is easily possible to ride a trail for an
hour without seeing a paved road,
electric power line or house, a total
contrast to the over restricted, pop-
ulated and developed countryside
found in Southern England.
Meeting the occasional off-road
vehicle can even be a pleasant di-
version from the seclusion. What’s
their vehicle? Where are they going?
Where have they been? What’s the
trail ahead like?
Stopping at a mountain side rest
stop, just you, your bike and mother
nature stretching out unspoiled by
the progress of man “the developer”
is always a real pleasure, that is a
long way from the daily city dweller’s
experience.
It’s no surprise there are increasing
numbers of organised motorcycle /
4x4 tours within this area, enjoying
both the secluded well-maintained
tarmac roads and the extensive net-
work of dirt trails. I’m sure anyone
reading this magazine won’t need me
to explain the joys of riding a motor-
cycle in the mountains on a sunny
day.
Google Survey - “Weather”
My most recent trip found me
riding a motorcycle through France,
Andorra and Northern Spain in July,
our summertime.
Although “good” motorcycling
weather cannot be relied upon in
Europe, July is the month boasting
the highest average temperatures and
one of the lowest monthly rainfall
averages; that must be a good start.
The first third of my trip saw
me progressing through Northern
France, heading south till the Loire
River crossing. This area has temper-
atures and rainfall to match that of
Southern England. It is no accident
that Normandy is famed for its lush
green pastures, with images of milk
laden cattle, heading to the milking
parlor to be relieved of their precious
cargos. This is the region where
TRAVERSE 44