Guardian - Europe's top 10 roads

**stevel** · 24 Mar 08, 08:38 PM

On the Grauniad website, and the Cat and Fiddle is number 1
Anyone tried any of the others?
Europe's top 10 motorbiking roads | Travel | guardian.co.uk

**Douglas** · 24 Mar 08, 08:49 PM

I did part of the Amalfi Road last autumn. Indeed I stayed at a Hotel which is actually on the Coast Road, but that was a bit further south.

It was spectacular, but not as spectacular as some of the roads through the Mountains on the Appia Way.

Here is my Blog entry

Quote:

18 Oct 07, 05:28 PM

Another great day!
Today I left Lucera and crossed the mountains to Potenza, and then headed west along the Appia Way across more mountains before turning seriously south to Cosenza and onto the Mediterranean Coast, where I am staying tonight. I even had time for a couple of hours on the beach reading Bike Magazine! The Hotel is pictured below. There is no doubt that traveling at this time of year offers great value. Pity Mrs Douglas is a teacher, so normally we have to pay premium rates. However I must admit that I am looking forward to Mrs Ds' arrival on Saturday.

The main feature of today was the return of the wide open spaces and quiet roads, which I have missed since leaving France. Northern Italy is much more like the UK in population density, and I had to resort to the Autostrada to get away from stop start riding. However yesterday afternoon, and all day today I have had a relaxing ride, and made good progress without too much effort.

Tomorrow I plan to make the relatively short trip to Reggio Di Calabria, and take the ferry across the Messina Straights to Sicily, ready for Mrs D's arrival at Palermo. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

I have included a map of Italy, which might help you know where I am. Tonight I am in the Amalfi

**Paivi** · 24 Mar 08, 08:50 PM

Done the Amalfi coast one a few times on a scooter, fantastic road! The locals fly past... One mistake and you're 300m down in the sea...

**KennySL** · 24 Mar 08, 09:14 PM

No, but they must be better, as in real biking roads, than the Cat and Fiddle which I personally find totally frustrating ie, the road surface is poor [in places], I find that I am generally stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear [on big bikes],few overtaking oppotunities as there are too many double white lines, targeted police presence, including helicopters,lots of tourists and of course HGVs, the times that I have used it, the weathers been less than perfect. It may just be me, I've been spoilt it seems.

**andyrh** · 24 Mar 08, 09:22 PM

I'm pleased to see that the A2 Antrim coast road is listed at 7

It is a fantastic road, which is normally really quiet.

Having driven it a couple of times in the car, I am really looking forward to riding it in May

**royum** · 24 Mar 08, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyrh

It is a fantastic road, which is normally really quite.

We're all in suspense Andy, really quite what???????

**Paivi** · 24 Mar 08, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by royum

We're all in suspense Andy, really quite what???????

**andyrh** · 25 Mar 08, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by royum

We're all in suspense Andy, really quite what???????

Work it out yerself Roy

It's like being being back at school

BTW - your not holding your breath in suspense are you?

**royum** · 25 Mar 08, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyrh

Work it out yerself Roy

It's like being being back at school

BTW - your not holding your breath in suspense are you?

Gone thru Blue am positively purple faced now!!!!!

At least I can breath again...........

The nice thing about that road is how the nice people driving tractors and lorries always pull over and let you past, now if only.......

**andyrh** · 25 Mar 08, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by royum

Gone thru Blue am positively purple faced now!!!!!

Whoops - wrong response, sorry!

**Laz** · 26 Mar 08, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyrh

I'm pleased to see that the A2 Antrim coast road is listed at 7

It is a fantastic road, which is normally really quiet.

Having driven it a couple of times in the car, I am really looking forward to riding it in May

7. A2, the Antrim coast road, Northern Ireland

At 60 miles long, this is a frontrunner for the best biking road in the world. It's certainly the most biker-friendly place in the world: the legend that was Joey Dunlop cut his teeth on this road, the NW200 race is staged in the area, and the locals revere all things biking. Head north out of Larne on to the A2. The road twists in and out of pretty fishing villages, often skimming so close to the sea's edge you feel like you're floating on it. Across the North Channel, just 24 miles away, is the Mull of Kintyre. But the views can act as Sirens, as the turns get tighter and the drops tumble into the breakers pounding the cliffs below. At the end? The Giant's Causeway and, after that, the Bushmills distillery. Biking Mecca, Irish whiskey. What's not to love?

Its a cracking road Andy, as you know - but it is much better tackled from the Larne end heading north!! We shall have to work something out regarding that for when you're over here!! Maybe that Thurs you head down M1 towards me and i'll meet you at the Larne line roundabout! Anyway will be in touch!!