Buscando el sol: La Seu D'Urgell

I had a great ride along the N260 from Sabiñánigo in perfect weather. I was again following the German motorcycle club (ADAC) suggested route. The N260 is a long road and passes through a wide variety of terrain in terms of the views from the road and also the variety of curves and straight sections it offers. There is also a good deal of variation in the condition of the road which varies from brand new, where sections have been renewed, to pretty awful in places where the recent bad weather has taken its toll. At points there are big gaps in the armco which has been bent and ruptured where rockfalls must have carried it away at some time (either that or damn great big trucks!).

There were plenty of road crews out and at one point I was held up for a good half hour waiting to pass one section under repair. Of course the work has to be done but to a motorcyclist an unwelcome side effect is the horrible tarry bits that get picked up and flung onto the bike, clothes etc, as well as making the tyres slippery for a mile or two.

After crossing the collado de Espina, I turned north on the N230 towards Vielha and the Val d'Aran. I wasn't sure I would get through here as the Val d'Aran was hit very hard a week or so ago when the snow melted and flooded the villages with mud etc. However, I was able to pass through the 5 km long tunnel and then turn south again on the C28 towards Sort. This is a magnificent stretch of road and one highlight was passing over the Port de la Bonaigua at 2072 metres/6800 feet at which point I had snow below me as well as above. At Sort, I turned east to La Seu d'Urgell where I am yet again keeping the paradores in business.

The last couple of days have seen many more tourists around than I have seen all month up to now. I guess the combination of good weather and the popular region explain it. Among them have been a lot of bikers too. Again, until now, I have seen very few but there are plenty around now, although I have seen only one UK group judging by the plates.