Today I rode north from Ancelle and towards Grenoble on Route Napoléon. Then I crossed over to Albertville via Col de Glandon further towards Chamonix. I didn’t quite realise when I planned it that I came this way too 3 years ago, but it is surprising how different the view actually looks when riding in the opposite direction. It wasn’t a long ride in distance but since I’m crap at riding mountain roads it took the whole day. Now I’m just going to upload some views so beautiful that you all are going to head over here to enjoy it first hand. Share and enjoy!
Along Route NapoléonLunch with a view – towards Col de GlandonAlso close to Col de Glandon
Before leaving Solsona I took advantage and went to a garage I had seen to ask about cooling liquid for the Versys. It seemed like it was running low and since I’m new to watercooled bikes I thought better to ask. I was fortunate to get help immediately and after some cleaning of gunk that made the tube untight and some refilling I was on my way again. Better safe than sorry and the coming two days ride was going to be hot, just like the first day.
The garage in Solsona – such a cool logotype!
I had a beautiful morning riding in the Alps crossing over to France by Bourge Madam. It made me a bit nostalgic since this was where I three years ago came down when bringing the Ducati to Spain. Absolutely beautiful all the way to Montpellier where I entered the highway and had a vibey, buzzy and sweaty ride.
Temporary art performance in the gothic park in Nîmes
My next stay was Nîmes and I found the place without too many difficulties but very tired and sweaty. The guy checking me in was most helpful and offered to store my bike in the staffroom – before he understood it was a motorbike… I thought the helmet and cordura gear would have given that away 🙂
Some twisties after entering France
The last days I have had some small difficulties, not any big problems but enough to be annoying. The hotel Concord in Nîmes wanted to charge me 5 euros more than stated in the booking, trying to invent a tax add-on. The hotel in Ancelle tried to claim that dinner was not included even though it said so in my booking and wanted to charge me 20 euros more but in the end settled for that – sheets worth 6 euros were not included. Therefore I’m using my sleeping bag tonight, I’m feeling childish and refuse to give in. My phone has stopped working, seemes to have coverage but no operator and my computer fails to connect to internet. Therefore I had difficulties reporting to my family not to worry and that I have reached destination. I hope this too sorts itself out.
I always wanted to photograph an archbridge for my fiance – and here it is!
But the ride today from Nîmes to Ancelle was absolutely beautiful, short in distance but very enjoyable. I was very tired when waking up to eary, 6.30, this morning due to the military troops had an excercise on the square in Nîmes not far from the hotel and the march music was penetrating. The ride did cheer me up and the tiredness wore off. As a bonus the route I had chosen was clearly sign posted all the way between Orange and Gap as it was a scenic route of the Rhone Alps. Things like that makes riding so much easier almost like having a GPS I suppose.
Now I’m ready for bed, tomorrow I head further north, more riding in the Rhone Alps towards Chamonix.
Wow, what a day, cold, warm and cold again followed by a beautiful crisp evening. Apparently there was a hailstorm in Solsona last night so I’m glad I missed it as well as the heavy rain that passed earlier this evening.
Lunch break with castle viewAlong the river Ebro
I rode N 211 for most of the time and it is a beautiful road and had hardly no traffic today. Overall I had a beautiful and long ride. I had dinner and a stroll in Solsona and am now ready for bed. My bike is parked in the owners’ private garage as very nicely proposed upon my arrival – so I can sleep without worries.
