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Devon TRF Group Open Forum -> Away from Devon -> Spanish Pyrenees, it's finally happening!!
Post Info TOPIC: Spanish Pyrenees, it's finally happening!!
Jerry atterick


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Spanish Pyrenees, it's finally happening!!
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I've been a very long term TRF member, albeit in the shadows. The Keyberry in the 80's.

Barring disasters between now and next Sunday, 16.30, I'm finally off on the trip I promised myself before COVID!!

First I needed to build "my" bike, which, to put it mildly, was a step too far!!

But, it's built and massively "shakendown".

Over the years I've built push bikes, cycled around Ireland when fourteen, raced bangers, built and raced stock cars and hot rods, raced enduro from 35 to 60, built and fettled all my race bikes, had the pleasure of collecting lots of TTRs from Málaga for Brian (what a week), run the business, repairs to excavators, forklifts etc BUT nothing compared to the "**** ache I gave myself building, what on the face of it, was an intentionally very basic bike!!

Mind you, I did have to build a powder coat oven for all the bits (chrome hubs etc).

Enough of all the trivia.

My aim, TET I'm afraid, Santander, Spanish Pyrenees, Andorra, French Pyrenees, 11 days wild camping mostly, campsite as needs be or B &B if persistently wet.

Solo, at the mo, cos I got no friends - joke!!

If anyone interested, I'll post various bits on a daily basis.

Thereby generating the enthusiasm or "I must go!"

Enthusiasm makes the world go round.

My christening to the TET, apart from UK sections was a trip N to S France with SP pre COVID. Wetted a whistle.

Numerous trips to west coast of Ireland and the Isle of Man with Ollie, bless him RIP

Unless, of course, someone wants to join me.

 



-- Edited by Jerry atterick on Tuesday 30th of September 2025 03:36:37 PM

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chriscole


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Have great time Ric

i look forward to your reports from the road



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Good luck Rik! You deserve it to all go well for you. 
Bri
PS I would love to join you but I got a bone in my leg cry



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Mike Wright


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Looking forward to the report and pics as sometimes solo are some of the best adventures I find providing you are prepared of course. Met loads of great people on my travels and being solo often got invited to join them for a meal etc . Have a great time and enjoy the trip it sounds superb.

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Jerry atterick


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I admit to being a tad apprehensive / excited as well.

Been a hassled week.

Tues morning my Garmin did the black screen thing!

Luckily Bridge are knocking them out at a sensible price.

Then yesterday, I was preparing a spare flexiplate to include in my "If it can, it will and usually ******* does" section, all good.

Looked at plate on bike and realised the led light red cover has gone forth.

No idea when, light tucked up out of harms way. (Clearly wasnt! ;)  )

Didnt want to risk on line, the usual google - "Champion Motorcycles" Broadhempston had a suitable replacement light unit.

Redo rear light etc.

All good now, bike ready to go and 90% gear sorted.

Presently printing off and laminating all the various numbers for ref, emergency contact / blood group in helmet etc.

"In reach" all sorted and a box of Tramadol (in the event etc) in First Aid.

Tow rope to knock up in the morning.

Once Im on the ferry, Ill relax.



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Jerry atterick


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Think it's fair to say "I've lost my sea legs"!!!
Dead calm over but green as. Spent 90% of the trip in the cabin, flat out.
Then ferry ramp jammed and there was an hour's delay getting off the boat
All in the past now.
Out of Santander, along with many other bikes, mainly road stuff.
A bit intimidating, trying to watch the route, roundabouts correctly, wrong side of the road etc.
Well, I got it wrong, ended up on the Bilboa motorway until I got my bearings then headed towards the TET.
Did a few miles, very pleasant, nothing hard, past lakes and many farmsteads. Cows mouching about, everywhere it seems.
Time starting to get on, so checked for a campsite.
Couldn't make much sense of the camping app, so did a Google maps.
Campsite about 15 miles, that'll do.
Lovely sweeping main road until turn off.
What a road up into the mountains. Stunning.
I was happy now.
Gets to the campsite - closed.
Oh well, carry on over the mountain towards, hopefully, civilization.
Via "Portillo de lunada", 1350m.
Shows up on a "Google".
Getting pitch black then, pretty chilly and many many hairpins, edge of small road marked everywhere with black and white poles.
Impressive scenery.
Dropped into Las Machorras, pub on left - that'll do.
Much Google translate on the bar, much banter with the locals.
Staying tonight in a nice lodge, need a decent night's kip.
Bike behaving faultlessly - so far!!
Tomorrow is another day.
Ill have a better idea of what a reasonable distance is achievable at the end.
Have more idea what I can see.
I'll check with Brittany Ferries, see if I can change ferry back to Roscoff.
If doable I might do the Pyrenees into France and then head up the West coast section of France.
All the best plans are "no plans".
Spontaneous far more entertaining.



-- Edited by Jerry atterick on Monday 6th of October 2025 08:39:34 PM

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Good to get the update! Ta Rik.

PS "I'll check with Brittany Ferries, see if I can change ferry back to Roscoff." We know it's possible the other way around eh? biggrinbiggrinbiggrin



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Jerry atterick


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Needed the memory stick that I left behind! Duh.
So headed for Bilboa.
Now I'm pretty behind the times in the now real world, but it's impressive.
Was a right ball **** to find but got summat.
BUT, message to self (or others), if you want to not get lost, sort an ear piece bluetoothed to the sat nav!!!
The road system is exceptional, puts the UK to shame.
Everywhere tidy.
At the end of the day, got to Haro.
Nice campsite.
Chap across the way brought me an ice cold beer! Bleddy luvverly.
Haro just off the TET, head for the next section in the morning.
Bike still staying together, cruised all the motorway miles at 65 to 70, which was my intention.

Didn't notice anyone speeding and max is 120 kmh.
Tomorrow's another day.

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