoroughly entertaining as usual. Started off feeling a bit Rod Stewart, 2 nights on a boat " We are sailing.....We are sailing.." ended up with Tom Jones's Spanish busking cousin. 😀 I fancied Norway but then discovered there's no direct ferries, this might be an easier option. I hope all four of you have a thoroughly enjoyable time.
Again thanks for the kind words. Wanted to use the we are sailing music, copyright says no. We both really fancy Norway but can only manage a week away in the summer, logistics mean its just not possible. As foreign motorcycle touring goes, this is just about as easy as it gets. Potes is just 70 miles from Santander. Once at the base, unload the luggage then it's light bikes to enjoy the amazing surrounding roads.
It went really well, weather was good and nobody crashed! Filmed way too much footage making it all painful to edit but hopefully should have a couple of decent day ride vids to follow.
Looks a decent apartment that, we stayed in the hotel Valdecoro a few yards from there, we’re off to the Picos tomorrow, very excited lol, Thanks for the great video again😎
Arr brilliant, nothing like actually riding there. If any of our GPX routes are of any use, please feel free, the link is in the description. Cheers, best wishes and take care, 👍
Hi, how are you keeping? Are you doing a big European bike tour this year? Have to admit we cover lots of the same roads as the original tour a few years back. Hopefully we've done a better filming job this time.
@@Banditmanuk yeah, been doing well. I've been busy flying a lot during F1 season, which has slowed my riding, but with the heat here in Dubai, it's not much fun anyway. Now it's cool and the riding season is in full swing. I'd like to do another tour this year, but as F1 season is during my usual vacation time, plus we're taking delivery of a new plane, I'll be busy in training for a month in training. We do our training down in Burgess Hill, by the way. Let's see. This past April, I rode solo from Nice to Bulgaria and back. Though a bit cold, it was still a great ride. I shot some video, but just haven't had the time to edit it into something watchable. Anyway, Happy New Year to you and Carol.
Ahhh, a bit of R&C therapy first thing in the morning 👍 That looked lovely, not been to the Picos but it's certainly on my list looking at this. That apartment looks perfect for both position and group riding needs. That garage! 👌 Was it expensive ? Look forward to part 2. Love your videos 👍Stay safe guys
Thanks for the kind words, appreciate it. The apartment booked over two years ago was £892 Euro cost of which was split between two couples. Not too bad especially if 6 of you were to use the apartment. If I had to be completely critical if you had the windows open at night it could be a little noisy from the road. Other than that, perfect.
@@Banditmanuk It looked very nice, and the garage is just what you want on holiday. Not so much for the bikes, more for one of our group who snores like a wild boar!
Your big Spain tour looked amazing, loads more logistics and hotel planning involved. Yes wish going out wasn't two nights but we salvaged what we could of the original pre covid booking which was originally a 24 hour crossing. Both the Galicia and Salamanca going back are nice ships. The inclusive breakfast and dinner were great..... French chefs 👨🍳
@@Banditmanuk we had a few issues along the way and learnt some more lessons. We was amazing was the contrasting scenery, one minute straight road across the plains, then up a mountain, riding along valleys etc. Catch up soon.😁
Once I had identified a fuel station was close by the apartment I was in with the MT10. Dead easy to get to, cheap food and drink. Above all amazing empty roads. Lots of options on booking .com if you did a group tour like your lakes trip. Enough riding to do something different each day for 5 days.
A great insight into what's involved, and in store! Looking forward to the rest of the series! Yikes, two nights on the ferry! You could have been in New Zealand quicker! 😆 Did you have to pay any extra for the ferry, as the prices are a lot different now from when you booked. I think at £900 I'm out. (Plymouth-Santander early July)
Brittany Ferries stitched us up a bit to be honest. When we booked pre covid the crossing on the Cap Finistere was one night leaving earlier on the Friday. The following year to retain our booking we paid an additional fee as we had the non refundable economy tickets. The following year as Covid still prevented the trip, Brittany agree to roll the tickets again (for a fee) and then informed us we would be on the new ship leaving Friday evening making it a two night on board trip. The offer was take it or loose the 4 person booking and try to claim through the travel insurance. In the end the two nights wasn't bad as we were off the ship by about 8.30am. Definitely not a cheap option now but neither is riding down through France on the tolls with two bikes, especially when the MT10 only does 35mpg!
@@Banditmanuk "Brittany Ferries stitched us up...." Sounds all too familiar. I was due to go July 2020. I won't go into the whole story here as it would take too long, but they only allowed me a 50% credit note and told me to claim the rest off my holiday insurance. I had used the same ferry in 2018 & 2019. ☹
@@paullee6663 Yep not a great situation all round but I guess from Brittany Ferries side the covid situation was a bit of a nightmare, multi millions spent on two new ships and no one allowed to travel. Think I remember you commenting on our 2019 tour vid so thanks for coming back, this will be a similar tour hopefully showing a few new things
Just got back from 12 days touring Spain and Portugal and had a great time, looking forward to your videos triggering some great memories. I'm assuming you booked the ferry by mistake and didn't realise you can sail from Plymouth and be in Santander in 23 hours :) 10 mins through passport control is amazing, it took us over an hour to get through at Rotterdam.
Hi Martin. Ferry booking was made pre covid on the Cap Finisterre a 24 hour crossing Portsmouth to Santander. We were in the hands of Brittany Ferries through covid moving the booking back as we had the economy tickets, we were just happy they moved the booking. The Plymouth ferry dates just didn't work with our work schedules and is a longer road run. Just how it panned out I'm afraid. Yep sheer luck at passport control, we were amongst the first off.
I have done both of the routes and because I live only a few miles from the M5, it's an easy run, for me, down to Plymouth and then only 1 night on board. I like the video as usual Richard and Carol.
Cannot say I was that happy that my original one night booking morphed into a two nighter during covid but I suppose I should be glad they kept my booking. We came back on the sister ship Salamanca, that made the crossing in 24 hours!
@@Banditmanuk I know what you mean but doesn’t it make sense to disembark first thing rather than 9 or 10pm the evening before to then find digs at midnight? Maximise your working day before you board, maximise your first day’s riding after you arrive. 😬👍🏼
Awesome place.. Never ridden abroad but its something I must do next year.. That seemed like quite a long crossing but I am assuming if you took a shorter crossing you would have a long ride to get to the picos?
When we originally booked the ferry pre covid it was a one night crossing but now from Portsmouth to Santander its two nights but it does get there first thing in the morning. You can get a one night crossing from Plymouth. Still quicker than riding down through France (which we have done) It's a 1100 mile ride! + about 400 from Scotland. The only downside for you is the journey from Scotland to Portsmouth. Santander to the base in Potes is only 70 miles. I would say as an introduction to riding abroad its an easy one to do yourself or with mates. That apartment had was great. Just did a different circular ride out each day.
@@Banditmanuk that massive ride through France sounds a bit of a trek for a first timer like you said. Portsmouth ferry sounds a much better idea. Got to be on my radar and your apartments looked brilliant. 👌
Hi glad you enjoyed the film. All the GPX files are linked in the written description part of this vid. Just click on the link and it takes you to a dropbox with every route and map we made
Mmm difficult really. We originally had a one night booking as we knew we could make Potes before dark on the Saturday. Then the booking got changed. We honestly didn't mind the two night crossing as we were off the ship 8.00am Sunday and could have done a full day's riding. We went with Portsmouth because its much more of a haul to Plymouth and back for us in the Midlands. It made it relatively easy for us to ride home to the Midlands on the returning Sunday. I've never used the Pont Aven, it's an older ship so the Salamanca and Galicia have the advantages of everything being new. Its really how it fits with your plans, where you're stopping and where you live. There were certainly some folks who took advantage of being able to hit the bar for a full day knowing they didn't have to ride that evening!
@@markmcdonald470 omg Plymouth to Aberdeen in one hit! That's 7 fuel stops on my MT10! Perhaps the two night crossing and a day in the ships bar/lounge to recover from the ride down is in order 🤣
Absolutely brilliant guys.
Thanks Chris, we had a blast
Excellent! Really looking forward to this tour - love the Picos 👍 great apartment too! ☔️😢
We loved this much delayed tour. Isn't it great getting our freedom to travel back? Looking forward to seeing how your recent tour went
@@Banditmanuk a quick question Richard - not sure why it’s a 2 night ferry? For us, Plymouth to Santander is always 1 night?
@@midlifemotorcyclediaries It's a mystery to us?? It's almost identical sister ship the Salamanca made it back from Bilbao to Portsmouth with us on in 24 hours.
We got stitched up by Brittany Ferries really. Originally booked by me pre covid on the 24 hour crossing Portsmouth to Santander on the Cap Finistere, two cabins four bikes four people. Brittany rolled the booking for a fee the first year and then the second year said that we could transfer for another additional fee to this outgoing ship but instead of arriving about 6.00pm Saturday, it wouldn't dock until 7.00am Sunday! Was a case of accepting or trying to claim back the considerable ticket cost through insurance.
The only explanation we got was that it was a greener way to travel, gas powered ferry going slower didn't produce as much CO2 and pollution! Nothing of course to do with having a captive audience to sell food and alcohol to for a whole evening, following day and another evening but perhaps I'm being cynical.
@@Banditmanuk That would explain it then! Thank goodness the Bay of Biscay behaved itself!😀
Great first episode. The ferry seems to be comfortable enough. I believe it was not cheap. Waiting for the next one. Just keep up.
Definitely not cheap but not much more expensive than crossing the English channel then riding 1100 miles across France on their toll roads with two bikes.
@@Banditmanuk I know. France is expensive: fuel, toll...
If the scenery isn't enough, the roads look absolutely perfect, and there isn't much traffic. Incredible. I hope you guys enjoyed the ride!
Was a great week out there Mark, I'm currently reliving our first full day's ride out out while editing it down to hopefully a watchable length. Yes some roads we just didn't see ANY other vehicles.
Its an amazing place to ride a motorcycle. Thank you for watching
It was great to see you meet up with Hippo-Drones before you set off, he seems like a lovely chap bless him 😁 corrr that was a very long queue, glad it was easier for bikers.
The room on the ship looks basic but very practical, you got some lovely night photos 😁 glad you all had a laugh during your time on the ship.
Some awesome scenery, almost difficult to remember to keep your eyes on the road 😂 I’m a big fan of the apartment parking, what a huge space, could get lots of bikes in there 👏
Hope you both have a great time 😁
Pete turned out to be just as I imagined from his vids, just a decent nice bloke. I feel sort of bad just mentioning him for a minute when he did a whole vid on us.
We did have a great time, roads are awesome and empty over there, food and drink is cheap and the Spanish welcoming.
Looks good. That's some cracking digs
Yep worked well for us.
Never done the Picos but been across Spain a few times to the Med coast, great cross country route through the mountains to Soria avoiding the motorways, great memories…
The Picos is just a tiny bit of Spain, so much more to explore. Do love the country, like the relaxed attitude, the outdoor eating and cafe culture. Love the empty roads.
What a beautiful and interesting story getting there. You guys did a fabulous job of editing the vid.
Thanks, some hours goes into editing tour vids. Quite difficult to condense 3 days into 20 mins but pleased how it came out.
We were there exactly this time last year. Thanks for the reminder.
We were just grateful to have finally made it back there, such a great place to ride a motorcycle. Appreciate you watching our video
Another really great video. Not too many sleeps before I go💪
Looking forward to the next episode☝️😊
Cheers Graham, exciting stuff isn't it, the anticipation of a great road trip. Let us know how it goes. Thanks for watching
Absolutely wonderful, loving the camera work, really creating the feeling of being on the bikes myself. This is going to be the inspiration I need to sort a tour to the Picos 👍🏻🍻
The Picos is a great easy destination as far as European touring goes. about 70 miles off the ferry and you are at the base of some fantastic riding
Top first installment of this tour and one that we have contemplated a few times doing. Thank you so much for the GPX files which I have downloaded and exported to KML files so I can explore in google earth exactly where you rode.
I believe its Carol who's the sat nav expert out the pair of you and she has done a great job planning those routes.
Can't wait to see how this all pans out and really look forward to seeing the roads and scenery. Big time on our bucket list now and have started looking at prices of ferries and digs, keep the excellent work coming R & C and big thanks again for sharing GPX's ride safe.
Thanks Steve, we look forward to seeing a video of you and your buddies out there at some point, and hope the routes are useful 👍 i must have go with that KML file exporting, you mentioned it on one of your videos a while ago, but id forgotten about it, thanks for the reminder.
You know what Steve, Carol said to me she could see you and your friends doing this trip. Its not too difficult to get to, got loads of circular rides (think you will like the first day ride I'm editing now) Food and drink is well priced and the scenery stunning.
Yes indeed Carol did loads of work on the routes and route notes. We didn't find any glitches so happy to share. There are obviously loads more options you can do but a good basis for a DIY Picos experience.
We didn't take our drone as the Spanish don't alow flying in their national parks and most of the Picos is within the park.
@@Flummoxed-B4 thanks Carol have been roaming around tonight with Google earth looking at the photo points you included and dropping myself on the roads to look around and it's stunning so great job and thanks 👍
@@Banditmanuk thanks for the drone info Richard am learning all the time from you guys about tips and again the routes I now have is a great base for me to investigate all around that area cheers, really look forward to Ep 2 and know how much effort goes into the editing of one of these video's. 👍
I really want to do this type of trip one day. Plymouth is just down the road as well . Wonderful place. I thought that was you breaking out into song at 22:31 Richard. I'm going to look at ferry prices now!
Yep be really handy for you. Plymouth ferry, 24 hours and you're there. 70 mile ride to where we stopped. You know I could imagine you, Saddlebags, Noo Biker and Weston Super on that trip together. Would make for great viewing.
Believe me you don't want to hear me break into song!
Good content as always, looking forward to seeing what's to come.
Thanks appreciate that 🙏
It was cracking to finally meet you both, and always great to have an excuse to get the bike out for a spin.
Portsmouth looks ace at night all lit up, and the naval dockyard is pretty well stoked at the mo too! 🙂
Incredible road through the gorge! 🙂
Cheers Pete, was great to meet you. I'm embarrassed I didn't say more about you and your channel after your brilliant vid on us.
Hope we can make amends in the future and there is an open invitation to stay here for a night or long weekend to explore our area.
best wishes Richard and Carol
@@Banditmanuk No need to be mate, I don't do those vids for anything in return 🙂
Ahh jolly kind of you, will have to see about taking you up on that next year! 🙂
Definitely a tour I want to do at some stage
It's stunning out there. It's also one of the easier tours you can do if you use the Santander or Bilbao ferry
Great watch guys just luv the way you both draw one into your vids ,it kinda makes one feel involved somehow in everything that your experiencing ,Lookin forward to the next part and what a brilliant road to ride on through the Pico's 👍👌
Appreciate you saying that as someone who also makes RUclips vids. Think more work goes into the editing than the filming. Thanks for watching
Great video guys, we've just booked a two bed apartment in the same block for the end of next September, can't wait. We've been talking about doing this trip for so long now, really looking forward to finally getting out there. Love the channel, keep the videos coming 👍👍
Fantastic. You guys will have a great time. There's some great run out routes from Potes in the description of our videos.
Cheers and best wishes from Carol and Richard
Sailing there leaving on Monday, thanks for showing me what awaits
Ian.
You will have an amazing time Ian. Loads of fantastic roads. All our routes are in a link in the description. The ride out of Cangas being an absolute highlight. On a clear day try the cable car at Fuente de.... stunning.
Am I right in thinking your both from the east Midlands area !
Ian
@@ianyoung2696 Between Ashby de la Zouch and Swadlincote
@@Banditmanuk thought so, I'm in Thringstone near Coalville 🤩
@@ianyoung2696 arr do you know my pal John Commons who runs the Vic Bikers pub in Coalville?
Did some riding in Gran Canaria with him.
Stayed in Potes this July . In the hotel just before where you turned into your apartment, excellent town Potes , we had the heat wave at 46degrees c!
We loved staying there John. Still got to about 33C while we were there, made sleeping a little difficult.
Awesome start to the tour! Good to see you take full advantage of the "facilities" on the 2 day "cruise" 🍷🍺😆
Incredible first day ride through the Pecos, what a lovely road!!
The accom looked top notch - all you needed and more, and a fine first evening exploring locally.
Great stuff, looking forward to the rest of the trip.
When we originally booked pre covid the crossing was one night, Brittany then contacted us to say their new ship was going to go slower for environmental reasons! Anyway yes more food and alcohol consumed (guess that's their idea)
Trip, weather and accommodation all good. Really good fun riding out there.
Great to see you both enjoying another holiday and sharing your experience with us all, thoroughly entertaining as usual. Started off feeling a bit Rod Stewart, 2 nights on a boat " We are sailing.....We are sailing.." ended up with Tom Jones's Spanish busking cousin. 😀 I fancied Norway but then discovered there's no direct ferries, this might be an easier option. I hope all four of you have a thoroughly enjoyable time.
Again thanks for the kind words. Wanted to use the we are sailing music, copyright says no. We both really fancy Norway but can only manage a week away in the summer, logistics mean its just not possible.
As foreign motorcycle touring goes, this is just about as easy as it gets. Potes is just 70 miles from Santander. Once at the base, unload the luggage then it's light bikes to enjoy the amazing surrounding roads.
I’m so pleased to see another tour from you guys. Looks like it’s off to a good start. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series 👍🏼
It went really well, weather was good and nobody crashed! Filmed way too much footage making it all painful to edit but hopefully should have a couple of decent day ride vids to follow.
Looks a decent apartment that, we stayed in the hotel Valdecoro a few yards from there, we’re off to the Picos tomorrow, very excited lol, Thanks for the great video again😎
Arr brilliant, nothing like actually riding there. If any of our GPX routes are of any use, please feel free, the link is in the description. Cheers, best wishes and take care, 👍
@@Banditmanuk Thanks, I’ve got a few of my own routes too, similar to yours, tried and tested, I’ve got 11 bikes with me this time lol
@@TwoFourCharlie007 wow I'm subscribed to you so will keep a look on how it goes. You filming it?
@@Banditmanuk yes, cameras and drone all charged up lol!!
Just getting around to watching this tour series mate. Looking forward to seeing those amazing roads again.
Hi, how are you keeping? Are you doing a big European bike tour this year?
Have to admit we cover lots of the same roads as the original tour a few years back. Hopefully we've done a better filming job this time.
@@Banditmanuk yeah, been doing well. I've been busy flying a lot during F1 season, which has slowed my riding, but with the heat here in Dubai, it's not much fun anyway. Now it's cool and the riding season is in full swing. I'd like to do another tour this year, but as F1 season is during my usual vacation time, plus we're taking delivery of a new plane, I'll be busy in training for a month in training. We do our training down in Burgess Hill, by the way. Let's see. This past April, I rode solo from Nice to Bulgaria and back. Though a bit cold, it was still a great ride. I shot some video, but just haven't had the time to edit it into something watchable. Anyway, Happy New Year to you and Carol.
@@BadMonkeyTouring Sounds super exciting work. I will keep a look out for that tour vid. Happy new Year
Ahhh, a bit of R&C therapy first thing in the morning 👍
That looked lovely, not been to the Picos but it's certainly on my list looking at this. That apartment looks perfect for both position and group riding needs. That garage! 👌 Was it expensive ?
Look forward to part 2. Love your videos 👍Stay safe guys
Thanks for the kind words, appreciate it. The apartment booked over two years ago was £892 Euro cost of which was split between two couples. Not too bad especially if 6 of you were to use the apartment.
If I had to be completely critical if you had the windows open at night it could be a little noisy from the road. Other than that, perfect.
@@Banditmanuk It looked very nice, and the garage is just what you want on holiday. Not so much for the bikes, more for one of our group who snores like a wild boar!
@@tojj29 🤣🤣
Looks a nice ship. Pont Aven which we were on earlier is looking tired. Bonus though it's a 22 hour sail. Great video
Your big Spain tour looked amazing, loads more logistics and hotel planning involved. Yes wish going out wasn't two nights but we salvaged what we could of the original pre covid booking which was originally a 24 hour crossing.
Both the Galicia and Salamanca going back are nice ships. The inclusive breakfast and dinner were great..... French chefs 👨🍳
@@Banditmanuk we had a few issues along the way and learnt some more lessons. We was amazing was the contrasting scenery, one minute straight road across the plains, then up a mountain, riding along valleys etc. Catch up soon.😁
Can you tour on a MT10 well the bandit man can! Top video, you’ve sold pico’s to me now mate 🙌
Once I had identified a fuel station was close by the apartment I was in with the MT10. Dead easy to get to, cheap food and drink. Above all amazing empty roads.
Lots of options on booking .com if you did a group tour like your lakes trip. Enough riding to do something different each day for 5 days.
@@Banditmanuk I’ll have to get something planned in mate, the roads looked epic and the scenery too 😍
A great insight into what's involved, and in store! Looking forward to the rest of the series! Yikes, two nights on the ferry! You could have been in New Zealand quicker! 😆 Did you have to pay any extra for the ferry, as the prices are a lot different now from when you booked. I think at £900 I'm out. (Plymouth-Santander early July)
Brittany Ferries stitched us up a bit to be honest. When we booked pre covid the crossing on the Cap Finistere was one night leaving earlier on the Friday. The following year to retain our booking we paid an additional fee as we had the non refundable economy tickets. The following year as Covid still prevented the trip, Brittany agree to roll the tickets again (for a fee) and then informed us we would be on the new ship leaving Friday evening making it a two night on board trip.
The offer was take it or loose the 4 person booking and try to claim through the travel insurance.
In the end the two nights wasn't bad as we were off the ship by about 8.30am.
Definitely not a cheap option now but neither is riding down through France on the tolls with two bikes, especially when the MT10 only does 35mpg!
@@Banditmanuk "Brittany Ferries stitched us up...." Sounds all too familiar. I was due to go July 2020. I won't go into the whole story here as it would take too long, but they only allowed me a 50% credit note and told me to claim the rest off my holiday insurance. I had used the same ferry in 2018 & 2019.
☹
@@paullee6663 Yep not a great situation all round but I guess from Brittany Ferries side the covid situation was a bit of a nightmare, multi millions spent on two new ships and no one allowed to travel. Think I remember you commenting on our 2019 tour vid so thanks for coming back, this will be a similar tour hopefully showing a few new things
Just got back from 12 days touring Spain and Portugal and had a great time, looking forward to your videos triggering some great memories. I'm assuming you booked the ferry by mistake and didn't realise you can sail from Plymouth and be in Santander in 23 hours :) 10 mins through passport control is amazing, it took us over an hour to get through at Rotterdam.
Hi Martin. Ferry booking was made pre covid on the Cap Finisterre a 24 hour crossing Portsmouth to Santander. We were in the hands of Brittany Ferries through covid moving the booking back as we had the economy tickets, we were just happy they moved the booking.
The Plymouth ferry dates just didn't work with our work schedules and is a longer road run. Just how it panned out I'm afraid.
Yep sheer luck at passport control, we were amongst the first off.
I have done both of the routes and because I live only a few miles from the M5, it's an easy run, for me, down to Plymouth and then only 1 night on board. I like the video as usual Richard and Carol.
@@RichardASK Cheers Richard, always good to hear from you
Ironic. The time you published this vid, we were on the Galacia, cabin 7138. 😬
Cannot say I was that happy that my original one night booking morphed into a two nighter during covid but I suppose I should be glad they kept my booking.
We came back on the sister ship Salamanca, that made the crossing in 24 hours!
@@Banditmanuk I know what you mean but doesn’t it make sense to disembark first thing rather than 9 or 10pm the evening before to then find digs at midnight? Maximise your working day before you board, maximise your first day’s riding after you arrive. 😬👍🏼
Awesome place.. Never ridden abroad but its something I must do next year.. That seemed like quite a long crossing but I am assuming if you took a shorter crossing you would have a long ride to get to the picos?
When we originally booked the ferry pre covid it was a one night crossing but now from Portsmouth to Santander its two nights but it does get there first thing in the morning.
You can get a one night crossing from Plymouth.
Still quicker than riding down through France (which we have done) It's a 1100 mile ride! + about 400 from Scotland.
The only downside for you is the journey from Scotland to Portsmouth. Santander to the base in Potes is only 70 miles. I would say as an introduction to riding abroad its an easy one to do yourself or with mates. That apartment had was great. Just did a different circular ride out each day.
@@Banditmanuk that massive ride through France sounds a bit of a trek for a first timer like you said. Portsmouth ferry sounds a much better idea. Got to be on my radar and your apartments looked brilliant. 👌
Love the film thanks do you have gpx rout files
Gpx files
Hi glad you enjoyed the film. All the GPX files are linked in the written description part of this vid. Just click on the link and it takes you to a dropbox with every route and map we made
Would you say the 2 night crossing is better than the 1 night crossing from Plymouth on the Pont Aven ? 😃😃
Mmm difficult really. We originally had a one night booking as we knew we could make Potes before dark on the Saturday. Then the booking got changed.
We honestly didn't mind the two night crossing as we were off the ship 8.00am Sunday and could have done a full day's riding.
We went with Portsmouth because its much more of a haul to Plymouth and back for us in the Midlands. It made it relatively easy for us to ride home to the Midlands on the returning Sunday.
I've never used the Pont Aven, it's an older ship so the Salamanca and Galicia have the advantages of everything being new.
Its really how it fits with your plans, where you're stopping and where you live. There were certainly some folks who took advantage of being able to hit the bar for a full day knowing they didn't have to ride that evening!
@@Banditmanuk We're north of Aberdeen so both ferry ports are a long slog Worth it tho 😍 Did Plymouth to home in 1 hit this time, never again !
@@markmcdonald470 omg Plymouth to Aberdeen in one hit! That's 7 fuel stops on my MT10! Perhaps the two night crossing and a day in the ships bar/lounge to recover from the ride down is in order 🤣
@@Banditmanuk We left Plymouth at 1pm & got in the house at 12-30, the RT gets almost 300 miles to a tank & the adaptive cruise was a god send 😃