SPAIN MAYBE, MAYBE NOT??? 
It was the year 2019 when the rumblings started, the fingers twitching and the brain twirled, yes, it was ‘plan a trip’ ime. After 5 minutes it was decided it was to be Spain ( basically we had a massive Brittany ferries discount, but that’s another story).
We had already done the French and Spanish Pyrenees a few years back so the next best thing was….Yes, you guessed it: “More mountains and twisties”, so the Picos mountains was to be our destination.
First things first we booked the ferry for Sept 2020, all excited I searched the web for what seemed like weeks for a reasonably priced hotel with fantastic rooms, great views, perfect position for town, secure parking for the beloved, free breakfast and great position for riding the routes, and yeah I found one in a town called Potes.
Next challenge was to design 5 routes ranging from 150 to 200 miles. Never one for making life easy for myself (copying Ride magazine Routes) I designed the routes from scratch again scouring Google maps for places of interest and awesome roads. After a month I finally managed to get it all sorted.
Sept 2020 came and went and we were still sitting in the UK twiddling our thumbs and gagging to get out into the Spanish mountains. So we had to reschedule the ferry for 2021.
The big question was “Would we ever get out of the UK ever again ?”
Sept 2021 was finally here and we were off to the Picos (HOORAY) all paperwork sorted, jabs done and then bad news the dreaded Covid hit one of the team a few days before departure and was unable to go..(GRRRRRRR). He and we were absolutely gutted.
The day had finally come all paperwork in order, passport and custom checks done.
A long boat trip, lots of beer and choppy seas don’t do it for me. Luckily my stomach held out and I didn’t need the sick bag, but I was so glad to get off the bloody thing.
We arrived at our hotel Valdecoro Potes about 5pm, bikes parked and unloaded we hit the town devouring coffees, cakes, more beer, best burger ever and beer night cap.
https://www.myrouteapp.com/route/open/3670634
Our first taste of the roads were mind blowing, gentle bend after bend and rising to the top of the pass the scenery took your breath away and this was not the highlight of the day. When we finally arrived at Estación de Esquí y Montaña Alto Campoo it was 360° of heaven as far as the eye can see of mountain ranges a truly special place.
Mileage: 200 miles unfortunately lost route
Back to hotel for a well deserved beer
Day two
We did a 150 mile circuit: first leg was high speed bends for 30 miles or so; then we hit the mountain roads again – easy bends this time.
Lastly, were the gorges with tight bends and switch-backs with cliff face one side and the other side stone walls. Serious concentration needed on this bit especially as some drivers didn’t quite know which side of the road they should be on.
Back to hotel – Beer time !
https://www.myrouteapp.com/route/open/3659031
Day three.
Another 170 mile route on high mountain roads again brilliant roads and weather fantastic and spectacular views. We were all starting to get a little fatigued towards the end of this one as it was literally one bend after another and took us nearly 8 hours to complete!! I don’t think the middle of the tyre got any wear whatever.
Biggest danger: cows, cows poo, horses and random dogs on the road.
Back to hotel – Sup of Beer time!
https://www.myrouteapp.com/route/open/4127306
Day 4
Decided to take a welcome day off the bikes but still managed to ride 60km return to a cable car and ride it up to the top of the mountain, 1800m in 4 mins ! Not one for heights, I basically looked at the floor, pooped myself and sang out of tune (unlucky for the other people on the cable car I didn’t inherit any Italian or Welsh singing talent). Another stunning mountain with white shimmering rock faces and it snowed!!.
Back to hotel for a little Beer.
Day 5
Reverse of Day 2
Another day of 100% concentration tight twisties, hairpins, up steep mountains and steep decents and more than a few cow pats thrown in to keep us on or toes… quite a hard day with a long time in the saddle. But there is always light at the end of the many tunnels.
Back to hotel – two beers and a G&T !
https://www.myrouteapp.com/route/open/4082891
Day 6
160 miles
Bilbao, another great route to the port. Taking advantage of our last day we took in mountain views, lakes and lovely towns
On ship: several beers and a lovely meal and….more beers.
https://www.myrouteapp.com/route/open/4081167
Biggest pain in the “bottom” was the UK Covid locator form – we did sweat a bit on that one but sorted in the end.
All paperwork was checked in and out of the UK/Spain so you will not get away with not doing the appropriate form filling and we did see vehicles been turned back.
9 day trip.
2 day testing kit £48
European breakdown £33
Travel insurance £40
Petrol £20 per day
Food and Drink £50 per day
Brittany ferries £816 ÷ 3
Hotel £720 ÷ 3 should have been ÷ 4.
Date 28th Sept to 5 the Oct 2021 Absolutely stunning scenery, Beautiful town, no queues for petrol, amazing roads. Highly recommended.
Happy Safe Riding
Nigel Servini