Five roads worth riding to Europe for

IF YOU'VE never taken your bike to Europe, you’re missing out. OK, the UK has some decent roads but how many times have you gone for a ride and ended up getting stuck behind half the Caravan Club, dangerous OAPs and dozey Sunday drivers? And if you do get a clear run at your favourite road there’s always the threat of police, speed cameras, and the frequently poor quality surface of our nation’s highways.

But the solution to these problems is simple – Europe. Some of the tarmac available on the continent is the stuff of dreams so whether your version of riding nirvana is a road that’ll cater to you and your sportsbike-riding mates, or for a two-up trip with the Mrs, there are roads in Spain, France, Italy and Germany that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t already sold up and moved.

This is by no means a definitive list, rather just a few of our favourite roads, with something for everyone. If you’ve got your own suggestions, let us know in the comments.

1. The GI-682 between Lloret de mar and Sant Feliu de Guixols, Spain

Running along the coast out of Lloret de Mar, the GI-682 is an incredible, sinuous ribbon of tarmac with countless bends. It combines a mix of flowing corners and turns, plus tighter, more technical bends and hairpins. The section to Tossa de Mar is more open and flowing, while further north, it gets a little tighter. It’s demanding of your concentration, and the large sections where there’s just a piece of Armco barrier separating you from the sea down below is a healthy reminder than you need to show this road some respect.

Length

30km

Time taken

You’ll easily do this one morning or afternoon, meaning once you reach one end , it’s time to stop for something to eat or drink, before turning round and doing it again

Best bits

All of it. The flowing section between Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar is packed with plenty of sweeping bends, while there are a few more tighter, slower corners north of Lloret de Mar around La Pola I Giverola, Salionc and Canyet de Mar.

Watch out for

Generally, the road surface is good, but keep an eye out for patched up sections which aren’t as smooth and grippy as the rest of the tarmac. For much of its length, the GI-682 sits next to rock faces and it’s not uncommon to find patches of dust and debris in your path. Being a coast road, there are plenty of lookout points along the way, which means opportunities for car drivers to pull out on you or suddenly slow down before pulling in to admire the view.

2. The Nurburging, Germany

THE NORDSCHLEIFE is arguably Europe’s most famous public road – legendary because of its history and the challenge it offers. Cutting through the surrounding forests, the 12.9-mile long Nordschleife is a ribbon of tarmac unlike any other. Technically a public toll road, anyone can turn up and pay for a lap before being let loose. Riding at the ‘Ring is a challenge because conditions can vary hugely depending on where you are, plus it's fast, there’s little run off in many areas and riding there often means being in close proximity to cars. Don’t let that faze you though – take your time, show it some respect and you'll discover that it’s magic.

Length

12.9 miles

Time taken

Depends how good you are and whether you know what coming up next. It’s probably best not to worry about laptimes.

Best bits

Making it back in one piece to tell everyone you’ve ridden the Nurburgring

Watch out for

Changing weather conditions along the lap. Keep an eye on how much space you have because unless you’re riding there on a bike-only day, you’ll probably be sharing the track a lot of fast-moving traffic – and that includes cars. Take it easy to start with before building up speed slowly.

3. A-397 from Marbella to Ronda, Spain

THE ROAD to Ronda is one of many fabled stretches of tarmac in southern Spain and for good reason – it’s nearly 50km of cornering heaven. It features an incredible mix of bends but what makes it so popular is the way it flows so well together, meaning that with a clear path ahead, you can really push on (ahem), if that’s your thing and the road just goes on and on. The A-397 might even be the best road in Spain. It's definitely kind of road you’ve probably dreamt about time and time again.

Length

47km

Time taken

Approx one hour

Best bits

The generally good quality road surface, good visibility and a lot of fast, sweeping corners

Watch out for

Police

4. The Giau Pass (SP638) and Falzarego Pass (SR48) – Dolomites, Italy

THE SWISS Alps frequently get all the glory for having the best mountain roads in Europe, but that’s not a reason to ignore the breathtaking Italian Dolomites. The Giau and Falzarego passes ae full of hairpin bends and both take you up over 2000 metres above sea level and into the clouds where you’re surrounded by stunning mountain views. Base yourself in Cortina, and both these twisty mountain roads are on your doorstep.

Length

If you follow the SR48 Falzarego Pass road to Pian di Salessi, it’s about 27km. Take the SP638 to Codalonga and you’ll be riding for about 25km.

Time taken

40 mins – one hour

Best bits

The hairpins and the views

Watch out for

Cyclists and poor surfaces in places

5. Gorge de Loup – D6, Cagnes Sur Mer, France

THE SOUTH of France is home to a ton of amazing roads, and the one that follows the Gorge du Loup – the D6, is one of the most spectacular in the area west of Nice. If you’re looking for somewhere to go banzai on your sportsbike, this might not be the road for you, but if you want stunning scenery, you’ll be well catered for. As you follow the D6 north away from the coast it follows the Loup river, at times becoming a ‘balcony road’ where it’s cut into the side of the gorge and it rewards with incredible views of the gorge and river below. The D6 eventually turns into the D3 before meeting the D2, which you can follow south again back towards the town of Vence.

Length

20km

Time taken

30mins

Best bits

The views into the gorge below

Watch out for

Sheer drops on one side