Warming up on the Col de l’Espigoulier (723 m.). I’d passed a few petrol stations still dry on the way out of Marseille but hurray, basically no prob. Unusually clear air with visibility all the way to the Écrins and even the Alps; it’s extremely unusual to see Mt. Blanc (4808 m.) clearly like this, over 350 km away.
A fantastic start to a day to Just Ride. But a few more kilometres along the ridge of Ste. Baume the sunshine began to seduce me. Onwards... but I found a friendly location, parked my RR in the shade and unpacked the sun kit and picnic lunch.
Back to Just Ride and pressing on with my route around the Massif de la Sainte Baume and back passing the Circuit du Castellet, bringing back memories of watching the Bol d’Or here.
Pretty much the dream day out on my RR.

More photos: Just ride...

At last some spring-like weather. That boring blue sky again and a bit of warmth... but it’s so welcome after what seems like interminable winter gloom. Some of my favourite roads these on the way to the Grand Canyon of the Verdon. The south rim road was closed at Col d’Illoire (967 m.) lookout but no matter, it was time to stop for a picnic lunch in the pine tress overlooking the big rocks.

More photos: Col d’Illoire (967 m.) - Grand Canyon of the Verdon

Bassin Saint Christophe

Tankfill at Pertuis

A fierce Mistral bringing a crystal-clear blue sky to the Lubéron. But supplies of petrol are still precarious because of the blockades and protests.
These are not grand gorges like the Ardèche or the Verdon but there’s less traffic plus you get curves that tighten because the geology determines the route more than the surveyor. They’re a special treat (challenge) for the rider. The Nesque road has been resurfaced recently so is good and even.
But a roadside picnic in the sunshine as all the villages all closed (it’s Monday) and the towns are far away.
Back for a colourful sunset in Marseille.

More photos: Gorges de la Nesque, Combes de Font Jouvale, Lourmarin

A day to play on a new CB1000R roadster while my CBR600RR sportsbike is in the workshop for a routine service. This roadster turns out to be a far more serious bike than I expected, powerful and stable with a four cylinder engine like the Fireblade but in a less aggressive frame and with an ECU which moderates the beast.
The loan CBR1000R had just 27 km on the clock so in respect of the new engine I rode moderately out of Manosque. It rides great, relaxed but not outrun by anything. Some 100 km further on I broke out off the valley of the Durance, taking the side valley of the Jabron. This road is well-made but not busy. Lots of curves and plenty of fun.

More photos: CB1000R test ride: Cols de la Pigière (968 m.), Macuègne (1068 m.), l’Homme Mort (1213 m.),...