I like these leisurely 0900 starts, gives me a chance to warm up with some sunshine before we get going. Today it is a trip into the Jura Mountains and then on via Annecy to Albertville. Last year we didn’t end up in Albertville but I had to get a Crit Air sticker to let me go via Grenoble and I did notice that I am the only one with one.
I like the Jura Mountains – lovely roads, twisties, great road surfaces and the views are tremendous over Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). Our stop by the lake at Annecy is one of those artisan bakeries which my rider seems to like – at least I get a rest.
The next day sees us going through the Frejus tunnel into Italy – it is a long tunnel and quite hot in the middle. I was following the GSA and he was sticking to the speed limit unlike some of the others earlier who may have got caught when they overtook a lorry in an area with speed cameras! Oh dear.
Italy here we are and it is cold and wet. More go juice then we seem to drive round in circles as the route we want to take is closed. Back on the motorway eventually to get away from there and off on the next slip road then back into France via a lunch stop at Briançon. I heard them talking and they said that all the high passes were closed due to snow – this is the end of May! Luckily this one was open because I have never worn snow chains!
Boring roads towards Gap and heavy traffic – hope we are going to take the road by Lake Serre-Ponçon as that is windy, smooth and the road to Digne le Bains which we normally follow afterwards is fast and fun – yippee – looks like they had a team meeting and are changing from the prescribed route – best not tell Magellan…
I noticed that two of the Beemers are not there today – I wonder where they went. Bet they were glad to not go into Italy!
Manosque tonight – I know this garage. Thankfully I get a chance to dry off everything and all of us are together again. The Beemers ridden by Tim and John went via Grenoble down Route Napoleon and they stayed dry! Glad that we are all back together.
Just noticed another BMW beside me – just like mine and ridden by Linden. I followed him earlier today but we never had a chance to get to know each other.
Gorge du Verdun today which I am missing out as I have been there a few times – I bet all the other bikes will come back with great stories to tell. I hope that my rider takes me next year as I enjoy the roads there but not the drops to the side!