I have my sisters who live in Bristol - so I go there to see them and to pop round friends house for a chinky. If I am on the bike I always go solo, there and back in a day. If 'er indoors is coming we go in the car, hotel overnight.
The little day trips down to the south coast are a day out for me on the bike, primarily to chill. I generally do around 250 miles. If its nice, I may do one next week.
The Spanish thing is a 2 week holiday (October time) alone on the bike. I like to look at Spanish culture and architecture so tend to visit 'out-of-the-way' places where they don't speak English, which gives me the opportunity to practice Spanish. Many buildings in little towns and villages go back to the Moors in the 12th and 13th centuries.
The 3500 mile one was unusual. I rode down through France to the border about 850 miles then toured round Spain (a pre-planned route but no accommodation booked) down to Malaga in the south then went back up to Santander in the north (via Madrid) to get the ferry to Plymouth. No ferry- bad weather in Bay of Biscay - next ferry 4 days later. So rode 150 odd miles to border with France then went up to Calais then to Dover through the tunnel, hence the extra 1000 miles.
I always ride alone because I want to be able to do what I want and go where I want and not be dictated by a group. Sometimes the weather will make a plan change necessary, if you're alone then its no probs. I usually pop into Madrid for a day or two as I've got friends there. I always book hotels on-the-fly. As I've done it a few times, I know where there are some nice little places.
Col
