Q & A
QI was going to do one of your Pyrenees trips that stops in Andorra, but I’ve heard people say it’s not worth going there. Should I avoid it?
AAndorra does divide opinion. Are there nicer towns or villages in the Pyrenees? Yes. Is it like staying on the set of “Shameless”? Not at all. It is more urban and so less charming than some places, but it’s pleasant enough and there’s some good riding to get there. As with all tours, the crucial question is: where can you find a hotel that fits in with the mileage you want to ride each day? We break our trip in Andorra to keep the days at an easily managed 200 miles each, but if you’re willing to ride further you could stop at La Seu d’urgell in Spain. If you want to stop earlier, try Ax les Thermes in France – but remember you’ll have to catch up the mileage next day.
QI was looking to go out on the Bikeshuttle to Geneva and ride the tour you planned around it… but can’t find it on your website. Any ideas?
AThat trip was in our April 2016 issue and the sat nav files for it can still be downloaded from the interractive map on the routes page of www.ride.co.uk – to find them quickly just type “APR16 Geneva” into the search bar of the map. Anyone wanting to use the Bikeshuttle should see www.bikeshuttle.co.uk
QI’m keen to ride Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, but don’t want to subject my wife to days
QAof rain on the pillion. When’s the best time to go for the weather?
ATo be honest, there are no guarantees – it can rain at any time of year on the West Coast – but you’ll be unlucky to get a lot of rain between July and the middle of September.
Map or sat nav – what’s best for my first bike tour? Always take a map, even if you have a sat nav. A nav can help you stay on course – which is good, because getting lost is no fun. Just remember to concentrate on the road, not the screen, when riding.