Monday 16th September. Second night complete, and It’s time to get loaded up and leave Pas De La Casa, feeling much better in myself we headed off over the tops for Andorra. Passing through customs with no more than a glance we’re on to some more amazing roads. Getting quite hot, and one thing we had promised ourselves was to take a dip in a lake. Seems as good a place as any? Not long before we start getting ready for a splash. Well, almost everyone! Al just gets on with it While on the other hand, someone starts screaming. Like a Girl!!!! It was to be honest, bloody freezing; you’ve already seen the videos so I won’t go on. Jason points out a ‘small’ drawback to skinny dipping in a cold lake Catching some sun before we head off.
Another stop here. We arrive in Vihela in good time, a cafe recommended by Al for A quick Mandros? Burger and its time to say our goodbyes to Jason. Lads, i don’t have to go and do this track day! Steve says, it’s ok Jase, you go With a fond farewell Jason heads off into the distance. We are staying in Vielha and pop down the road and book in here.
Bikes nicely parked up for the afternoon We have a quick walk around town, Steve decides the roofers in Spain ain’t up to scratch. A couple of beers and a snack and we decide to introduce Al to some fine dining. Cheers.
Tuesday 17th September During our fine dining, we decided to stay two nights in Viehla before going to a good friend of Al’s in France for a couple of nights. A quick look at the map, and we soon sort a route out. A quick stop her on the N230 Odd bit of drizzle as we climbed, but nothing came of it to spoil our day ahead. Well! We were in France. After twisting and turning our way up this road. We stopped here for coffee. And then headed to Col D’ Aspin It looked decidedly dodgy weather wise so we turned around and headed back toward Spain. Along this lovely stretch of road “no traffic” Another stop here, before heading off to the tunnel that links France with Spain, and hopefully sunshine. Ha, may as well give it ten minutes for this lad to clear the road! Last stop before Spain. Honest!
In Spain, and the observant of the viewers may recognise this Mountain? Yes, decided to introduce Al to Ainsa for dinner, rude not too seeing as we was now on the N260 and passing that way. After dinner, we headed back to the hotel in Viehla, same route as previous, so won’t repeat pics.
Wednesday 18th September Biggish miles today, leaving Vielha behind and heading to meet Al’s mate at Oloron-Sainte-Marie France. “bet it rains” A few stops along the way. All this big mileage is catching up with the older ones amongst us Siesta time! Suitably rested we head off up the new section of N330, first tunnel went ok, second one the red lights came on and the barrier dropped closing the road off! After a quick discussion on police tactics for stopping speeding motorcyclists we decided “after two police bikes passed us” there was an accident and it was Fcuk all to do with us. A 40 minute delay later we roll into France and stop here about an hour away from our destination. Nice roads still Met up with DeDe a little later than planned and he took us to his home which became ours for the next two nights. Bikes parked safe in a barn bigger than my house, BBQ food was cooked and wine and beer was drank.
This was the view I was confronted with as I looked out of the window at 7am! Cowbells a ringing!..........I could think of worse ways to be woken up! And here's a nice shot of Gary in front of the camera for a change!
Gary, Imagine if each of us had a camera running all the time and you had all that to go over. Decide what you are trying to do first - a 5 minute montage set to an upbeat tune with mix of stills and video from the week is a good start. Then work on a longer production. I set up a folder for each day and drop footage into each day.
Great advice Al, sadly if I see this programe has to close due to an unexpected error once more tonight I shall not be responsible for my actions Off for a couple of hours before work I think. , everything always seems that much easier the next day
But then that was the whole idea before we went........no plan! We just went, where and when we wanted and it worked just fine. Of all the trips I've taken to the Pyrenees this one definitely ran the smoothest! No deadlines to meet, no set route, instead we just went chasing the twisties and boy did we find them......old and new!
But Gary the consensus from earlier was that it wouldn't matter if you had a map or not you couldn't read it anyway!
Thursday 19th September With Jason now on his way home to do his track day at Brands Hatch with the guys it now leaves the trip to just Steve Alblade and myself. DeDe left for Paris early morning, so he’s out too. As to be expected Al gets the map out over breakfast and we plot a nice days riding, being in this are a while now, we will experience roads that we have already been over, sounds ok to me, at least I’ll be on familiar terrain. Al has a map of the route on page 43? I’ll get his permission and add it as I can. Few photos of the day. France/Spain border He loves his dogs that Steve. We stopped for dinner at a truck stop in Yessa. Amazing roads again, going up into the cloud was awkward though. Low sun clear visor. Not good Floating above the clouds. Didn’t get that many pics today if I’m honest, plenty of video courtesy of Al’s gopro which will be edited and posted when done.
You really do have some amazing pics of that bike Gary!! Love em more when you have great memories like that ey
