TRAVERSE 83
The large white building loomed out of the dusk as I passed . My bike was given shelter for the night in a wine-cellar alongside a flashy red Ducati , owned by a German couple who were also travelling through France . I hope it didn ’ t feel intimidated ( the Ducati , I mean .) I then headed to the hills and found the prettiest place ever for lunch . The outside dining area under the trees overlooked a lake . Little flowers from the trees dropped into my rosé wine and on to the plate of whitebait who looked surprised to be showered by the tiny yellow petals .
The charming waitress replaced my half drunk glass of wine as it had flowers in it .
“ This could go on all afternoon ” I thought dreamily as I finished off with homemade alcoholic ice-cream .
I stayed nearby and explored this quietly soft area , the Parc du Pilat which led me all the way to Lyon .
After a night at a Formule 1 hotel , I had a superb day with my daughter whose meeting lasted only two hours leaving us the rest of the day to eat , drink and talk our way around the majestic city .
I wobbled my way to the Enfield mechanic and explained the problem . The work couldn ’ t start until the morning so I asked about nearby accommodation . After a phone call to his partner , I was whisked off in the owner ’ s motorcycle racing sidecar to his home an hour ’ s ride out in the country .
“ This ’ ll be fun ”, I thought as I climbed in with my overnight stuff . We tore along the dual carriageways and through the underpasses of Lyon with my nose inches away from the car in front . Suddenly Francois would dodge out and overtake and I found I was gripping my bag with terror . My early smile became a grimace of fear and my eyes widened as I read the makers ’ marks stamped on the car exhaust pipes , so close and near the road surface was I .
I ’ m not easily scared but I was terrified , laughing insanely as one does on a theme park ride you wish you hadn ’ t gone on when it ’ s too late to get off . He probably misinterpreted my screams as enjoyment and cranked up the speed . I was glad when this fairground ride stopped in a village heaven knows where ; road signs had just been a blur . He and his partner lived in a very large garage . With them reside dozens of motorbikes , an old car and a St . Bernard dog .
The motorbikes were a mixture of makes , some of them prototypes and all of them unique or rare . He and Adele raced at local circuits on Sundays and were building a new outfit . Good for them but I ’ ll go slowly on my Enfield , thank you ! They were very kind and I had a great evening with them , looking at all the bikes .
Back at the workshop the following morning , after driving more sedately in Adele ’ s car , I learned that a complete new steering head stock bearing had to be sent from Paris .
Concerned about taking advantage of their hospitality again , I wondered out loud where to spend the following days . My query was answered by a handsome customer in the parts shop who invited me to stay with him . He said he would be happy to show me the sights of the city whilst my bike was being repaired . I accepted his invitation and stayed with Christophe for three days in his flat overlooking the river .
TRAVERSE 83