A Spanish Experience

[WillS]

Just thought I would pass this on.

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90055355-54A8-4295-AD28-C7C9C0A44A8C.JPG (103.59 KiB) Viewed 1920 times

Riding Experience in Spain.
Living in the Pyrenees, and being only 80km from the Spanish border, a day's ride in Spain is often the choice, there are plenty of great roads around the Spanish Pyrenees, and normally traffic free, resulting is some of the best days riding.
However on Sunday a group of 6 riders set off on a circular route passing over the Col Portillon into Bossôst and up to Viella, then take the route to Baquiera. This is a fantastic road all the way to Sort.
On leaving Viella, on the C-28, passing the end of 50kph limit sign, so into a 90kph zone, we come across a car doing around 30kph, with another car following, it's a solid white line. We followed for a while, then the Car in front indicated right and pulled towards the hard shoulder / edge plenty of room, so slowly passed, then the first car kept his position. Carefully passing the car, making sure not to cross the solid white line, we progressed up the hill towards Baquiera. At the next roundabout two traffic police on BMW 1200RT Motos, pulled in front and waved us to stop.
They quickly checked all 6 number plates before explaining in Spanish, with lots of gesticulating. I assumed that we had done something really wrong, but not sure what, we were well inside the speed limit, never crossed the white line!!
They radioed for reinforcements and a 4x4 vehicle turned up with two more.. This all happened too fast.
The books came out and were each fined 100€ (600€ total) No discussion.
How do you want to pay sir, card or cash!! Yes they have card machines on the bike!!
So after paying by card, suddenly he found he could speak English!!
And explained we were "Filtering" and that's illegal in Spain, but not in France, or the U.K. I assume.
Since reading the fines, we were done for not "Leaving 1,5m lateral whilst passing a vehicle"

Since all this has happened, a few more riders have said they were caught at the same place with a slow vehicle and with the same infraction!! Coincidence or a set up!!!
I know know what we all feel.. But proving it or arguing with them!! It's not worth it or possible.
After we had a great ride, over 500km and no more problems..
So take care whilst riding in Spain, they are looking for your money!!!

[Oop North John]

Thanks for that. Does the local council have a funding shortfall?

[SteveW]

Thanks for the info.
I've often thought the Spanish Plod use sneaky tactics.
I'm sure the car doing 30kph caused more of a hazard than you chaps did.
I don't think it'd happen here.

[WillS]

Thanks for that. Does the local council have a funding shortfall?

Must be for the Christmas Party. I did ask if he was on commission !! :whistle:
Didn't understand his reply!!!! :woohoo:

[Mickdb1]

I was told by a local down Mazarron way that the local police havent had a pay rise for the previous 5 years to last year. They now can receive a percentage of the fines. Local folks that know them may "give um a bollockin" if maybe they get stopped, but johnny foreigner is fair game and cant argue. This may be just a good bar room rumour. I have seen loads of keep 1.5m clear of cyclists signs though , to be fair. Also yer were lucky they didnt take offence to the photo taking = they dont like that either

[AlanHolt]

You must be 1.5m away from anything you overtake in Spain, pedestrian, cyclist, broken down vehicle etc.

[WillS]

You must be 1.5m away from anything you overtake in Spain, pedestrian, cyclist, broken down vehicle etc.

That's going to be difficult on some Spanish narrow roads!! :whistle:
But two cars can pass each other head on at 90kph with less than 1,5m between them. Really doesn't make sense.
Totally agree for passing the cyclist, but passing a Peloton of 50 or more of them, it's classed as one!! So make sure you have plenty of room.
Think it's all to stop Filtering of Motos.

[jim Richardson]

I have done the Moto Piston rally in Colombres afew times, one rider was fined for not having his lights on during a daylight ride, he was on a 1920's Triumph with acetalyne lights.

[Mickdb1]

http://n332.es/
helpful and sometimes laughable and frightning

[WillS]

http://n332.es/

helpful and sometimes laughable and frightning

Think I will stick to the trails in Catalonia and Aragon, it's safer and less expensive !! :whistle:
Interesting though.
Seems like you cannot ride with flip flops but ok in shorts and t-shirt !! :whistle: