Ross Dean
Registered user
I am off on a western European jaunt to the Italian lakes via southern France and back along the western and northern boarders of France over a 5 week period beginning in early April, crossing into each country I pass by. Having done something similar along the western and southern boarders of France in October 2007, I realise that I have yet to post an account of my last journey. The trouble is, a trip around the fringes of France seems so mundane and yet, for me, a solo journey to places where they don't speak English (and I don't speak the local language - I find other languages hard to learn) is actually quite an adventure. Like the last trip, I expect to cover about 5,000 miles and avoid motorways and A-roads whenever possible.
What am I trying to say? Well, the experience of just taking the time to go off on a GS and, wherever feasible, just riding on B-roads for 200 or so miles a day at a sedate pace in the 2,500 to 4,000 rpm range, and taking roads that look interesting as you see them, is freedom in my book. My GS, any GS, will get you there and give you a sense of … what? … joy in being on such a machine? I love the journey. Now and again, on my last trip, the bike disappeared and I was just travelling. I suspect that few bikes can give you this gift. At times, it felt like floating as I rode through the forests of western France. My journey was not a Long Way anywhere but it is was so worth doing. I look forward to this new adventure.
What am I trying to say? Well, the experience of just taking the time to go off on a GS and, wherever feasible, just riding on B-roads for 200 or so miles a day at a sedate pace in the 2,500 to 4,000 rpm range, and taking roads that look interesting as you see them, is freedom in my book. My GS, any GS, will get you there and give you a sense of … what? … joy in being on such a machine? I love the journey. Now and again, on my last trip, the bike disappeared and I was just travelling. I suspect that few bikes can give you this gift. At times, it felt like floating as I rode through the forests of western France. My journey was not a Long Way anywhere but it is was so worth doing. I look forward to this new adventure.
