Go Big and Ride Small

[ErikGustav2]

Thanks for the input.
That trail is no in the GPS (Or actually in Base Camp so far)

Do not think that I plan in every detail. And then stick to that.
But planning requires information and decisions.
That will be usefully when starting to improvise.
I will easier understand the impact of changes done and decision taken during the trip.
I also like this part of a trip. To try to learn about the area I want to visit.
And afterwards, process my notes and pictures.

Picture from Base camp:
The trial is in Magneta

My earlier tentative rout is in blue.

[ErikGustav2]

From the book:
==
Just 4 km past the lovely village of Espinama, the road ends abruptly where it is hemmed in by immense walls of rock. From here, a ride with the telefonico cable car will take you up to the vertical cliff face to a viewing area that provides you with astonishing views down the valley floor below.
==

I asume that it is in Fuente de

Maybe something to test and stress the adrenaline ??

[Flintlock]

Erik

Yes we took a ride on it - most enjoyable

Here's a link to my ride report - might assist you in your planning

https://adventurebikerider.com/forum/vi ... 38&t=52306

[Godspeed]

From the book:
==
Just 4 km past the lovely village of Espinama, the road ends abruptly where it is hemmed in by immense walls of rock. From here, a ride with the telefonico cable car will take you up to the vertical cliff face to a viewing area that provides you with astonishing views down the valley floor below.
==

I asume that it is in Fuente de

Maybe something to test and stress the adrenaline ??

Yes, that’s the walk up to the cable car station. I did it one day, 4 hours walk and a fairly high ascent too. It’s not the same but as the ride except that you could use the same road to begin with from Espinama

855C4202-D5B5-40AD-BFE6-2AFF262B34F5.jpeg (222.34 KiB) Viewed 2083 times

[Tonibe63]

Google maps show a road/track up to the top cable car station and there is a cafe so they must get supplies up there somehow. It shows a branch off on the Sotres/Espinema trail at the hotel Aliva on the gravel road.

[Brenhden]

I agree, Many 250s are heavy bikes,
I tried V strom DL 1000, DL 650 and DL 250. Back to back some years ago.
650 was well up to the job, so I had no use for a 1000.
But when I tested the 250, it felt as the 650 bike with a smaller engine in it.

Of course that engine weighted less than the 650 engine.
=> I did not find any reason to buy a DL 250.
And SW motech had luggage system for 650, but not for 250

We were not he only ones, since the DL 250 dissapeared from the market,
I have seen that another Suzuki 250 model is lounched, But not in Europe (yet)

This Benelli is 176 kg, ready for the road. At least 25 kg less than the RE himalayan. or CB500x
My old Honda NX 4 is 149 kg, ready tor ride. Another 25 kg less.
All have plus and minus. Always a compromise.

I will give it a try.

https://portugal.benelli.com/product/trk-251-e5

I really like 250cc bike, this one makes good power too. I've not seen this one in the flesh but I like how it appears that the engine is a a stressed member of the frame, however the bottom of the engine and the exhaust that go under it are very exposed. If I were riding the awesome Pico trails I was definitely fit a very thick bashplate.

Screenshot 2023-05-02 100143.jpg (63.89 KiB) Viewed 2005 times

[minkyhead]

J
What is your view:
Is this something that should be included. To do not you miss a nice trip through the national park ?
You did it on your Innova, even it was hard. What about riding it an a small standard street bike with street tires ? Too hard ?
What was the hard conditions ? stones ? sand ? bumpy ? or ...
It looks as you left the luggage. Good idea to not ride loaded bike on this trail ?


Thanks
/Erik

it was a while back when i did it on the way to the ferry from portugal ... suface may of changed alittle i remember it was skittish and fairly steep on the last few miles towards sotres like rolling pebbly stuff ..but easily doable on a 250 for sure ...

hers a shit video to give you a idea ..views are emmense id take a picknick and spend a few hours up there to take it all in its only ten miles or so but deffo worth a mornings worth of your time

[Scott_rider]

I've ridden around The Picos on two occasions and also through it on that road in the gorge that winds alongside the river for miles and miles but I'm starting to think that I've missed a lot of it . I'm purely a road rider these days and both times we've done the loop from Panes to Potes to Riano to Cangas etc. One day, we rode it twice. And to mix it up the following day we went down to Guardo which was an excellent ride and stayed over. Anyway, as much fun as it was riding that giant 'scalextric track' I think next time I'll try out some more minor roads and towns/villages and wondered if there are there any recommendations? (on road only).

[Godspeed]

Google maps show a road/track up to the top cable car station and there is a cafe so they must get supplies up there somehow. It shows a branch off on the Sotres/Espinema trail at the hotel Aliva on the gravel road.

There’s a definite gravel track up to the top but I’m not sure if you were allowed to ride up to the cafe. The local police ride the area in 4x4s and apparently off piste riding is very much frowned on…
They may just get the supplies up in the cable car

[ErikGustav2]

Paperwork is now sorted so it was time for first test ride.
It took place on twisty tarmac roads in the hilly parts of Algarve.

The panniers were mounted, but with low load.
So far so good.
I am happy with the new girl. It worked out fine.
She handles great and the power is enough for these types of roads.
We will see how she handles loaded.

Hopefully this will be my "Mountain Bike". I would like to ride the Pyrenées and the Picos area in the future.
On the twisty tarmac roads. Not trail riding. But some dirt roads maybe. If it is needed to get to nice spots or camp sites....