I'd take note of the very good advice given above.
I've done over 30,000 miles on bikes touring Europe & distances travelled between destinations can be critical to the overall enjoyment of the trip.
We now aim for 200 - 250 mile days which affords us the time to choose good biking roads,scenery, coffee stops & lunch. Afterall, it's got to be enjoyable otherwise why bother?
For example, you expecting to go from Santander, which from memory the ferry doesn't arrive until lunchtime, to Barcelona (460 miles) by evening is unrealistic & you'll miss out on some of the finest biking roads anywhere in Europe. As TM says add in a couple of overnight stops, take in some great roads in and around the Pyrenees & you'll not regret it. We're going this year again & have some great routes mapped out. The area really is that good it shouldn't be rushed through.
You thinking 250 miles is a half days riding & 500 miles is a full day is so not true on good biking roads. Autoroutes yes, but what a waste of a trip.
I've done over 30,000 miles on bikes touring Europe & distances travelled between destinations can be critical to the overall enjoyment of the trip.
We now aim for 200 - 250 mile days which affords us the time to choose good biking roads,scenery, coffee stops & lunch. Afterall, it's got to be enjoyable otherwise why bother?
For example, you expecting to go from Santander, which from memory the ferry doesn't arrive until lunchtime, to Barcelona (460 miles) by evening is unrealistic & you'll miss out on some of the finest biking roads anywhere in Europe. As TM says add in a couple of overnight stops, take in some great roads in and around the Pyrenees & you'll not regret it. We're going this year again & have some great routes mapped out. The area really is that good it shouldn't be rushed through.
You thinking 250 miles is a half days riding & 500 miles is a full day is so not true on good biking roads. Autoroutes yes, but what a waste of a trip.