We had heard much about the Picos de Europa in Northern Spain, not least from our fellow USA Coast-to-Coast travellers Dave and Sue who had been forced to cancel a planned trip in 2005. When the trip appeared in Bob's schedule for 2006 we contacted Dave and Sue and booked four places on the trip.

Soon it was time to load up the Pan and head for Torquay for an overnight with one of Sue's excellent curries and a chance to sample Dave's latest malt.

Next day we headed for Portsmouth where it proved too hot for looking round the historic ships and we simply chilled out by the beach watching the hovercraft. Eventually it was time to fuel up and head for the port to meet Bob and our fellow travellers.

Much to Sue's delight the Bay of Biscay was exceptionally calm with not a wave to be seen - ideal conditions for watching the many dolphins. After 36 hours we docked in Bilbao. After Bob's "Welcome to Spain" chat we all headed for Funte De. It was too misty for a trip on the cable car so after lunch we headed for the Hotel Cosgaya.

The next day Bob declared we would do "Route B" heading south from Potes to Cervera de Pisuerga with a excellent coffee stop at a nearby Parador. Unfortunately the viewpoint on the way was lost in low cloud.

Then it was west via Triollo to Riano for lunch. As we approached Riano the sky was very dark and an excellent "menu del dia" lunch was interrupted by lightning and several power cuts. When the rain eased we headed back over the San Gloria pass which was still cloaked in mist.

Then it was west via Triollo to Riano for lunch. As we approached Riano the sky was very dark and an excellent "menu del dia" lunch was interrupted by lightning and several power cuts. When the rain eased we headed back over the San Gloria pass which was still cloaked in mist.

With the weather much improved the following day Bob selected "Route C" - a very good route on minor roads to the west of Potes - to allow an early return and a trip on the cable car at Funte De.

Having easily conquered the first two days Bob scheduled a trip to the Cares gorge. Recent road works has improved some sections of the route but caused severe damage to others. This, combined with the re-building of the centre of Posada de Valdeon turned the route to the gorge into a trip which would have challenged a GS let alone a selection of Pans and VFRs. Still we all made it in for lunch and back out again.

Leaving Cosgaya behind we moved on to the Hotel Miraolas in Llanes for a further three nights. The next day was declared an "off bike" bike day and Bob tried to interest everyone in a walking tour with only limited success. We headed up the Desfiladero de los Beyos gorge to Riano enjoying brilliant weather.

On the way back we took the funicular to Bulnes which was a bit of a disappointment.

Bob had scheduled some culture for the next day and we visited Covadonga where it was a bit wet then took us up to Sotres for an excellent lunch.

Some history was included in the form of the famous cave painting at Altimara en route to last stop at the Hotel Las Rocas in Castro-Urdiales.

All to soon it was time to release Owen from the hotel garage and head for the ferry at Bilbao.

Many thanks to Bob

 for another excellent holiday under the Bike Ecosse banner.