Musings from a Summer Tour
25 August 2015
So, a guy I’m pleased to call a friend has been riding around France, Italy and Switzerland this summer on his fantastic Ducati Diavel writing daily updates to us back in Blighty wishing we were there. He has kindly agreed that I can share a few of his daily musings, some on the people and fellow bikers he met and some on the roads travelled (I trust you don’t mind that I’ve censored a few words Kev!), I hope you enjoy………
It’s true, I’m having a ball, only thing occasionally missing is the ‘right kind’ of company to share the experience with. Certainly – there is a big difference between being ”alone and lonely”, I’m never lonely (ok will admit to 5% of melancholic thoughts when drunk and solo) and very well adjusted to my own company. I think unless you spend time alone you never truly understand or explore the animal you really are?
So far I’ve met some dumb, arrogant and insecure f….ers on this trip, but the majority seem to be decent humans living their life as they choose it to be and with some degree of awareness and consideration of their surroundings and of those around them. Sadly, I have too many good friends with recent health scares (I selfishly wish them all the time in the world as I have not spent enough time with them) and for me this puts things into the correct perspective with how to spend time. Not living like this is your last day on the planet, but smelling the roses along the journey is paramount. I have no time for some of the few (LOUD) self absorbed tw..s I have seen.
Some notes from yesterday at Rendezvous Moto before I left this fine morning.
Couple of farmers from Holland have just left Lunas. Funny guys, one with a diversion 900 the other a black ninja 750 minus the fairing. Farmers are a breed apart. One of them had his sat nav silicone glued to a piece of wood which in turn was somehow glued to the tank. They both left in the pouring rain wearing jeans and old leather jacket. No waterproofs? Big smile on their faces when they left. They had the overall appearance and demeanour of 2 drunks (even when sober). That’s a guess by the way as I didn’t see them consume beer at breakfast but its possible they had a secret stash!
Met some ‘patched’ riders too. To ‘cool’ to make eye contact or say ”bonjour’ to anyone not wearing their ‘creed’ on the back of their jackets in what looked like ‘brand new” stitched badges. They must lead a narrow minded, insular life. T…ers!!. Thankfully they were the minority. Most I have met have seemed quiet, humble people with no need to be the centre of attention, talk over everyone with unbelievable stories of their exploits or just generally brag about their personal biking heroics, (hope I’m not doing that). The quieter ones that first seemed aloof, when they have opened up and started talking have done some amazing things and make my travels look like a trip to the shops and back.. Some English (from Tiverton) guys have left too, not that I spoke with them to much, I enjoyed the banter with the French, Dutch and Belgium bikers.,
Sitting by the fast moving, talking river behind the campsite, I have just said goodbye to ‘Case’ from Holland. Lol, he looked about 70+ (but was probably a lot younger) like a cross between an ailing ‘Neil Young’ and the lead role on the ghost train at the fairground. Yellow teeth, 6ft 2”, maybe 12 stone, scruffy black leathers, V2 patch on back of his jacket, proper ”Rocker ”style. This man has traveled many miles, physically and metaphorically. Visited Scotland 3 times as well as most of Europe. ‘Rock On’ – Case
Quick note abut the food at my previous stop Rendezvous Moto, Christine’s food was some of the best cooking I’ve tasted, the beef bourgignon was excellent, as were all the dishes but that was my fave. Many of you will know I like a good Burger…I can safely assert that the burger I had at R-Moto was the best I have ever had, couldn’t believe it and am quite upset I will have to wait till at least next summer to have another. This new site (Le Camping Moto) seems ok but haven’t really been here long enough to have an informed opinion apart from noticing their measures of Jack D are smaller here.
If your appetite has been whetted for a blast in Europe, even if only to try the best burger….ever! but don’t have a suitable bike, then Motobox UK can hire you a Triumph Tiger or 1050 Sport including full luggage, fully comprehensive insurance and RAC cover.