I will start with the end - sometimes the best experiences are not planned they just happen...
It's 9 pm and just got down to dinner in a mountain village called Valloriate it's near Cuneo which was my Italian destination for the day. All hotels near Cuneo were full and there were no campsites as it was too urban. Retraced my steps through city back to the mountains (sat nav proved itself at last...) and called in at several hotels they were all full. As it was 7.45 pm so chances were slim, was wondering if it was my rough looks and sweaty persona. Recalled seeing a sign for Valloriate and a hotel so kept going back towards France. After turning off some 10 km into hills passed a church and car park, surely not. Kept going and like an oasis in the desert the Ristorante / Bar FUNGO-REALE presented herself.
Now how much would this be worth - set myself a 100 euro limit (to be honest would gave probably swiped the card at any cost). It was just 45 Euros and as the only room left was their emergency room! would be only 35 including breakfast. I nearly bit his arm off... Parked up the beast, showered and was down for dinner in a flash, result.
Day started slowly with a good breakfast felt fatigued from previous day and poor sleep as teenage kids next door giggled all night. Eventually on the road at 10.20 am seeking a recycling bin for my water bottle. Stopped on small mountain bridge as spotted a recycling bin-parked quickly and on a slope, bike fell over, b***** what a way to start the day. Kill switch and started to lift the 250 kilos, a kind french man stopped and helped me. Gingerly I set off for the final 15 km towards Aubenas. Mojo not strong today so stopped for early lunch in Privas, nice well huge salad, tipped as great service. More whisky book reading and people watching. Off again after a long lunch break and I needed to make up time now. Lots of bikers that's a good sign - now this must be a good route. Rode out of the Ardeche region into the Hautes Alps, and huge dark mountains loomed in the distance I factually describe the dark silhouette - as storms and fork lightning made them seem very foreboding.
The road from Gap to Barcelonette was great, twisties and steep cliffs were the order of the day. Took some pics as parked up looking down on a huge dammed lake. The road got smaller and twistier as I headed towards Col de Larche and Col de Maddalena. Took some video will see what comes out. Lots of warning signs for bikers to take care I could imagine some getting carried away and running out of talent and road! Concentrating fully I could see the odd memorial plaque here and there from the corner of my eye. Lots of caravans and trucks which are hard to pass.
Too much life to live to take any silly risks. Smell the roses and take some pictures is my new motto, not just destination focussed enjoy the journey.
Kept looking for the border post and was nervous would have to passport swap due to some history (no details here...).
I can see how some motorcycle journeys may have started out short and ended being epic journeys. You get into a groove a pattern and begin to form a strong relationship with the bike, almost symbiotic. You can hear it's rattles and moans - it tells you it likes being fed super fuel by a singing exhaust note. You begin to feel as one...Ok enough of that ... where is my beer...feel lucky today.