Off to Portugal

[bulb]

Me and a mate are off to Portugal in the middle of October for the motogp. Just wondering if anyone else had done a similar sort of trip, what were their experiences, what do you wish youd taken/not taken, etc. Any tips or advice or places of interest down the west coast of France and around the atlantic coast of Spain/Portugal.
Also, I'm aware that cars need to carry a kit of spare bulbs and things like that - does that apply to bikes? where would the warning triangle go?!

cheers

[wassy]

We are flying out. Just booked tickets www.ticketline.pt official ticket site, noticed that some grandstands are sold out already so might be worth booking. ( 10euro's cheaper per ticket than other site's as well ).

[bulb]

We booked ours a couple of weeks ago and they arrived in the post on Tuesday morning. I can't remember the site, but it was all in portugese and a general admission ticket was 15 Euros!

[Booster Monkey]

Take some spare bulbs as headlights are mandatory in spain and you can be hit with a fine if you break a bulb. the Civil guard don't seem to be too bothered about bikes not having all the crap with them though....Be careful in france as over 30 kph over the limit can result in vehicle confiscation. In Spain do not underestimate the Guarda Civile traffic cops we narrowly avoided a fine a couple of years ago for filtering wrongly....Also another couple of guys on big Jap Riceburners managed a 300 euro plus fine for speeding at 150 kph in a 50 kph limit. Don't take the piss too much is the main advice as most european Cops will leave you alone if you maintain a reasonable level of behavior. Also think about booking on the portsmouth bilbao ferry with P&O or AT Ferries as this is a much more civilised way of getting there and after you add up your costa for going the long way its not that bad.....The Spanish main roads are now mostly motorway standards so if you want some twistys you will have to get off and get on the back roads...there are some really good ones if you are prepared to look. Most miguels will try to race you in even the most beat up seat van if you get naffed off with them just pull to the side and wave them on it will be appreciated as some are in some pretty hot cars. I have done the faro rally 6 time so I have a fair Idea of whats going on......Just keep your cool and enjoy things....If you are running late night and get tired its not worth the hassle just pull in on a Hostal usually has a big red H sign and have a kip they are only usually about 2- 25 euros......Just have a good time...