Hi All I'm off on a little bike ride next week, against any sane judgement, to the French Alps. I'm based in Barcelona, so it'll be a smash up over the Pyrenees, down in to France, stay over night before heading up to Chamonix. Depending on the weather it'll either be fab or misery. But what I do need is a good set of winter gloves! Any recommendations for a really good set of ergonomic, sports style, warm and water proof gloves??? Many thanks in advance Mike
Would love to be riding up there with some heated gear/grips, but really can't justify it. Most of my riding is done in Spain, or Europe in the fairer months. Only heading upto Chamonix to visit a friend and his new Ducati for a couple of days then blasting back. But hopefully I'll get some good pics on route, and if the weather is kind it should be a good impromptu little adventure. So it's gonna be lots of layers, and a good pair of gloves!
That's not entirely out of the question is it?.......shit But it'll more exciting finding a honda fireblade in 50,000 years time than a hairy elephant!
I think its a cracking idea. Will suggest a few good roads up from barcelona. Heated grips really will transform the trip , far more than you would think. If you get lucky will be dry roads and stunning snow covered mountains. Also have a link at home with the status of passes to help you plan your trip. Really look forward to the road trip report!
Cheers Allblade! I'm very familiar with the roads from Barca up north to the Pyrenees, but never been over the top into France. But if you can recommend any good ones on the other side that would be very much appreciated. As for the route up into the Alps, I'm still working on that. I've John Hermann's 'Motorccyle Journeys Through The Alps & Beyond' and the 'Motorcycle Atlas France' from previous trips, but I think the biggest factor will depend on the weather. If its good I'll cut in early to the Alps from Provence area, failing that It'll be more direct. Also wouldn't mind heading for the Millau Viaduct. Anyone been? Worth a detour?
Try this as an idea Barcelona, Province of Barcelona, Spain to Chamonix, France - Google Maps THe road from Ripol to Bourg Madame is epic, and the pass over the Pymorens down past Andorra should be good if still open. Loads of options to then get to Millau - or save time and go from Bourg Madame via Perpignan to Millau Road to Le Puy from Millau is good - and there or Millau good places to stop overnight. Just some ideas
Hi mate what a fantastic trip you have planned, if you have time try the Spada Enforcer Leather Gloves In Black. I ride with Spada 3 season gloves and they are great really comfortable and hard wearing. I have tried the Enforcer gloves and am going to get some for this winter. Look forward to seeing some photo's of the trip. Spada Leather Gloves Enforcer WP Black - Feridax.com
Cheers Allblade, video is great, amazing piece of engineering as you say, worth a visit for sure. Route looks good, pretty much as I planned heading north to France, and looks interesting after that. Much obliged Fozza, gloves look good, I'll see if I can find them or something similar for sure. cheers
Milau, its a big bridge, nice when you go over it to get somewhere, but i wouldnt go there just to see it. Get some Oxford handlebar muffs and some warm gloves, they work a treat, but you look like a twat. But a twat with warm hands!
Cheers Billy I'm not too fashion conscious, and would be quite happy looking like a twat, (thats assuming I don't anyway??) and rolling with some big muffs on me handle bars. Unfortunately there not readily available here, and I've left it a little late to order off the internet (need about 2 weeks with Spanish postal service, they like a strike here in Spain) cheers though, I'm just gonna look like a twat with cold hands. Pics to follow.
Quick word of warning - but know you are aware of this, was out on bike today from 14:00 in sunshine , good temperature no problems - heading home, 20 - 30 mins before sunset temperature just dropped like a stone - where you are going guess real risk of ice forming. Can only suggest real short stops for fuel / food in daylight and try and get going as early as temperature / daylight allows - still envious mind!
Probably a bit pricey if you're based in BCN, but Astars Polar winter gloves are fairly short on the cuff but ultra-warm and waterproof.
Back from my winter trip to the Alps. It was fantastic. Weather was glorious for the most part. Blade was faultless and a complete joy. Full report on its way with pics. Cheers Mike
