NORTHERN SPAIN PICOS DE EUROPA TOUR 2012

[GoldSyncro]

Now had a couple of people express their interest in another trip to the Picos. More than happy to organise if we get enough people together.

Rob

[garyd]

Rob,
no posts on here but have you had much response on this?

We could be interested at the right time of year.

thanks

Garyd

[GoldSyncro]

Hi Garyd

Not to much interest at the moment but it's still early. Would be looking to again organise for October.

Rob

[mrmule]

Sounds good. Keep us posted please...

[terryvanman]

can you add me as a very interested party,,,will know nearer the date

[garyd]

Thanks Rob,
Please put me on your list of interested parties.

thanks
Gary

[syncropaddy]

Add me to this list as well. We will be in France the last two weeks of September and if this event was at the beginning of October we could tack on an extra week or so and leave the old Mercedes at home and dust the cobwebs off the Syncro. When could we have an idea of dates as I need to book holidays and sell the idea to the missus .......

[GoldSyncro]

Early October is good for me.

The list so far;

syncropaddy
garyd
terryvanman
mrmule

[GoldSyncro]

Hi Jes

Last year we decided to spend the week in one place and do day trips rather than try and organise a journey from A to B. We stayed at a campsite near the centre of Potes which had a good bar and restaurant. A couple of evening we all ate and drank together otherwise people did their own thing.

I organised a local guide and left it to him to decide where best to go and places to visit. He also organised all the permissions and licences required.

Probably best to ask to guys who came last year about overall cost, etc.

All in all everyone had a really good time without any major breakdowns or mishaps.

If you can find the time it might be a good idea to read through the last forum thread.

This year I'll probably keep with the same format although it would be nice to spend a couple of days in a less well know area where we may be a little less restricted by local permissions allowing us to be left to our own devices.

Rob

[garyd]

I was annoyed that we (in particular the syncro) weren't ready to go last year so really want to make it this time. Like syncropaddy said, an early decision on dates would be good to allow booking of leave, etc.

Early October has been mentioned and this would suit us. It would allow me to celebrate my 60th birthday in style!!

I think that most stayed for just a week last time but we would probably stay a bit longer. However, a week together at Potes with several days of guided laning would be good. That would allow other days for some sight-seeing, mountain biking, etc.

What was the weather like in late October last year particularly in respect of temperatures and rainfall?

Thanks
Garyd

[GoldSyncro]

Hi Garyd

I'm happy to organise the trip whenever you want. Anytime after August is best for me. Probably best if you suggest a week and everyone else can comment. Weather wise the earlier the better.

Cheers

Rob

[garyd]

Thanks Rob.
Not sure if others are worried about school holidays or not.

I will start by suggesting week of September 30th to October 6th as main week for guided laning, subject to me checking the ferry timetable.

What do others think?

Garyd

[terryvanman]

Just had a quick flick through Brittany Ferries, it looks as if its the same as last year, out from Plymouth to Santander and back from santander to Portsmouth....The dates can be changed...but the sailings change at this time of year as winter is coming so they cut down on the number of sailing.
you can always try a different route, Bilbao

Out from Plymouth on the Pont Avant [same ship as last year and their newest] on Sunday 30th Sep sailing 3.45 pm

Return from Santander [same ship] on Monday 8th October sailing 3.45 pm

All the 1/2 berth outside cabins are taken on both outward and return sailing. so only inside left.

The cost for my 6 metre long wheel base with inside cabin= £608.00 a bit less than last year

For a 5 Metre long van [T25] with inside cabin £548.00

its about £25 more for a bike rack..[I think}

I seem to remember someone managed to get a discount for us if we quoted a special number

PLEASE DONT HOLD ME TO THESE TIMES AND COST. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

[HarryMann]

What was the weather like in late October last year particularly in respect of temperatures and rainfall?

Cracking, we hit a sweet spot I imagine... cold mornings up in the mountains but very warm (hot) on the beaches other than one very stormy night & day. Sea temps low 20's, very swimmable

That was about a month later than you are proposing though

[mrmule]

Ferry is coming out at £578 for me and the fam. Did anyone drive down last year? That kind of money would go pretty far on fuel... I know its a tougher method of transport and a really long way, but worth considering...