Impromptu trip to the Alps and Black Forest.

[littleoldman2]

I,ve had these routes in my sat nav since 2010 prior to falling ill. I got most of the route from here http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=152385&page=4 . Only decided to get off my backside and go at short notice, so not as well prepared as I should have been.

Day 1 Thursday 16/08/12. As this was a bit impromptu I had to book the Chunnel whilst still packing my kit on the bike, so was unable to get a crossing until Friday at 09:00. Managed to book a nights camping at the Drum Inn only 4 miles from the Tunnel link http://www.thedruminn.com/ . Boring and uneventful ride down of 351 miles. Tent up and 3 pints of “Old Trip” made for a pleasant evening before bed.

[littleoldman2]

Day 2. Up at 6, on the bike for 7 in the hope of getting an earlier crossing as I had it in mind to make the 600 miles to Millau that day. This was supposed to be the first half http://goo.gl/maps/wCqiq but I got well lost and as the Garmin is only interested in the destination rather than the route I did far too many miles on the motorway. The day overall was really good some motorway some straight D roads ,curves, villages and small towns. Good weather and managed to keep moving. Ended up camping here http://www.camping-indigo.com/fr/cam...-auvergne.html at Clermont Ferrand. Campsite was a bit expensive at 29 euro but included wifi and free international phone calls. A good day of 478 miles.

[littleoldman2]

Day 3. Saturday 18Aug. Set off for Millau nice and early at around 7 am and then onto the motorway and it was crowded. Turns out it’s the Saturday when the French take off on holiday. So a slightly slower motorway section before D roads to Millau. Into the town the back out and up to the motorway for a ride over the bridge. The road from the south side of town to the bridge was terrific. Rode over the bridge from south to north and stopped of at the Aire but did not walk up to the highest view point as the sun was roasting, I was in full leathers and the bike loaded with easily removable kit. Then back down towards the town along the same D road I first approached it on and the start of the run to Grenoble through the Gouge du Tarn. Rode through the gouge at tourist pace, There’s really no other way, it’s a great road but the views are such that you cannot make progress on the bike. Riding out of the gouge was brilliant and on over the top on the D31 then the D35. Then the run down into the valley. The road was through trees all the way. A winding road with many bends following the valley and river, what a joy to ride. Nothing to concentrate on but the next curve. Cannot remember where I camped. Route Millau to Grenoble is here http://goo.gl/maps/RTsBw A really enjoyable day of 353 miles

[littleoldman2]

Day 4 Sunday 19Aug Awoke and off the campsite early a bright sunny day arrived in Grenoble without problems a nice road in with very little motorway only near the city. Intended to do some shopping and get a local SIM card, but the supermarkets in France have the good sense not to open on Sunday. Had to visit 8 petrol stations before I found one that took cash. Was very hot riding slowly in the urban environment. In spite of these little inconveniences it was a pleasant time. Out of the city and onto the Route Napoleon which is a superb road with superb scenery for most of the way a bit congested in places. Camped at Camping International at Castellane. A good day of 278 miles would have been more but for stopping off at Grenoble, distracted into detours and getting lost a fair few times trying to get out on the right road. Route Grenoble to Castellane http://goo.gl/maps/emSv4 .

Nice trip lom, and cracking pics.

Now this is more like it! Did part of that route, Millau & Clermont. The Mountains are just amazing, especially in good weather. Those days were the best riding part of my trip and would recommend this to anyone. Would like to do part of this again if possible.

Balkans? Never considered that but, as I said, I'm open minded and would give it a go for sure. My only real concern is doing everything in the limited time.

Nice pics and write up there. I bet you wish you were back there now

[Geodude]

Nice pictures and write up lom, looks like a good trip was had. Like all the links you've added as it makes it easier to copy your ride, ta.

xGx

[littleoldman2]

Thanks G. Was away 15 days and around 4700 miles so a bit more to come.

[Geodude]

Wow a few miles then, the sv happily ate up the roads then? looking forward to the next installment, more please

[littleoldman2]

Only real problem I had was my bike gear is suitable for northern Britain not southern Europe.