I actually tok my shiny 1100 to the Stella !!

[Tarka]

Those roads take no prisoners-note the typical switchback bend to the left,the total lack of side verge and the several thousand feet drop ahead...with no barrier...

 

[Tarka]

Popped down to the South of France for a warm up....

 

[Tarka]

The nearest I`ll get to this place....and yes,I did park on a zebra crossing,and hold up traffic while I took a photo.....

 

[Tarka]

A welcome bit of warmth,after 6 days of rain and mist in Italy....

 

[Tarka]

Then I rode across the Cote d`Azur towards Orange and over near Carpentras to ride up Mt. Ventoux,in memory of a deceased friend who led me there in 1984 on my XT 600,aged 18...
Note how the tree line just stops....

 

[Tarka]

The other side was equally stunning and bizarre....

 

[Tarka]

Due to the post Bastille Day holiday period,lots of places were booked up,and the roads were very busy by now,so I headed north to tour some of the World War One sites,basically following the Western front line....

 

[Tarka]

France....I love the place,but the north is rather boring...nothing in front of you.....

 

[Tarka]

.....and nothing behind.....

 

[Tarka]

Ypres was a nice place....

 

[Tarka]

....the Menin Gate a fitting tribute to the missing dead....

 

[Tarka]

...It is covered with the names of the thousands of dead from the Somme area who have no known grave,and the Last Post is played there every night....

 

[Tarka]

Sadly,money ran out before time,so I had to return home.....

 

[Tarka]

It`s to know that the 'Gallic Shrug' is still en vogue....although ever so slightly worrying when it is applied to public health and safety aboard the ferry......

 

[Tarka]

And finally....we know a song about these,don`t we ????

 

[G.C.]

Some great pics there Tarka, it looks like you had a fantastic trip.


G C

 

[Stoney]

Col du Galibier,my favourite in that area...

So how many days did you miss the TDF by? I can see the 'temporary village' still there/or getting ready.

Your jollies look great. I can't wait until my kids are old enough to palm-off to the grandparents so I can get myseld down there one July (probably 2015!!)

Nice one Tarks - great looking 11 by the way! - it's kinda opposite to Henry's!

 

[Wraithwrider]

Some excellent piccies there Tarks, I really enjoyed them first thing and it's sorting my hangover out.

It was good to see you at the Stella too. I had a great two weeks away with the 1200 going like a dream.

Peter

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

nice tour de france and pics - but when you actually going to admit you only need one good bike - like the 1100 ??

 

[Steve]

Then back to Bardonecchia for three hours of bike washing,

You really know how to have a good time on your hols don't you?