Motorbiking
"Biker" for me usually means motorbiking, though I also have a Marin mountain-bike...
My current motorbikes are a Honda CBR600RR ABS 2017 and a Kawasaki Ninja Z250SL.
Previously I have owned: Honda CRF300 Rally, Honda CBR600RR 2005, Honda CBR600FW, Honda VF750F, Yamaha FJ600, Suzuki GSX750EX, Yamaha FJ750, Yamaha XJ900, Kawasaki Z750 and I passed my riding test on my Kawasaki KH250.
See also my Motorbiking web links
At last some spring-like weather. That boring blue sky again and a bit of warmth... but it’s so welcome after what seems like interminable winter gloom. Some of my favourite roads these on the way to the Grand Canyon of the Verdon. The south rim road was closed at Col d’Illoire (967 m.) lookout but no matter, it was time to stop for a picnic lunch in the pine tress overlooking the big rocks.
More photos: Col d’Illoire (967 m.) - Grand Canyon of the Verdon
Bassin Saint Christophe
Tankfill at Pertuis
A fierce Mistral bringing a crystal-clear blue sky to the Lubéron. But supplies of petrol are still precarious because of the blockades and protests.
These are not grand gorges like the Ardèche or the Verdon but there’s less traffic plus you get curves that tighten because the geology determines the route more than the surveyor. They’re a special treat (challenge) for the rider. The Nesque road has been resurfaced recently so is good and even.
But a roadside picnic in the sunshine as all the villages all closed (it’s Monday) and the towns are far away.
Back for a colourful sunset in Marseille.
More photos: Gorges de la Nesque, Combes de Font Jouvale, Lourmarin
CB1000R: Cols de la Pigière (968 m.), Macuègne (1068 m.), l’Homme Mort (1213 m.), Montfuron (649 m.)
A day to play on a new CB1000R roadster while my CBR600RR sportsbike is in the workshop for a routine service. This roadster turns out to be a far more serious bike than I expected, powerful and stable with a four cylinder engine like the Fireblade but in a less aggressive frame and with an ECU which moderates the beast.
The loan CBR1000R had just 27 km on the clock so in respect of the new engine I rode moderately out of Manosque. It rides great, relaxed but not outrun by anything. Some 100 km further on I broke out off the valley of the Durance, taking the side valley of the Jabron. This road is well-made but not busy. Lots of curves and plenty of fun.
A rapid thaw made a short ride pleasant despite the remains of the snow on the fields and tops. Good to play here on the little Z250SL sportsbike; there’s no through traffic as Kirkstone Pass road is closed for repairs just above Sykeside camp site.
Skills practice on my CBR600RR on roads up near the Circuit Paul Ricard (Circuit du Castellet). Not a fuel economy run: there are some interesting cambers and curves to try to ride intelligently. My photo is a roundabout painted in the same colours as the track.
Subcategories
Alps Biker 2016
I'm riding light for a week on the mountain roads of the Alps. No laptop, although I do have my SLR camera but photos will have to wait till I'm back in Marseille..
I left Marseille for a long ride north via the Col de la Croix Haute (1179 m.) to Saint-Gervais under Mont Blanc. A bit of rain towards the end of the day which cleaned the Provence dust off my white leathers and boots but didn't soak me through.
