8 days to go.... but where to go?

This year my bike trip plans didn't really pan-out as expected.....

Plan A - The original plan was for a bike trip that would bring together a lot of my old pals for a drunken adventure around my favourite bike destination - Morocco. This would be the funniest trip of all time as we are all the best of friends since childhood and the possibilities for fun are endless.

Plan B - With limited holiday availability we all decided that perhaps it would make more sense to do something a little closer to home. Boat to Spain and then a loose plan from there.

Weeks passed and it became clear that not everyone could commit the time, money and / or they couldn't get hold of a bike.... On top of that, the Plymouth / Portsmouth to Santander / Bilbao tickets were selling-out fast so a decision had to be made. The alcohol inspired plan was falling apart at the seams.....

Plan C - Does Dino fancy another trip to the continent? Unfortunately Dino's father passed-away so he had to burn a lot of his leave on sorting-out his late father's estate. Dino was out.

Plan D - Go Nomad. I am happy travelling on my own. Whilst not having anyone to share the experience with, you do engage more with the locals, get a better feel for a place and you can do what you want, how you want, when you want. That said, suddenly having to pay a load of extra money for cabins, accommodation, etc. seemed a bit wasteful which led to......

Plan E - Take the wife as a pillion! I normally do these trips as a bit of an escape and I don't mind roughing-it so why take someone who prefers home comforts and doesn't like motorbikes..... I would have even less space for my gear and the bike riding fun would be reduced but: -

1). It didn't cost much more than going solo, so it would be a cheap 'holiday treat' for her.
2). I will have someone who can cook for me.
3). The distances are pretty short so I shouldn't get too many complaints.
4). My mum was happy to 'baby-sit' our 13-yr old.
5). I will have someone to drink Port with in Porto.

So, boat from Plymouth to Santander. Picos de Europa. North Coast of Spain (mostly back-roads). Santiago de Compostela. Northern Portugal and down to Porto. Douro Valley. Back via Spanish back-roads and through the Picos. Ferry from Santander to Portsmouth and home. So only about 1500 miles or so in 9 days (2 days on the boat). Easy.....