“The Rossi pose”
Lucky with the February weather, this has been three straight days of riding my CBR600RR sportsbike on the varied regional roads of Provence as three day-rides out from Marseille. A day in the Var to the east, then the Carmague, Arles and the lovely Alpilles hills to the west; then thirdly a ride inland up to Manosque in the valley of the River Durance.
The weather’s so important to enjoy sporty riding, If Goldilocks was a biker she’d be happy with the weather of these February days: not too hot, not too cold and no wind, just right. And fantastic visibility, right out to the snow at the ski resorts in Haut-Provence. It’s been a great opportunity to finish off the tyres as the roads are dry and clear of traffic. And fun.
This isn’t white glove biking, the little battery in my CBR600RR again let me down after the winter lay-off disconnected. I was lucky with help from a well geared-up R1 rider who gave me a push start (he probably has the same concerns with his bike’s battery). Return home without stopping the engine, charge the battery, coffee break, then I went out again carrying a power pack and charger, just in case. They weren’t needed but I now have a Lithium battery on order as replacement, maybe that will be better.
Also a problem with the clutch adjuster but hopefully that will be sorted at the annual service.
Last stop of the day in Barjols (Var) which, like most villages in the area, welcomes bikes and bikers.
Day 2 - Carmargue, Arles and Alpilles
Probably the best-dressed speed camera in Provence
Day 3 - valley of the River Durance
This is hooligan country
