I had 2 days to get from Suffolk to Antibes so set off dead early for a 7.30 ferry from Dover. I was imagining an easy run but was stunned to see the A12 closed at nights for improvements. A diversion through Colchester past all those 30mph cameras did nothing for my mood.
Still, made Dover in time and arrived at Calais at 9 am. Sad to say it was Autoroute all day to Lyon. 650 miles and a very long day but I was never really uncomfortable. In fact the Falco is definately the most comfy bike I have ever ridden long distance.
I found a hotel in a village and in the morning got an early start down the N504 towards Chambery and then Grenoble and the Route Napoleon. Now I have heard lots about this road which is why I was on it but I was a bit disappointed. OK it was Saturday so busy (are there any Dutch campers left in Holland?) and the weather was iffy - hailstorms etc !! Certainly the last bits from Digne to Grasse are best. Far better than the Peage anyway.
I was overtaken plenty but felt vindicated when I came across 2 local hotshots who had passed me earlier (courteously enough with the lowered right foot) parked up with one of the bikes wedged ahainst the crash barriers on the outside of a hairpin! Ran a bit wide methinks but seemed ok if a little ashen.
Grasse to Antibes was awful but it was damn good to park up and leave the bike. I stayed with family for a week in Antibes and my biggest concern planning this trip had been bike security but it all worked out ok. There are so many places to park a bike and lock it to street furniture. I moved it to a new spot every 2 days and all was ok.
I managed one day ride that week up into the hills above Vence which was great - especially without the luggage. Finished up on the Route Napoleon again but it was virtually empty this time - midweek. Far better but still no match for what was to come !!
Saturday again and time to head home. I have more time now so it's over the border to Italy where I swear the Falco ran much sweeter
. I headed north up the E74 to Cuneo. This is a nice road but was busy and in the parts on French soil was swarming with Gendarmes. Really swarming. There must have been a hundred. They were in packs by the roadside every 5 miles or so pulling loads of people in. Anyone - not just bikes. Of course I got the tug - "Monsieur, in France it is illegal to cross the white line - it is a 90 Euro fine - do you have 90 Euros?" Luckily I had bugger all and after some fawning and grovelling I was released. Behaved myself afterwards though.As I got nearer Cuneo the road got quieter until I was feeling quite lonely. From Cuneo I headed North West into the Alps and for 2 days had the most amazing riding experience. I would never have believed I could tire of mountain roads and hairpins but after hours of climbing col after col I needed a break. I am a keen cyclist and know the mountain passes by Tour de France reputation so was determined to cross a few. The col de Larche, Col de Vars, Col d'Izoard,Col du Lautaret, Col du Glandon, Col de la Madeleine....... What roads. Hairpin after hairpin - no traffic at all a lot of the time and great scenery. I was a bit wary near the tops with snow melt crossing the road and had one awful descent in pouring rain but not as awful as for the cyclists I was passing.
An overnight stop in Le Bourg d'Oisans and off into the mountains again.
However once I reached Haute Savoie it was far busier so I opted for the Autoroute past Geneva towards Lausanne. I turned off at Nyon to ride into Jura and found perhaps the best road of the trip. The N5 to St Cergue and beyond. I had no warning and was following a local supermoto when he cranked into a left then right and I followed only to find it was a complete switchback and I was all over the place trying to shift down, brake and turn. Thankfully nothing was coming the other way cos I was on the wrong side of the road and asking for it. After that I was cautious but it was still an excellent road. Must be a local favourite as there were loads of bikes. At one point I was overtaken by a V strom like I was standing still.
Sorry this has gone on a bit ( a lot) so I'll wind up. After the Alps I found north France a bit dull so after a night near Dole it was back to Calais and home. Still managed to avoid the Autoroutes until St Quentin but once on the E17 I just hammered home.
All in all it was a superb ride. The Falco performed faultlessly returning 50 mpg on average and was comfortable apart from a bit of knee stiffness - but I do have long legs. That engine is just perfect for this sort of trip. Total 2300 miles.
I will post a photo or 2 later.
