NORTHERN SPAIN PICOS DE EUROPA TOUR 2011

[Peninsulakid]

Hi Patrick

I am going to go to St Malo on 20.30hrs sailing on Thursday 20th which will give me and my mystery co driver 2 days to get to the Picos. Plenty of time with a camp somewhere south or east of Bordeaux.

The voucher system can be used for any sailing for anyone.

You are welcome to come with us in a mini convoy or use it for the Bilbao route.

The St Malo route out with Bilbao route back with 2 adults and cabin both ways is coming out at £490. Its 1100kms from St Malo to Leon in Picos.

Some great places to see/stop on way down. For instance Cognac( Need I say more) beautiful town with awesome history even if you don't like the drink. St Emillion, one of the top wine regions in France and what a pretty walled medieval town. Oradour sur Glane, the village that the Nazis ransaked in world war II and has been left as the day they left as a shrine to the 700 or so villager that perished. Awesome visit. These 3 are all about midway.

Getting very excited and its still 8 months away.

Wondering if anyone has thought about an essentials to take list.

Cheers Rich

[..lee..]

a syncro would be top of my list.

[Peninsulakid]

Surely a turk can do better than that poor effort!

[terryvanman]

warm clothes,,,,it can get very cold up the Picos...

[syncropaddy]

This is an interesting post I read on a Mercedes forum posted by a lad who lives in Souther Spain

I felt that as much warning as possible should be given to those of you who are considering driving in Spain this year.

1) The National Speed limit has been lowered from 120kph to 110kph (for some reason best known to the idiots in Madrid)

2) Zero Tolerence has been introduced for all marked speed limits - 1kph over and a fine will result (this is our latest local one http://www.theleader.info/309/articl...-speed-camera/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)

3) Please don't be mistaken in thinking that because you are in a non-Spanish registered vehicle, you will be 'exempt', as the following will happen:

a) If caught on a fixed camera, the fine will still be sent out - thanks to the information now supplied by the DVLA, upon request from Trafico.

b) If caught on a mobile camera, you will be asked to pay an on-the-spot fine, which can be anything upto 500€. No cash? No problem. You will be taken to a cash machine, so you can pay. Can't do? Simple - your vehicle will be taken off you.

c) If excessive speed (open to interpretation by the gun-carrying Guardia) is the reason. Your vehicle WILL be impounded, you WILL be arrested and you WILL go to prison - until such time as your case comes to Court (usually the next day - not always!). The British Consulate may be able to assist you.

Food for thought

[GoldSyncro]

Sorry to say but he's right.

We had a guest stay with us last year and unfortunately he was caught speeding returning from the beach with his son and daughter. He was sent off to find 300 euros and to make sure he returned the Gardia 'retained' his 12 year old son.

Viva las Franco!!!

[dave friday]

The Gardia do seem to be stopping people around our way[on motorways],general word seems to be 3kph over the 110kph limit.
It is quite odd that i have to watch my speed on the motorway!!.
Rob,could we join you lot in October?,
Ta,Barry.

[GoldSyncro]

Hi Barry

Not a problem. All the places for the 'off-roading' are pretty much taken but you're more than welcome to join us for the festivities!!

Hopefully will be back in the Picos soon and will be looking to confirm everything with the guide, etc. Therefore could everyone please confirm that the 24th - 28th October is when you would like me to organise the 'off-roading'?

I will also be asking for deposits soon to cover the cost of the guide.

Cheers

Rob

[PetenAli]

Takes me back to Spain in the late 70's when I first went there with a Bay Window full of mates. Then the Guardia really were Franco's fascist police and could be quite frightening especially when they saw what they assumed was a van full of drug crazed hippies (couldn't have been further from the truth really - one of us worked for customs & excise!)

Thanks though - this is helpful info although at least our speedo is in KPH and we'll have a sat nav set to KPH as well.

Is there any more news on Brittany Ferries group discounts? We are definately on for this trip and want to get the best deal out of BF that we can!

[PetenAli]

I will also be asking for deposits soon to cover the cost of the guide.

Sorry Rob your post went up while I was composing mine. Let us know when you want the deposit.

Thanks,

Pete

[syncropatrick]

Yep, 24-28 Oct.

[syncrodoug]

That's fine with me - 24-28 Oct
Doug

[axeman]

let us how and when too send the moneys through too you.

just thinking out loud but would we not be better sending the moneys through in a group form to save on bank charges etc?

neil

[GoldSyncro]

Hi Neil

I have a UK bank account which everyone can pay into. I'll then transfer the money as a lump sum over to Spain.

Not sure if it's the best idea to post my bank details so I'll probably contact everyone seperately, unless someone has a better idea.

I'm looking to cover the cost of the guide and camping so I'll be asking for a deposit of around 250-275 GBP.

With regard to getting here I think it best that you sort this out yourselves. Some people are already talking to Brittanty Ferries about discounts, etc.

Cheers

Rob

[PetenAli]

With regard to getting here I think it best that you sort this out yourselves.

Just done this - travelling Plymouth to Santander on Sun 23 Oct (arrives Santander 12.00 24 Oct so we should be at the site by late afternoon). Returning Santander to Portsmouth on Mon 31 Oct.

Decided to go for it now because we've had previous experience of how BF will suddenly hike their prices and their booking staff can't give any warning of when this will happen

Looking forward to it very much and to meeting a lot of 80 90 people for the first time.

Pete and Ali.