Motorcycle Explorer November 2016 Issue 14 | Page 104

Feature: Euro roads - kevin turner
This is more of a classic must do over a
long weekend from two time author
Kevin Turner. The self-named Hapless
Biker loves the Euro stuff and we don’t
blame him, it’s awesome. The Route
Napoleon, as you may have guessed
already is the route that the Little
Emperor took after his return from exile
in Elba. He took 1500 men and that was
all ended by Lt Col Sharpe of the South...
oh wait that was just a TV show. The war
ended in Waterloo (no, it’s not just an
Abba song) with ‘Nosey’ Wellington
having final victory.
The route is a beautifully mountainous
route and lined with the French Imperial
Eagle along the way (always good for a
selfie shot). The twists, turns and vistas
are sublime and worth the ride alone for
the topography and hell of it on well
maintained tarmac. A deep rich layer is
added (if you want it) with the history of
the route and I can’t recommend learning
about the march enough. It will enhance
your riding experience and let you visit
all the places you’ve now read about.
What happened where and why on this
fatal last march of the French? You will
know because you were there.
You will have over 200 miles of French
history and alpine passes to play on so
please take your time. Passing over
1248m for the Col Baynard is just one of
the many delights awaiting you on this
historical route – viva la France baby.
Route Napolean
Provence
France
Starts: Golfie-Juan
SITE
MAP
Ends: Grenoble
Length: 202 miles
.
Time: 5 hours but take a few days.
Best ridden in: Spring and Summer but no massive
drama in Autumn - just a bot wet!
Top tip: Take a few days and look at the map, know
the history and go and see the buildings and
monuments - get your FULL travel nred on! Sharpe
was ere!
Kev's Website