Driving France
Discussion
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.
Your passion shines strong like the very sun that warms your back as you slice through yet another switchback.
Your joy for this epic trip is an inspiration to us all; it's you, the road and your beautiful faithful Triumph.
There is nothing on Gods earth so glorious in life than a proper road trip like this, such adventures elevate your soul as you transcend the mundainity of everyday life.
You become at one with your machine and your true self as you almost meditate your way through those mountains.
You've been brave, you hurt like hell, but you've conquered the day's challenge so feel immensely alive and a real sense of pride in your achievements.
You've touched true life transporting yourself to paradise, shaken it firmly by the hand then said thank you.
God bless you Alun and your amazing trip.
Your joy for this epic trip is an inspiration to us all; it's you, the road and your beautiful faithful Triumph.
There is nothing on Gods earth so glorious in life than a proper road trip like this, such adventures elevate your soul as you transcend the mundainity of everyday life.
You become at one with your machine and your true self as you almost meditate your way through those mountains.
You've been brave, you hurt like hell, but you've conquered the day's challenge so feel immensely alive and a real sense of pride in your achievements.
You've touched true life transporting yourself to paradise, shaken it firmly by the hand then said thank you.
God bless you Alun and your amazing trip.
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
phazed said:
Keep enjoying yourself Alun! it will be over before you know it, good times always go quickly………..
I am sure I speak for all who read this, your words and pictures fill an otherwise dull working day!
Keep at it!
I agree, the enthusiasm and pics makes me want to jump on the bike and go down there again .. the weather is a bit unsettled Wed and Thursday and then looks dry and warm again .. just mentioned it so you can plan your polishing I am sure I speak for all who read this, your words and pictures fill an otherwise dull working day!
Keep at it!
phazed said:
Keep enjoying yourself Alun! it will be over before you know it, good times always go quickly………..
I am sure I speak for all who read this, your words and pictures fill an otherwise dull working day!
Keep at it!
I'll second that. Wow what a great right up and those photos look awsome. I am sure I speak for all who read this, your words and pictures fill an otherwise dull working day!
Keep at it!
As you are reading this you really get the passion of the moment you are in, and a glimse of the enjoyment you must be having!
As others have said this is a incredable write-up and trip. You can almost smell the petrol and rubber, just great.
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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 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
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
Loving the write up Alun. You're making an unemployed and chilly day in Wales far more bearable and taking me back to this time last year when I was driving the Tiv through France and up all those glorious Italian mountain roads and through the fantastic tunnels with a huge grin in joy face.
Bless you sir.
I need to get a job so I can pay for the headlight job that's currently underway and take the Chim back to play in France and Italy.
I'd love to do it on a bike too but sadly I think my bike days are over.
Bless you sir.
I need to get a job so I can pay for the headlight job that's currently underway and take the Chim back to play in France and Italy.
I'd love to do it on a bike too but sadly I think my bike days are over.
One other special moment yesterday,,,,,
I pulled up at a roadside cafe,,,just for a tinkle,,,
There was 14 German guys all on KTM's, Bmw's
All really nice bikes,,,,
The cafe was closed so I went off into the bushes!!!
Came back and all of them are talking in German,, surrounding the bike,, even touching it,,,
Loving it they were,,,they all spoke excellent English, I asked one of them why the cafe was closed,
Because were in France and they don't like to work on Mondays,,,we both burst out in laughter at the wonderful French,,,
We all shook hands and I bid them fair well as they re embarked,,
It's the little things and the endless joy of being at one with complete strangers,,,,
The funny bit was I was sat having lunch at Castellane when they rolled into town,,
They went round the roundabout about 6 times trying to find their way,, I'd been there ages and they didn't quite get how!
fking fast I said,, well in sign language as I pretended to have the throttle wide open,,,,more smiles and pats on the back.
I bought a ring at the Market off a very agreeable Greek,,,,, he too demanded I start the engine just so he could hear it again,,
I just smile and let them have their moment of what looks like pure pleasure at the sound of this bike.
I can't imagine how many friends I'd make if driving the Tvr,,,,
Oh I saw a chap and his wife in a Morgan,, V8 and he was clearly as wide eyed as me,,,we shared a wave and he blasted off into the distance,,,I removed my helmet and could hear the engine for ages, that was special for me.
I pulled up at a roadside cafe,,,just for a tinkle,,,
There was 14 German guys all on KTM's, Bmw's
All really nice bikes,,,,
The cafe was closed so I went off into the bushes!!!
Came back and all of them are talking in German,, surrounding the bike,, even touching it,,,
Loving it they were,,,they all spoke excellent English, I asked one of them why the cafe was closed,
Because were in France and they don't like to work on Mondays,,,we both burst out in laughter at the wonderful French,,,
We all shook hands and I bid them fair well as they re embarked,,
It's the little things and the endless joy of being at one with complete strangers,,,,
The funny bit was I was sat having lunch at Castellane when they rolled into town,,
They went round the roundabout about 6 times trying to find their way,, I'd been there ages and they didn't quite get how!
f
king fast I said,, well in sign language as I pretended to have the throttle wide open,,,,more smiles and pats on the back.I bought a ring at the Market off a very agreeable Greek,,,,, he too demanded I start the engine just so he could hear it again,,
I just smile and let them have their moment of what looks like pure pleasure at the sound of this bike.
I can't imagine how many friends I'd make if driving the Tvr,,,,
Oh I saw a chap and his wife in a Morgan,, V8 and he was clearly as wide eyed as me,,,we shared a wave and he blasted off into the distance,,,I removed my helmet and could hear the engine for ages, that was special for me.
Never say never Alan, Peter.
6 weeks ago I didn't own a bike,, not even a licence,,,,3 weeks ago I didn't think I'd be doing this either!
Alan get a job you lazy
See the French don't count age as anything,,,,old and young alike they just ride anyway.
Some of the Germans yesterday were well into their 60's,,, kids all of them.
I didn't have to ride like a bat out of hell yesterday, it would have been just as enjoyable,,,
I really can't explain why I did that,, I admit I told my son before leaving,, if I have a terrible crash, don't ever feel sad,, it's just what I do and who I am and it's what makes me happy,,,,
He knows me like few others and I always tell him to be brave in life and follow his dreams,,,
He's very proud of my way as I am of his.
I have no intention of dying yet,, it's why my brain took over and I was like a passenger on that bike,,
The sense of peace with the world was behond anything I've felt for a long time.
I'm bored at the beach so I'm off back to the camping park to fettle,,,,,
I might even tell her (the bike ) I love you hahahahah.
Please laugh as I'm just having the crac of all crac's here.
As Peter says in 7 days I'll have to head back home,,, not looking forward to it much,,
Back to dick head Tossers and miserable people.
We've bloody ruined our country !
Anyway I don't want to feel the weight of English air yet so ill just keep the blood in my vains flowing like the crystal clear water around me,,,free as a bird.
Lastly,,,it's not about biking,, it's about the bike your on that matters the most,
Would you enjoy driving a people Carrier around here,,,, not flaming likely!
You all bought Tvr's,,,,, get my drift!
Emotion, passion,,,, real man love for our machinery
Even the women get it here,, smile at me etc,,,
You wouldn't get that at home very often.
It seems to take ages to load up on my phone so reading your replies takes hours just about.
If anyone's made a comment and I've missed it please bare with me.
Many happy miles to go, Al.
6 weeks ago I didn't own a bike,, not even a licence,,,,3 weeks ago I didn't think I'd be doing this either!
Alan get a job you lazy
See the French don't count age as anything,,,,old and young alike they just ride anyway.
Some of the Germans yesterday were well into their 60's,,, kids all of them.
I didn't have to ride like a bat out of hell yesterday, it would have been just as enjoyable,,,
I really can't explain why I did that,, I admit I told my son before leaving,, if I have a terrible crash, don't ever feel sad,, it's just what I do and who I am and it's what makes me happy,,,,
He knows me like few others and I always tell him to be brave in life and follow his dreams,,,
He's very proud of my way as I am of his.
I have no intention of dying yet,, it's why my brain took over and I was like a passenger on that bike,,
The sense of peace with the world was behond anything I've felt for a long time.
I'm bored at the beach so I'm off back to the camping park to fettle,,,,,
I might even tell her (the bike ) I love you hahahahah.
Please laugh as I'm just having the crac of all crac's here.
As Peter says in 7 days I'll have to head back home,,, not looking forward to it much,,
Back to dick head Tossers and miserable people.
We've bloody ruined our country !
Anyway I don't want to feel the weight of English air yet so ill just keep the blood in my vains flowing like the crystal clear water around me,,,free as a bird.
Lastly,,,it's not about biking,, it's about the bike your on that matters the most,
Would you enjoy driving a people Carrier around here,,,, not flaming likely!
You all bought Tvr's,,,,, get my drift!
Emotion, passion,,,, real man love for our machinery
Even the women get it here,, smile at me etc,,,
You wouldn't get that at home very often.
It seems to take ages to load up on my phone so reading your replies takes hours just about.
If anyone's made a comment and I've missed it please bare with me.
Many happy miles to go, Al.
The tyres,, that's ok isn't it???
I've got at least 8mm before I'm riding on the slick part of the tyre.
I watched two locals the other day on bikes with massive tyres,, that's what I call leaning around turns,,
To those who know,, would you say I'm getting to far over,,, I honestly don't feel like I am but I also know it's easy to slap the ground on a bike so what do you hard core riders think!
Actually I don't need to know,, my instincts are saying Enough's enough.
I've been in constant contact with Shaun from Circuit based Training who helped me pass my test, he's given me great riding advice and I feel comfortable about what I'm upto, you always do till it goes wrong I suppose,
Fired the little beast up and warmed the engine , still tight and like new, sweet as a nut and no Cam noises etc.
Well chuffed because if it was likely to break yesterday was the day for it to happen, your shutting off so much and for such a long time trying to stop I was wondering how the bores would take the lack of fuel but she's not bothered a Jot.
I'm a bit upset I've stretched the chain,,only because I constantly lock the back wheel up downshifting,,,it's got so much compression if I don't get the revs perfect as I release the clutch I hear a split second of rear tyre squeal,,,it's an exciting sound but I was well aware it would put the chain under pressure,,,
I'll do better from now on,,,, right who's got a 24mm spanner I can borrow,,,,I'll have a chat with the camps maintenance boys
The front tyre seems a bit more alarming !
I've got at least 8mm before I'm riding on the slick part of the tyre.
I watched two locals the other day on bikes with massive tyres,, that's what I call leaning around turns,,
To those who know,, would you say I'm getting to far over,,, I honestly don't feel like I am but I also know it's easy to slap the ground on a bike so what do you hard core riders think!
Actually I don't need to know,, my instincts are saying Enough's enough.
I've been in constant contact with Shaun from Circuit based Training who helped me pass my test, he's given me great riding advice and I feel comfortable about what I'm upto, you always do till it goes wrong I suppose,
Fired the little beast up and warmed the engine , still tight and like new, sweet as a nut and no Cam noises etc.
Well chuffed because if it was likely to break yesterday was the day for it to happen, your shutting off so much and for such a long time trying to stop I was wondering how the bores would take the lack of fuel but she's not bothered a Jot.
I'm a bit upset I've stretched the chain,,only because I constantly lock the back wheel up downshifting,,,it's got so much compression if I don't get the revs perfect as I release the clutch I hear a split second of rear tyre squeal,,,it's an exciting sound but I was well aware it would put the chain under pressure,,,
I'll do better from now on,,,, right who's got a 24mm spanner I can borrow,,,,I'll have a chat with the camps maintenance boys
The front tyre seems a bit more alarming !
Alun.
Once again thank you for sharing this trip with us. Your enthusiasm and words paint a really good picture and makes it feel like we are there with you, which many on here are (in spirit). Glad you are having a great time, it sounds like your teenage self has been reborn. Keep the posts coming, like many, I await every day to hear of your latest adventure. Ride safe my friend and continue to enjoy your trip.
Once again thank you for sharing this trip with us. Your enthusiasm and words paint a really good picture and makes it feel like we are there with you, which many on here are (in spirit). Glad you are having a great time, it sounds like your teenage self has been reborn. Keep the posts coming, like many, I await every day to hear of your latest adventure. Ride safe my friend and continue to enjoy your trip.
Hi Paul (oldred V8S) I love the look of your car mate
Yesterday was a mundane usual sort of holiday day,
Went to the beach and had crepes with banana and chocolate, squeezed orange juice whilst sitting on a stool at the bar on the beach, bought some clothes, walked around Port Grimaud looking for some presents for the family,,,
Hired a boat and pottered around the harbour looking at the really lovely boats and lovely little homes with people reading newspapers, sharing a beer together or drinking coffee,,,
Compared to The Gorge Du Verdun it was all rather dull,,,,
Sat and watched old boys playing boulle,,, can't spell English let alone French???
I've eaten something that didn't agree with me the other day so last night I went to the local mcDonalds,,,,, madness I know but hey!
Unbelievable,, im sitting outside drinking a coffee,,,a vehicle pulls up abruptly,,,this looks dodgy I thought,,,, the guy had stopped the traffic behind him,, he jumps out, runs around his car,,,my bikes right behind were he's stopped,,,,,, I panic and grab my helmet and start to rush over,,,, if he's thinking of nicking my bike he'll be unconscious in about a second,,,,,,
Got about 20 yards away and panic subsides,,,,
He's only taking about 10 pics of the bike, I stop in my tracks, he hasn't seen me so I now feeling rather embarrassed just go back, sit down and carry on drinking,,,two local lads laugh at me and him,,,,the traffic is now building up behind him,, horn goes off,, he walks back to his car,, sorry small van,, looks at the impatient drivers behind, uses a hand motion as if to say ps off,, jumps in and he's off,,,, I'm in the south of France there's thousands of lovely bikes,, more super cars than you could point a stick at,,,
What is it about this bike,,,,there all fooled into thinking it's Vintage (French accent) or something.
You can't make this stuff up,,,
I'd done nothing much all day so last night about 10pm I cruise over to St Trpoez,, park up,,,,out the way!
Had a nice walk around the tiny narrow streets window shopping and enjoying all the happy people chit chatting away as they enjoy their meals and wine,, sat on a rock drinking a coffee,,,the sea breeze cooling my skin,,,it's all very aggreable is the south of France.
It was spitting with rain as I returned,,,only a few miles but all my bravado had dis appeared,,,I'm back to being frightened to death of these shiny roads that look slick when it's dry let alone with fresh rain on them.
It was evident to me now as I tip toed around corners trying to keep the bike dead upright,,
I was riding like a jerk the day before,, the lean angles,, you just get so into it,,,
I'm not sure if I'll ever ride like that again, my bikes to nice for that lark!
Put the cover on the bike when I got back and sure enough it rained a little in the night, I see wet Tarmac around me,, fear sets in,, I'm worrying about coming home now! Everything changes with the dreaded rain,, you can tell even the locals faces drop,,, just like home!!!!
Now the bikes a liability,,,,here's where the Tvr comes back into play,,,, I'd come here in the car but you'd have to choose somewhere quiet to stay as you can't move on the coast road in a car around the built up areas?
I have no clue as to what to do today,,,might get pissed with the French guy staying next door to me,,,,Pascal, nice guy but a raging alki as far as I can make out but just like all the others he's in love with my motorbike and always tries to offer me a beer, maybe I should stop insulting him and join him. He's quite a character,, he drinks for breakfast,, lunch and dinner,,
In fact I could clearly smell alcohol on his breath the other morning as he's putting his diving equipment into his car,,,,
You just have to love the French,,,Sod proto call they do as they like as often as they like,,,wonderful people really,,,keep hold of their beloved traditions and I for one appreciate it so much.
I'm mindfull of coming here as a kid,,, so much they hang onto,,,their mopeds, their love of food I could go on all day.
Alun
Yesterday was a mundane usual sort of holiday day,
Went to the beach and had crepes with banana and chocolate, squeezed orange juice whilst sitting on a stool at the bar on the beach, bought some clothes, walked around Port Grimaud looking for some presents for the family,,,
Hired a boat and pottered around the harbour looking at the really lovely boats and lovely little homes with people reading newspapers, sharing a beer together or drinking coffee,,,
Compared to The Gorge Du Verdun it was all rather dull,,,,
Sat and watched old boys playing boulle,,, can't spell English let alone French???
I've eaten something that didn't agree with me the other day so last night I went to the local mcDonalds,,,,, madness I know but hey!
Unbelievable,, im sitting outside drinking a coffee,,,a vehicle pulls up abruptly,,,this looks dodgy I thought,,,, the guy had stopped the traffic behind him,, he jumps out, runs around his car,,,my bikes right behind were he's stopped,,,,,, I panic and grab my helmet and start to rush over,,,, if he's thinking of nicking my bike he'll be unconscious in about a second,,,,,,
Got about 20 yards away and panic subsides,,,,
He's only taking about 10 pics of the bike, I stop in my tracks, he hasn't seen me so I now feeling rather embarrassed just go back, sit down and carry on drinking,,,two local lads laugh at me and him,,,,the traffic is now building up behind him,, horn goes off,, he walks back to his car,, sorry small van,, looks at the impatient drivers behind, uses a hand motion as if to say p
s off,, jumps in and he's off,,,, I'm in the south of France there's thousands of lovely bikes,, more super cars than you could point a stick at,,,What is it about this bike,,,,there all fooled into thinking it's Vintage (French accent) or something.
You can't make this stuff up,,,
I'd done nothing much all day so last night about 10pm I cruise over to St Trpoez,, park up,,,,out the way!
Had a nice walk around the tiny narrow streets window shopping and enjoying all the happy people chit chatting away as they enjoy their meals and wine,, sat on a rock drinking a coffee,,,the sea breeze cooling my skin,,,it's all very aggreable is the south of France.
It was spitting with rain as I returned,,,only a few miles but all my bravado had dis appeared,,,I'm back to being frightened to death of these shiny roads that look slick when it's dry let alone with fresh rain on them.
It was evident to me now as I tip toed around corners trying to keep the bike dead upright,,
I was riding like a jerk the day before,, the lean angles,, you just get so into it,,,
I'm not sure if I'll ever ride like that again, my bikes to nice for that lark!
Put the cover on the bike when I got back and sure enough it rained a little in the night, I see wet Tarmac around me,, fear sets in,, I'm worrying about coming home now! Everything changes with the dreaded rain,, you can tell even the locals faces drop,,, just like home!!!!
Now the bikes a liability,,,,here's where the Tvr comes back into play,,,, I'd come here in the car but you'd have to choose somewhere quiet to stay as you can't move on the coast road in a car around the built up areas?
I have no clue as to what to do today,,,might get pissed with the French guy staying next door to me,,,,Pascal, nice guy but a raging alki as far as I can make out but just like all the others he's in love with my motorbike and always tries to offer me a beer, maybe I should stop insulting him and join him. He's quite a character,, he drinks for breakfast,, lunch and dinner,,
In fact I could clearly smell alcohol on his breath the other morning as he's putting his diving equipment into his car,,,,
You just have to love the French,,,Sod proto call they do as they like as often as they like,,,wonderful people really,,,keep hold of their beloved traditions and I for one appreciate it so much.
I'm mindfull of coming here as a kid,,, so much they hang onto,,,their mopeds, their love of food I could go on all day.
Alun
Another enjoyable moment first thing in the morning sitting at my desk.
Yep, the rain brings you straight back down to earth wherever you are!
Those fine smooth roads are great when dry, (like a race track but lethal when wet! Keep it upright
Well, I'm off now, taking No3 son to Gatwick to join No2 son who is spending a few months in Bali!
Don't worry lads, dad will work to keep the money rolling in……………………...
Yep, the rain brings you straight back down to earth wherever you are!
Those fine smooth roads are great when dry, (like a race track but lethal when wet! Keep it upright
Well, I'm off now, taking No3 son to Gatwick to join No2 son who is spending a few months in Bali!
Don't worry lads, dad will work to keep the money rolling in……………………...
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