Driving France
Discussion
Hi Graham,,, I'm due to travel back home on the 22nd,,,
And as Dick has pointed out a rather interesting route through the Alps I may well be going that way
Cheers Dick,, I'm not sure if I'm confident enough to do the Alps on my own so I'll decide nearer the time.
Saying that I'm riding fine on the right hand side of the road, it almost feels normal now!
I've got my barings now and leave the sat nav(phone) in my bag.
It's a bit allarming but when in France I do as the French do,,, riding in a T shirt and shorts to the beach etc,,, I'm very careful and give plenty of time to do junctions etc.
Saw my shadow in a window as I rode past some boat builders shop,,,,, boy my bike looks good,,,,
I've never done a holiday on my own and it's feeling a bit strange but I seem to make friends wherever I go based on the bike,,, they love the thing around here!
Gentlemen, thanks for all the tips and support it's made my journey feel less stressful and far more enjoyable.
Alun
And as Dick has pointed out a rather interesting route through the Alps I may well be going that way
Cheers Dick,, I'm not sure if I'm confident enough to do the Alps on my own so I'll decide nearer the time.
Saying that I'm riding fine on the right hand side of the road, it almost feels normal now!
I've got my barings now and leave the sat nav(phone) in my bag.
It's a bit allarming but when in France I do as the French do,,, riding in a T shirt and shorts to the beach etc,,, I'm very careful and give plenty of time to do junctions etc.
Saw my shadow in a window as I rode past some boat builders shop,,,,, boy my bike looks good,,,,
I've never done a holiday on my own and it's feeling a bit strange but I seem to make friends wherever I go based on the bike,,, they love the thing around here!
Gentlemen, thanks for all the tips and support it's made my journey feel less stressful and far more enjoyable.
Alun
I've just checked your profile out,,,, V8S,,,,,,,red,,,,,,Oz wheels,,,,,,, my old S2 was the same colour etc,,, who's joelous now???? 
No pics as I havnt been far and who wants to see the beach! Topping up my vitamin D and doing some swimming as my left shoulder and neck muscles are giving me grief! ( previous injury ) I'm supposed to be having surgery on my neck before too long so this trip is a chance to ride before I'm told I can't!
I'm thinking enjoy the sun then when it's a cloudy day I'll go for a big ride,,,, so far just blue skies and not a cloud in sight since I got here, fabulous.
Here's a thing,,,, 1000 odd miles now since I left home and the bikes not used a drop of oil,,,,, two pistons running at 5000/6500 revs all the way here,,,makes you wonder about our old V8's. Mind you the bikes only done 5800 miles since new, I've had the bike on the road about 4 weeks and it's already on 8100,,,
It's some sort of Carma,,, I think she ( the bike) loves me because I'm using her as she wants to be used not sat in a garage or whatever.
The bike has put some faith back into me,,, all I need now is to get my Tvr finished and I've got a feeling she'll take me places too.
Ownership of my car has pushed my patience to the point I dislike it,,,
The bike feels great but being honest so does myTvr, 4years of repairs and big f
king bills has hurt me but I can see light at the end of the tunnel,,, just need it mapped properly now and it better work!
I'm really sad the cars not with me,, I miss seeing her and this trip is the sort of thing I had planned in 2011 for the car,,, it's nearly 2016 for gordsake!
I do like a good rant,,,
Alun
No pics as I havnt been far and who wants to see the beach! Topping up my vitamin D and doing some swimming as my left shoulder and neck muscles are giving me grief! ( previous injury ) I'm supposed to be having surgery on my neck before too long so this trip is a chance to ride before I'm told I can't!
I'm thinking enjoy the sun then when it's a cloudy day I'll go for a big ride,,,, so far just blue skies and not a cloud in sight since I got here, fabulous.
Here's a thing,,,, 1000 odd miles now since I left home and the bikes not used a drop of oil,,,,, two pistons running at 5000/6500 revs all the way here,,,makes you wonder about our old V8's. Mind you the bikes only done 5800 miles since new, I've had the bike on the road about 4 weeks and it's already on 8100,,,
It's some sort of Carma,,, I think she ( the bike) loves me because I'm using her as she wants to be used not sat in a garage or whatever.
The bike has put some faith back into me,,, all I need now is to get my Tvr finished and I've got a feeling she'll take me places too.
Ownership of my car has pushed my patience to the point I dislike it,,,
The bike feels great but being honest so does myTvr, 4years of repairs and big f
king bills has hurt me but I can see light at the end of the tunnel,,, just need it mapped properly now and it better work! I'm really sad the cars not with me,, I miss seeing her and this trip is the sort of thing I had planned in 2011 for the car,,, it's nearly 2016 for gordsake!
I do like a good rant,,,
Alun
Anthony it's people like you,Peter, blitz, Sardonicus, chimp on Gas and many gifted others who share their wisdom on this site that has given me the confidence to carry on with ownership of my Tvr,,, I've learnt more about mechanics on here and felt the pain of others struggling to fault find and often wish I new more and could help but it's never long before one of the experts uses their time to try and help,,, remarkable people all of you. I can't talk about our grand kids because I well up, mine should be here with me!
I taught my grandson all the times tables by the time he was 5,,,, he's now 10 and still top of the class in math,, I hope you approve.
I went to buy an iPad, sales assistant starts going through it with me,, I said, no point telling me,, tell him and pointed to my grandson,,, who duly took over and understood the lot.
I ring him if I'm stuck
Nothing to see here
6pm this evening having a beer on the beach.
Had a nice ride along the coast road for about 10 miles last night,,, 10pm and still 22degrees, nice.
It's to hot to ride the bike in the day as with leathers on so I'm just cruising to different beaches and relaxing so far.
The roads are still pretty busy during the day time so with the engine heat radiating all around me it's nice when I can get some speed up, saying that I'm super cautious in the bends, sand gets blown off the beaches and into the roads and I had a two wheel drift going on yesterday,,,, heart pounding moment,,, as it was happening all I cared about was smashing my fantastic fairing to pieces!
Then again today went over the brow of a hill and straight into a tight left hander,, to fast, stopped and had a right good chat with myself! We have tight curve markers in the uk, I've sussed it the French have a speed sign telling you what you should be doing,,, no warning of what's about to come at you mind.
I cruise along behind cars but every motor cyclist just white lines it everywhere,,,, it's not a problem but keep your eyes open for bikes coming straight at you,,,
It is slightly amusing seeing ferrari's etc pottering along in traffic so as I go by I give it a handfull just to annoy them,,, this bike is really loud.
I'd love to strap my phone to the front of the bike and film some of the road action but I can't be arsed and don't have a clue how I'd post them anyway.
Lovely vineyards along the road, rolling hills and really good road surfaces etc it's a smile a minute.
I can't help thinking how much fun I'd be having in the Tvr around here but that's for another time.
I will try and take pics but of what,, the bike? The beach? The sea? I ain't perving and taking shots of the girls. , they are rather beautiful though
Finally I think using the sat nav app on my iPhone is melting the battery,, it goes flat really fast
I keep wanting to ride into the hills but bottle it,,, all alone on tight twisty roads,,, it's not worth the risk.
Alun
Nice bike mate,,,,I passed my test on one of those,,, it is a Bandit?
I have an old girlfriend looking after my dog in the uk and her brother has travelled the world,, he says it's the best place he can think of. I really enjoy the French lifestyle,, 3 hr lunch, very tolerant and always say hello,,,
As the weather is a bit iffy today I'm not sure what I'll get upto so thought I'd hang around here see what comes of it
Another pic of my glorious bike,,, and the apartments I'm staying in.
I've just realised it's 20 years almost to the day I was here with another beautiful girlfriend (camping)
English site and there was a Yamaha 125cc parked under a tree,,,,, I found the owner, some kid who couldn't get it working,,, I said if I fix it can I use it whilst I'm here,,, he gladly agreed,,,
10mins later she ran fine,, hahah
Two weeks with that girl on the back going about the place,,, heaven.
I'm sure that's the last time I rode a bike until this summer,,, somewhat ironic.
Thursday night I went to st Rafael and parked up,,, come back and a tall Dutch guy and his wife are looking at the bike,,,
He's retired and cruising in their motorhome,,,
Thomas his name,,, into American 50's V8's, restores them,,, told him I also owned a V8 Tvr,,,,
That was it both him and his wife made me have dinner with them,,, spoke wonderful English and I spent til midnight chatting cars and life. His wife understood our passion and seemed to enjoy the conversation too.
I'm having an absolute ball down here.
Three American guys on vacation yesterday had issues getting the lock off one of their hire bikes,, I helped,,, we then spent a few hours playing Volley ball on The beach! I thought they were leaving but after enthusing over my English bike they parked up and came with me.
Mad!
Fantastic!
I feel like a fking film star
Anyway I better plan a ride as the clouds have arrived today
Alun
Edited to add,,, the suns burnt off the clouds already,, I'm looking at apartments,,,, in land say 10-25 miles,, two bedrooms,,, cheap as you like really!!!!!
"Dreamer nothing but a ,,,,,,, I'm looking at stocks and shares when I get home,, sod working for a living,,,
Qbee I might need your fantastic mathematical brain for advice. I've got a broker but trust now one when it comes to money!
The way I see it we have one life,,,, it's not a dress rehearsal ,,,, this is the real thing so do it all while your health allows!
It's a bit like why we own Tvr's,,,, it's all about the thrill.
Gosh I like to talk!
I have an old girlfriend looking after my dog in the uk and her brother has travelled the world,, he says it's the best place he can think of. I really enjoy the French lifestyle,, 3 hr lunch, very tolerant and always say hello,,,
As the weather is a bit iffy today I'm not sure what I'll get upto so thought I'd hang around here see what comes of it
Another pic of my glorious bike,,, and the apartments I'm staying in.
I've just realised it's 20 years almost to the day I was here with another beautiful girlfriend (camping)
English site and there was a Yamaha 125cc parked under a tree,,,,, I found the owner, some kid who couldn't get it working,,, I said if I fix it can I use it whilst I'm here,,, he gladly agreed,,,
10mins later she ran fine,, hahah
Two weeks with that girl on the back going about the place,,, heaven.
I'm sure that's the last time I rode a bike until this summer,,, somewhat ironic.
Thursday night I went to st Rafael and parked up,,, come back and a tall Dutch guy and his wife are looking at the bike,,,
He's retired and cruising in their motorhome,,,
Thomas his name,,, into American 50's V8's, restores them,,, told him I also owned a V8 Tvr,,,,
That was it both him and his wife made me have dinner with them,,, spoke wonderful English and I spent til midnight chatting cars and life. His wife understood our passion and seemed to enjoy the conversation too.
I'm having an absolute ball down here.
Three American guys on vacation yesterday had issues getting the lock off one of their hire bikes,, I helped,,, we then spent a few hours playing Volley ball on The beach! I thought they were leaving but after enthusing over my English bike they parked up and came with me.
Mad!
Fantastic!
I feel like a f
king film star Anyway I better plan a ride as the clouds have arrived today
Alun
Edited to add,,, the suns burnt off the clouds already,, I'm looking at apartments,,,, in land say 10-25 miles,, two bedrooms,,, cheap as you like really!!!!!
"Dreamer nothing but a ,,,,,,, I'm looking at stocks and shares when I get home,, sod working for a living,,,
Qbee I might need your fantastic mathematical brain for advice. I've got a broker but trust now one when it comes to money!
The way I see it we have one life,,,, it's not a dress rehearsal ,,,, this is the real thing so do it all while your health allows!
It's a bit like why we own Tvr's,,,, it's all about the thrill.
Gosh I like to talk!
Edited by ClassiChimi on Saturday 12th September 09:47
The Dn7 mountain road to Cannes, spectacular views and another fantastic ride, it's hard to put into words just how good these roads are,,,
You can just make out the road behind the bike.
So Cannes this afternoon then St Tropez this evening as there was a car rally going on with ferrari's Lambo's Astons, Jags, loads of stuff.
If you've got enough money you can even wreck an E type!
I've written that down Graham,,, thanks your a star
I really enjoyed riding the Bandit too,,, versatile bike.
I really wish I'd got some panniers now but I'll get some for the future.
I agree about not really missing the Tvr here now,,,, all those slow cars In a long que boiling their heads off,,, and I just cruise past the lot in minutes,,, I've realised why the French are so good to bikers,,, they all had them as kids I feel and still remember how good it is to ride.
Ive now met a few guys with Triumphs,,, we always stop and chat,,, universal language of love for these machines,,,
One guy has done 100,000 km's and more on his with the same engine as mine,,, replaced carbs and bits and bobs but I couldn't quite believe the clock!
I'm really enjoying the riding but as soon as I got to Cannes yesterday,,, tried battling through the traffic but couldn't hack it so turned around and five minutes later I'm back on the DN7 free as a bird. When I pulled over to take some pics,,,,,,,silence,,,total silence,,,, gave the odd car the chance to get ahead then came back like I was on my own private road,,, nothing but me and the road ahead,,, I was in shorts which is a good leveller,,, really steady riding but still loads of lovely down shifts with a blip of the throttle and into really tight hairpins and then lovely sweeping lefts rights lefts, I've got the road furniture now,,, speed limit signs and the odd arrow markers to indicate a tight corner coming up,,, I take notice and reduce speed and it's actually quite safe.
This Triumph with the Pee shooter exhausts pops and bangs just like the Tvr,,,, it's sweet as a nut so far.
It's like the sound of British motorcycle history following me,,,, ive falłen in love with France on this bike,,,
I so wish I'd got a new sat nav now,,, the phones ok but goes flat too quick,,,saying that I went to Cannes without using it and as you've previously stated Graham the sign posting is good.
I always wake up and sort of fear riding but once I get going it's just brilliant.
Right now I have to clean the bike,,,,,, again
I really enjoyed riding the Bandit too,,, versatile bike.
I really wish I'd got some panniers now but I'll get some for the future.
I agree about not really missing the Tvr here now,,,, all those slow cars In a long que boiling their heads off,,, and I just cruise past the lot in minutes,,, I've realised why the French are so good to bikers,,, they all had them as kids I feel and still remember how good it is to ride.
Ive now met a few guys with Triumphs,,, we always stop and chat,,, universal language of love for these machines,,,
One guy has done 100,000 km's and more on his with the same engine as mine,,, replaced carbs and bits and bobs but I couldn't quite believe the clock!
I'm really enjoying the riding but as soon as I got to Cannes yesterday,,, tried battling through the traffic but couldn't hack it so turned around and five minutes later I'm back on the DN7 free as a bird. When I pulled over to take some pics,,,,,,,silence,,,total silence,,,, gave the odd car the chance to get ahead then came back like I was on my own private road,,, nothing but me and the road ahead,,, I was in shorts which is a good leveller,,, really steady riding but still loads of lovely down shifts with a blip of the throttle and into really tight hairpins and then lovely sweeping lefts rights lefts, I've got the road furniture now,,, speed limit signs and the odd arrow markers to indicate a tight corner coming up,,, I take notice and reduce speed and it's actually quite safe.
This Triumph with the Pee shooter exhausts pops and bangs just like the Tvr,,,, it's sweet as a nut so far.
It's like the sound of British motorcycle history following me,,,, ive falłen in love with France on this bike,,,
I so wish I'd got a new sat nav now,,, the phones ok but goes flat too quick,,,saying that I went to Cannes without using it and as you've previously stated Graham the sign posting is good.
I always wake up and sort of fear riding but once I get going it's just brilliant.
Right now I have to clean the bike,,,,,, again
it's true I have no plans when I awake,,,,,, See what the day brings and it's usually awesome by the end of it.
I've been thinking of learning French for years,,,,, you can teach me you clever begger,
Ok so translate this Anthony,,,,,,,,,,,,,;)
And a healthy breakfast to get the brain cells going!
Anybody in their right mind love the French really,,,
Flair and beauty they do in spades.
I walked around the port at Grimaud today, windy and dark clouds and the odd bit of rain,
Some lovely boats and a few for sale,,
The boats at St Tropez last night,,,,,,,marvellous things, parties and clinking of glasses on nearly all of them,, the smell of the food from the open restaurants opposite, the totally beautiful people,, glowing with colour,
The sound of the wind through the boats rigging,,,, whistling and the water slapping the shoreline,,,, the cars, the bikes parked up,, the odd artist finishing a piece deep in concentration even with all that going on,,
If there's a better place to be on a Saturday night in the north Western Hemisphere I'd be surprised.
Yeah the French are fun people.
I met a very old man who lives right behing the complex thingy I'm staying at,,,
His Solex push bike with an engine on top the front wheel,,, 1961 he bought the bike,,,,
He's never cleaned it or changed the tyres by the looks of it,, but the oil seems to leak out the engine and protect it
He must have been 90 odd years old and I watched him set off home from the shop which was 50 yards from his house
What a guy,,, no shirt, just shorts and flip flops and off he pedals, pulls the engine onto the wheel,,,,,,,,,,,,
And much to my surprise and relief for the old boys health, it instantly fires,,,, and he chugs away at ,,,,,,about 8mph, that was fast enough for him and his bike! Perfect moment for both of us because he seemed really chuffed I liked his wreck of a bike so much
I used my brain today and stayed off the bike,,, wet roads,,,,
As the day unfolded I couldn't hear any bikes,,,,, the locals stay off them, that told me all I needed to know!
Flair and beauty they do in spades.
I walked around the port at Grimaud today, windy and dark clouds and the odd bit of rain,
Some lovely boats and a few for sale,,
The boats at St Tropez last night,,,,,,,marvellous things, parties and clinking of glasses on nearly all of them,, the smell of the food from the open restaurants opposite, the totally beautiful people,, glowing with colour,
The sound of the wind through the boats rigging,,,, whistling and the water slapping the shoreline,,,, the cars, the bikes parked up,, the odd artist finishing a piece deep in concentration even with all that going on,,
If there's a better place to be on a Saturday night in the north Western Hemisphere I'd be surprised.
Yeah the French are fun people.
I met a very old man who lives right behing the complex thingy I'm staying at,,,
His Solex push bike with an engine on top the front wheel,,, 1961 he bought the bike,,,,
He's never cleaned it or changed the tyres by the looks of it,, but the oil seems to leak out the engine and protect it
He must have been 90 odd years old and I watched him set off home from the shop which was 50 yards from his house
What a guy,,, no shirt, just shorts and flip flops and off he pedals, pulls the engine onto the wheel,,,,,,,,,,,,
And much to my surprise and relief for the old boys health, it instantly fires,,,, and he chugs away at ,,,,,,about 8mph, that was fast enough for him and his bike! Perfect moment for both of us because he seemed really chuffed I liked his wreck of a bike so much
I used my brain today and stayed off the bike,,, wet roads,,,,
As the day unfolded I couldn't hear any bikes,,,,, the locals stay off them, that told me all I needed to know!
A good route Peter,,, travelling in or on anything on these sort of roads is just a blast,,,
I envy the Motorhomers the most,,,, they kind of have it all!
With a bit more planning I could be be doing so much more but it's only the first time so I'm happy to relax both on and off the bike.
A proper riding holiday I'll do again down here,, do my research, there's so much to see and find
Happy days mate happy days
I envy the Motorhomers the most,,,, they kind of have it all!
With a bit more planning I could be be doing so much more but it's only the first time so I'm happy to relax both on and off the bike.
A proper riding holiday I'll do again down here,, do my research, there's so much to see and find
Happy days mate happy days
Motorhome with the motorbike trailer, push bikes, food, water, Kettle,
Space for ..... Stuff! Snorkel etc,,,
Buy fantastic local food to enjoy as well as the odd evening meal in beautiful surroundings, thousands of cool guys and gals riding cool assed bikes around, the best sportscars in the world driven by even cooler dudes,, beaches to pull up right next to, the night I went to St Raphael in the early evening as the sun was fading away ,,,, I needed a pee ,, haha, I pulled over to a quite parking place, there's a camper up the corner parked for the night, people smiling and enjoying there experience,, I could smell their own cooking,, wine flowing and a gentle breeze off the sea,,,,
I only realised they were there when I'd got me ,,,,out!
I was pointing square onto the sea and peeing off the top of the rocks,,,, like a kid,,
They were far enough away to have not had a problem,, in fact smiled as I did
They had the best hotel in France that night I thought to myself!
With the bike aswell,,,,,, guaranteed adventure holiday and at the right price....
Oh Yeah Peter with a bit of a plan,,,,,,, I hope you do it
Space for ..... Stuff! Snorkel etc,,,
Buy fantastic local food to enjoy as well as the odd evening meal in beautiful surroundings, thousands of cool guys and gals riding cool assed bikes around, the best sportscars in the world driven by even cooler dudes,, beaches to pull up right next to, the night I went to St Raphael in the early evening as the sun was fading away ,,,, I needed a pee ,, haha, I pulled over to a quite parking place, there's a camper up the corner parked for the night, people smiling and enjoying there experience,, I could smell their own cooking,, wine flowing and a gentle breeze off the sea,,,,
I only realised they were there when I'd got me ,,,,out!
I was pointing square onto the sea and peeing off the top of the rocks,,,, like a kid,,
They were far enough away to have not had a problem,, in fact smiled as I did
They had the best hotel in France that night I thought to myself!
With the bike aswell,,,,,, guaranteed adventure holiday and at the right price....
Oh Yeah Peter with a bit of a plan,,,,,,, I hope you do it
Gorge du Verdun today,,,,, bit like the original Italian job,,, I've done over 300 miles today, I was flying all day long, the sound of the bike off the rocks around me was out of this world,,,,,
It's just hundreds of corners and hairpins and uphill downhill,,, thousands of gear changes, I put my head on today and just went for it,,, concentrated for hour after hour and went off up single lane roads for miles at a time.
Stopped at Castellane for some lunch then carried on to Saint Andre des Alps over bridges and through tunnels, hardly took any of the scenery in as I was so focused on the next corner,,, I really pushed the bike hard today,, chucking it left and right,, big big braking down hill from 4th gear to 1st sometimes,,, it's that tight,, positive cambers like Moto cross burms, I was 19 again and totally in control, using every ounce of muscle and all the skills I've ever known of to get through at serious speed,,,,Mondays,,,, you've got to love the French,,, lots of places closed and only me on the road just about.
You can see the road ahead in parts so I was using all the road to go through the turns,,,
Thankyou 200M and whoever else who told me of this place,,,, that was the best bit of riding on a road I've done by far.
I was like Sheene,,, proper off the bike and nailing it, one mistake and it's over,,,, use my brain to stay alive because you almost have to stop for some of these 240 degree turns,,,
You have to do it to understand just how thrilling today was,, I got on top of the bike and demanded it went were I wanted, counter steer,,,,, only when I'm going hard do I realise,,, I've always done it?!!!
The secret is to wack the throttle open then only ever ride to the vanishing point,, if it don't feel comfortable slow down instantly or you'll make a terrible mistake,
Destroyed other bikers on much faster bikes,,,cars,,, distant memory in seconds,,,
Wow I'm Buzzing.
I think I've ridden for about 7 hours in total today,,all of it with meaning.
I just had to do it at some point,,, stop being a wuss and take control of my bike in a big way,,,
The bike bucked and wriggled underneath me and I could only smile.
IM BACK
I'm pretty sure I went over that bridge and probably around that corner
And after riding like all the greats I then sat and had lunch in a lovely cafe whilst watching the goings on over at the Monday market,,,
Loads of bikers a few Caravanerrs and the odd car but this is the perfect time of year for today's ride,,,
A local French couple came over to me and the bike as I was getting ready to leave Castellane,,, that old boy new his stuff,,,,,took one look at the tyres and looked at me with a glint in his eye,,, said something like attack! I shrugged my shoulders and said well yes of course,,, after he went I then looked at the tyres,,,, I'm lying this baby right over,,,,
I don't think I'm too bad but my new boots have some effing scuffs,,,,
I thought I'll go a bit steadier,,,,5 minutes later I'm full chat up hill and kinking left/right/left,, brake drop 3 gears all with a blip in between, pops, crackles, and bangs
Get the picture yet,,,,,, you know when your in the Tvr all quiet,,, just you the car and a great great road and you feel everything's running really good do you think ,,,,,,fk it let's give it the beans,,,
Driving hard but not hard enough to make a fool of yourself,that was me today on this outrageous unbelievable outstanding wonderful motorbike.
It's basically identical to a Tvr,,, chunky gear changes and blips of the throttle,, toe and heel,, feeding it in as you exit yet another fantastic corner,,, always going uphill or down, that bike never ran straight upright at all,,, your just joining corner up after corner,,, the lines you can take,,,
Ok ok calm down,,,,
That's that out my system,, I'll chill from now on,, I've been so nervous of making a mistake or whatever,,, I've seen two accident scenes,,,,, I've took over a week to acclimatise and I thought it's time you found out what the bike and especially i could do,, it's been in there just waiting to explode,,, and I do it on that run of runs,, I'll never forget every second of it.
I better go to the beach tomorrow.
The pics don't even come close,,, but I tried,, in one pic you'll see a car coming through the hole in the rock,,,I'd just riden through it, had to yank on the brakes and take a pic... Priceless,,,
I was thinking I recognise the road markings, the colour of the Tarmac and the white lines,,,
GranTorismo,,,, the game!!!!????
People must have heard my bike miles away,,, what a sound, what a lovely little engine, it roars like nothing else,, it's the best sounding bike in France, people love it, it's 3 hrs since I got back,,, my ears are ringing like I've been in a disco,,,,
Alun.
It's just hundreds of corners and hairpins and uphill downhill,,, thousands of gear changes, I put my head on today and just went for it,,, concentrated for hour after hour and went off up single lane roads for miles at a time.
Stopped at Castellane for some lunch then carried on to Saint Andre des Alps over bridges and through tunnels, hardly took any of the scenery in as I was so focused on the next corner,,, I really pushed the bike hard today,, chucking it left and right,, big big braking down hill from 4th gear to 1st sometimes,,, it's that tight,, positive cambers like Moto cross burms, I was 19 again and totally in control, using every ounce of muscle and all the skills I've ever known of to get through at serious speed,,,,Mondays,,,, you've got to love the French,,, lots of places closed and only me on the road just about.
You can see the road ahead in parts so I was using all the road to go through the turns,,,
Thankyou 200M and whoever else who told me of this place,,,, that was the best bit of riding on a road I've done by far.
I was like Sheene,,, proper off the bike and nailing it, one mistake and it's over,,,, use my brain to stay alive because you almost have to stop for some of these 240 degree turns,,,
You have to do it to understand just how thrilling today was,, I got on top of the bike and demanded it went were I wanted, counter steer,,,,, only when I'm going hard do I realise,,, I've always done it?!!!
The secret is to wack the throttle open then only ever ride to the vanishing point,, if it don't feel comfortable slow down instantly or you'll make a terrible mistake,
Destroyed other bikers on much faster bikes,,,cars,,, distant memory in seconds,,,
Wow I'm Buzzing.
I think I've ridden for about 7 hours in total today,,all of it with meaning.
I just had to do it at some point,,, stop being a wuss and take control of my bike in a big way,,,
The bike bucked and wriggled underneath me and I could only smile.
IM BACK
I'm pretty sure I went over that bridge and probably around that corner
And after riding like all the greats I then sat and had lunch in a lovely cafe whilst watching the goings on over at the Monday market,,,
Loads of bikers a few Caravanerrs and the odd car but this is the perfect time of year for today's ride,,,
A local French couple came over to me and the bike as I was getting ready to leave Castellane,,, that old boy new his stuff,,,,,took one look at the tyres and looked at me with a glint in his eye,,, said something like attack! I shrugged my shoulders and said well yes of course,,, after he went I then looked at the tyres,,,,
I'm lying this baby right over,,,, I don't think I'm too bad but my new boots have some effing scuffs,,,,
I thought I'll go a bit steadier,,,,5 minutes later I'm full chat up hill and kinking left/right/left,, brake drop 3 gears all with a blip in between, pops, crackles, and bangs
Get the picture yet,,,,,, you know when your in the Tvr all quiet,,, just you the car and a great great road and you feel everything's running really good do you think ,,,,,,f
k it let's give it the beans,,, Driving hard but not hard enough to make a fool of yourself,that was me today on this outrageous unbelievable outstanding wonderful motorbike.
It's basically identical to a Tvr,,, chunky gear changes and blips of the throttle,, toe and heel,, feeding it in as you exit yet another fantastic corner,,, always going uphill or down, that bike never ran straight upright at all,,, your just joining corner up after corner,,, the lines you can take,,,
Ok ok calm down,,,,
That's that out my system,, I'll chill from now on,, I've been so nervous of making a mistake or whatever,,, I've seen two accident scenes,,,,, I've took over a week to acclimatise and I thought it's time you found out what the bike and especially i could do,, it's been in there just waiting to explode,,, and I do it on that run of runs,, I'll never forget every second of it.
I better go to the beach tomorrow.
The pics don't even come close,,, but I tried,, in one pic you'll see a car coming through the hole in the rock,,,I'd just riden through it, had to yank on the brakes and take a pic... Priceless,,,
I was thinking I recognise the road markings, the colour of the Tarmac and the white lines,,,
GranTorismo,,,, the game!!!!????
People must have heard my bike miles away,,, what a sound, what a lovely little engine, it roars like nothing else,, it's the best sounding bike in France, people love it, it's 3 hrs since I got back,,, my ears are ringing like I've been in a disco,,,,
Alun.
well I'll be a monkeys uncle,,, I must have stood right there Dave,, So you know why I had to just drive,,,, forget it was I a bike for a moment,,, the way I love this bike,,,,, I was driving the Tvr to,, the exact same feelings of passion and love for the thing, working tirelessly to get my throttle blips to the perfect rev as I dis engage the clutch on yet another down shift,, a number of times these tight corners come at you and I found myself dropping gears real fast,, hitting second gear still hard on the brakes and as I release the clutch getting a momentary lock up on the back wheel,,, it's off the ground half the time,,,,
This is an old school bike, jumps around like the Tvr
I'm off the seat and leaning on the pegs through turns,, every riding skill I can think of I'm playing with,,, leaning right off the front of the bike really early then letting the bike come over into corners, I've had a few front wheel wobbles as it's gone light by accelerating as I'm turning left,,,, then importantly right,, as I flick the bike front side to side it has a momentary light spot ,,, I'm bloody playing with it,,
I'm so pleased some people especially you guys are happy to see me have a ball,,,
I've been in dark places and it's not always easy to enjoy others fun,,,
But as Tvr drivers,,,,,, the most balls out cars you can get just about, if anyone can get what today meant,, it's you boys.
Cheers Anthony,,, you only had to encourage me didn't ya
All that talk the weekend about Goodwood,,, I had no idea when I set out this morning I'd ride like that.
f
k me I better not do it again. Yeah I'm really enjoying it now,,,, coming back I just followed my nose and still found my way back.
Early spring in the Tvr,,, a few of you,,, all this nice beer and cafe's,,, Tvr's parked up,,, it's just gets better,,,,
Hi Graham,, I must do it again,,, it's stunning, excuse me for using it as my own race track today,, it's so quiet today I just couldn't help myself. It's so tight and twisty your never actually going that fast but with the bikes lower gearing it's a right laugh,,
It must be a great buzz with the Tvr's V8 bouncing off those rock faces,,,, the bike is so intense it's increadable but the car it must be fantastic.
It must be a great buzz with the Tvr's V8 bouncing off those rock faces,,,, the bike is so intense it's increadable but the car it must be fantastic.
A nice one of the bike. She's been tuned a tad, alley bell mouth and K&N
Bigger jets and dyno'd,,, totally perfect fuelling all the way up to about 8800 revs and goes pretty good, on wide open throttle she commits a very deep roar,, frightening almost, defending,,, on gentle throttle she's ok,, nah she's fantastic. Hah,
I've just woke up and I feel good,,, I wouldn't want to ride the bike but I'm really surprised how well my body has taken it.
I won't be riding like that again in a hurry.
I'm going over the bike today,, brake pads are holding up well,, I'm pretty light and this thing has small tyres,,,
The heat in the tyres when I pulled over yesterday,,,
The thing about yesterday is because even when you think your going slow you can get caught out,, I've got a better feel for the bike now and thats a good thing to know.
I've had my teenage moment now so I'm going to start enjoying the little towns and villages more,, less about how I ride and more about how I enjoy the good etc.
it's out my system,,,
Pent up pain from years of feeling like I failed with bikes,,
Compared to most bikes mines slow, but on roads like yesterday's it was very fast!
I had it over 100mph, and the roads are not flat!!
What a tit,,,
I'll not be doing much over the next few days as the weather could change and then I would be in the trouble.
Many thanks and regards to anyone enjoying this thread.
Al
I won't be riding like that again in a hurry.
I'm going over the bike today,, brake pads are holding up well,, I'm pretty light and this thing has small tyres,,,
The heat in the tyres when I pulled over yesterday,,,
The thing about yesterday is because even when you think your going slow you can get caught out,, I've got a better feel for the bike now and thats a good thing to know.
I've had my teenage moment now so I'm going to start enjoying the little towns and villages more,, less about how I ride and more about how I enjoy the good etc.
it's out my system,,,
Pent up pain from years of feeling like I failed with bikes,,
Compared to most bikes mines slow, but on roads like yesterday's it was very fast!
I had it over 100mph, and the roads are not flat!!
What a tit,,,
I'll not be doing much over the next few days as the weather could change and then I would be in the trouble.
Many thanks and regards to anyone enjoying this thread.
Al
I only have one big desision to make today,, buy some washing powder and use the washing machines on site,,,
Or like any self respecting single guy you go and but more t Shirts instead.
I'm ard core,,,
I hope you can all see I'm not as serious as my words sometimes suggest, I try and make these threads amusing as I know only to well how hard life in the uk sometimes feels,,
I said earlier I feel good,,,, nah, I'm aching and my brain can't function,, that's normal but today I'm mentally fubbered,,,
Yesterday was just emotion after Incredible emotion,,,
If that's the only ride I ever do it will stay with me for life.
As COG said, I was in another dimension on that bike yesterday,,
Out of body sort of experience,,, I dunno how I managed to stop half the time,, I really love the bike on it's nose under braking, rear end trying to get out on me,, what a flipping laugh,
I never felt like I was over riding, just enjoying it like the old days.
The way I see it you have chances in life, I took that chance yesterday and it was behond danger,,,
With bikes it's just how many times you take that chance before it goes wrong,, law of averages ,,,
I even saw a Grave yard high up on the hills,, I'm not religious but I had to do a Christ cross of my chest,, just for Goodluck,,,,
I'm very superstitious about these things and somehow me showing respect to the long gone seemed to give me belief.
Yes it's true,,,,,,I must be half mad.
I'm starting to get back down on terra firma,,, gutted.
I like this picture of the bike,, I'm trying to do us proud over here,,,
My leathers have a famous number on them 32,,,,,,
I'm led to believe it's from an American road racer from the 70's,,, raced with Sheenie and the boys
Steve Baker???? I can't remember him but hopefully someone can and confirm if my facts are correct?
Oh and this pic of one if the single track roads I was on,,,
There's nothing like living on the edge,,,
Trying to slow down down these steep gradients takes all you have just to hold your body position.
Those tight roads were ace, so tight I was hardly moving but your still threading it through the eye of a needle,,,,
Yesterday was living,,,in a big big way.
Or like any self respecting single guy you go and but more t Shirts instead.
I'm ard core,,,
I hope you can all see I'm not as serious as my words sometimes suggest, I try and make these threads amusing as I know only to well how hard life in the uk sometimes feels,,
I said earlier I feel good,,,, nah, I'm aching and my brain can't function,, that's normal but today I'm mentally fubbered,,,
Yesterday was just emotion after Incredible emotion,,,
If that's the only ride I ever do it will stay with me for life.
As COG said, I was in another dimension on that bike yesterday,,
Out of body sort of experience,,, I dunno how I managed to stop half the time,, I really love the bike on it's nose under braking, rear end trying to get out on me,, what a flipping laugh,
I never felt like I was over riding, just enjoying it like the old days.
The way I see it you have chances in life, I took that chance yesterday and it was behond danger,,,
With bikes it's just how many times you take that chance before it goes wrong,, law of averages ,,,
I even saw a Grave yard high up on the hills,, I'm not religious but I had to do a Christ cross of my chest,, just for Goodluck,,,,
I'm very superstitious about these things and somehow me showing respect to the long gone seemed to give me belief.
Yes it's true,,,,,,I must be half mad.
I'm starting to get back down on terra firma,,, gutted.
I like this picture of the bike,, I'm trying to do us proud over here,,,
My leathers have a famous number on them 32,,,,,,
I'm led to believe it's from an American road racer from the 70's,,, raced with Sheenie and the boys
Steve Baker???? I can't remember him but hopefully someone can and confirm if my facts are correct?
Oh and this pic of one if the single track roads I was on,,,
There's nothing like living on the edge,,,
Trying to slow down down these steep gradients takes all you have just to hold your body position.
Those tight roads were ace, so tight I was hardly moving but your still threading it through the eye of a needle,,,,
Yesterday was living,,,in a big big way.
Thanks Graham,, I check the weather reports on my phone so I have a good idea when it's going to be fine.
I've always found this upper level that Driving/riding takes you too a lonely place, when I was younger and would try to express to others how it felt,,, blank expressions, way above most peoples imagination,
It was like I was the only person who got it,,,,,
To share these moments with you hard bds is a joy of all joys,, I know you understand, I know you can drive the same,
Then to do it on something British is a very proud moment in my life,,,
More than anything else,,, I get my Tvr now,, I'm re enthused to take the car as far as I dare re engineering it,,,,
To do these roads with a car like ours and one I've put my hands allover would be very very special.
My main aim here is to re energise anyone who's having a hard time getting their Tvr upto spec,,,
All the pain just disappears and you have the dream car you thought you had but didn't quite trust,,
Keep fighting to get your cars perfect,,, you'll not regret it.
Love and peace to all of you
Thought I'd spend a boring day at the beach,,,,,but hey there's even beautiful bodywork on display there too
I've always found this upper level that Driving/riding takes you too a lonely place, when I was younger and would try to express to others how it felt,,, blank expressions, way above most peoples imagination,
It was like I was the only person who got it,,,,,
To share these moments with you hard b
ds is a joy of all joys,, I know you understand, I know you can drive the same, Then to do it on something British is a very proud moment in my life,,,
More than anything else,,, I get my Tvr now,, I'm re enthused to take the car as far as I dare re engineering it,,,,
To do these roads with a car like ours and one I've put my hands allover would be very very special.
My main aim here is to re energise anyone who's having a hard time getting their Tvr upto spec,,,
All the pain just disappears and you have the dream car you thought you had but didn't quite trust,,
Keep fighting to get your cars perfect,,, you'll not regret it.
Love and peace to all of you
Thought I'd spend a boring day at the beach,,,,,but hey there's even beautiful bodywork on display there too
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