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[MR2 Zig]

Just curious, because I have no clue on distances and travel times in europe, how long did you drive each day and how many miles/kms did you travel? The roads you used....mostly 2lane (one lane each direction) or bigger 4lane etc?

Looks like it was a really enjoyable trip

[SimonB]

Hi MR2!
Most days we tried to drive only 3-4 hours because of the little ones although the last day took a bit longer, mainly because the rear brakes stuck on so hard at the last petrol stop before home!
Day 1: Viana to Viveiro was about 4.5 hours driving, mainly autopista (freeway?) but the last bit from A Coruña to Viveiro was 2 lane, a lovely new road, twisting through the mountains. Total mileage: 338km or 210 miles
Day 2: Viveiro to Candas-Perlora near Gijon was only 2.5 hours on the North coast highway which was almost all 2 lane except when we got near to Gijon. It was about 190km or 118 miles.
Day3: Candas to Santillana del Mar was about 2 hours useful driving although we got a bit lost going into Gijon to visit the aquarium. Again a mixture of autovia and 2 lane roads with lovely mountain and coastal views only 166km or 103 miles.
Day4: Santillana del Mar to Saubusse les Thermes was around 4 hours although we also detoured into Bilbao for lunch, this drive was mostly motorway with only the last bit on little roads through a forest. 311km or 193 miles.
Day 5 Saubusse to Bagneres de Bigorre was only 2.5 hours of mostly autoroute with 2 lane for the last few km up into the mountains. 166km or 103 miles
Day 6 Bagneres de Bigorre to Carcassonne was about 2.5 hours of autoroute, 239 km or 148 miles
Day 7 Carcassonne to Nice should have been about 5 hours but took longer. All autoroute with lots of traffic and well over 90ºF with no air con a distance of 494km or 306 miles!

So Total driving time 23 hours for 1904km or 1183 miles!

[MR2 Zig]

Thanks SimonB

[SimonB]

Stop Press:

I am putting the car back on the road after Christmas. Any advice about what needs doing before I start driving?
I know that I need to sort the brakes and have a look at the steering, although it stopped being so stiff when it cooled down.
What other things do you think need doing on a car which has been standing for 3 years, just being started up and moved around every other month or so?
Any advice is welcome, thanks!

[Giuliettaevo2]

timing belt and all fluids since they all age/deteriorate...

also check the tyres for flat spots from standing. And the fuel filter for rust or gum.

[SimonB]

Thank you!