Nevers, France to Antwerp, Belgium and then HOME!!

Today is the final day of the ride!  We had a very long day but great scenery along the way.  A few of the posse riders left first thing in the morning as they were now heading to their final destination - home. There were still all the rented bikes and a few more heading back towards Antwerp.  Almost every stop we were starting to say goodbye to people as they made a different turn in the road.

One of the last stops we had before saying goodbye to Barbara, Stephan and Kris we had to put the proper riding gear on to ensure we were legal in Belgium.  Three quarter helmet, long sleeves, gloves,  pants and riding boots all must be worn in Belgium or it is against the law.  Thankfully it was starting to cool down a bit and my jacket was bearable but glad I don't have to wear long sleeves all the time and the helmet too - I miss my half helmet at home!

We made a left at the bottom of the hill and started to head up another a bike pulled off to the side of the road - broken down bike!  Some stopped to see what was going on and I noticed our sweepers also stopped so I scooted up to the front (always fun!) to let the leaders know what was going on and why we lost half of the group.  We pulled off and waited a bit but no one came and then decided to go ahead until we got to a gas station.  Once we arrived at the gas station and filled up we knew that the fuel pump had gone on the bike and that they had made arrangements to have the Antwerp dealer pick it up tomorrow and the guys were doubling up and would catch up with us shortly!  Well it was 7:00 by the time they got to us and we still had 150 km to go!

We said our final goodbyes to a few more people including some of the posse team and a great friend Dicky and headed off down the road again until each of them pulled off heading towards their destinations.  We arrived at the gas station around the corner from the dealer to fill up and one more bike (John and Cindy's bike) would not start after filling up!  Everyone got back to the dealer including their bike as it was pushed down the road as the last posse bike to arrive - LOL.  I tried taking pictures but with my camera and not knowing where I am taking pictures they did not turn out!!

After parking the bikes in the garage at the dealer and taking a final picture of one dirty bike we said goodbye!  Thankfully Margo and Luc offered to drive a few of us to our destinations for the night which was awesome and above and beyond!  I headed to the train station which is absolutely beautiful and caught a train to Brussels for my final night.  It was 11:00 pm when I arrived in Brussels and then walked to my hotel about a block or so away from the station while pulling my suitcases and still in my biking boots!  Quite a site I must have been!

After registering and showering I headed back out to the Brussels square for something to eat for supper.  I found a great outdoor cafe and had a chicken salad and a final beer before hitting the pillow.

Thursday morning was quick up and packed headed to the airport.  I thought I would have had time to complete my blog while at the airport but by the time you get through all the customs, security and lineups everywhere I didn't even have time to sit down before they were calling for the seating of the plane.  I sat beside a gentleman that was going to Canada on a tour of the western provinces starting in Calgary.  He was planning on a trip with Dutch people so he could practice his language skills in hopes of getting better at it.  Interesting sort of guy a vacation as well as a learning experience all in one!

I slept a few different times on the flight and felt rested arriving in Montreal.  It was a good thing as I was off to the races again from picking up my luggage to going through customs and then dropping my luggage off again and then through security again!  WOW!  Again no time before getting called to finally sit on the final plane to Ottawa.  It was surprising to see the girl that I met on my flight over to Brussels also boarding the same flight to Ottawa and we asked each other how are vacations were - very nice to see a friendly face again!  It was a quick up and down flight and then pick my luggage up and meet Paul at the car.  Wonderful to see him and I was full of stories.  I am sure he thought I was crazy but he was happy to see me and that is all that matters.  We stopped in Arnprior on the way home for one of my favourite meals at the Prior which happened to be on special for Thursday nights!

It is good to be home!  Thank you all for following along with me I had an absolute blast - hope you did too!


 

Perpignan to Nevers, France

Another long road trip today on our way back to Antwerp / Brussells.  The roads were fast (speed limit on some of the roads was 130 km)!  It is amazing how one can speed up and down the mountains in a tight formation passing trucks and cars with a big smile on your face - yes that was me!

We started out at the usual time 8:30 and all I can think of is Miles Ross always wanting to leave early on my other motorcycle trips and you know what I was ready to go a lot earlier than 8:30!  LOL

Mich is a great leader and it seems he knows when it is time to stop when the bikers are getting restless!  I am sure he is too though with two up on his bike.  A few stops and we had some music playing on some of the bikes but nothing crazy.  I keep forgetting my USB cord to attach it to the radio system and have not had music while riding for the past couple of days.  With going up and down the mountains the radio reception is terrible and of course the wind whipping us around didn't help either.

The wind was crazy the gusts were terrible in the morning but it evened out more during the day.  Today we drove over the Beil bridge and the view was absolutely spectacular.  I had put the camera in my saddlebag as it was really too windy to try to ride and take pictures today and thought if it is in the saddlebag I will not be tempted to use it - boy do I wish I could have.  Fortunately Melonie Monk was behind me and she actually took pictures of me riding on the bridge which is too cool (yes she was the passenger on her husbands Chris's bike).  We could see the village below and the span of valleys you can't possibly describe!  I believe by riding on the bridge instead of going through the valleys we saved approximately one hour of riding - which today we really needed.

We arrived at the hotel around 7:00 in time to enjoy a beer before supper!  Supper was at the hotel within stepping distance which is awesome as we are all getting worn out.  The meals they serve for the cost is really unbelievable, quiche loraine, wine, a fish and potato main course (delicious) and then the chocolate dessert (very rich and I only took one bite)!

A lot of memories were spoken about at the table tonight and some laughter too!  Tomorrow is the last day on the bike and everyone will scatter to their own countries and back to reality.  It will be another long ride and I hope we get in for me to at least enjoy some of downtown Brussels tonight.  I willl be on my own from Antwerp on the train and then walk to the hotel - thank God someone invented wheels on suitcases!!

Valencia, Spain to Perpignan, France

This morning there was a few new faces riding our friends that we have met on the Posse Ride bikes! Interesting to see no more Australians or Californians!  Very sad to see someone else to ride their bikes.  However the first gas stop the music was pumping from one of the bikes and they were quickly welcomed to the ride!  Everyone had a smile on their face as they were excited to ride with us!

Today we travelled mostly larger highways but no toll roads as we covered almost 600 kms.  I recognized some of the places on the road signs as we were passing them and remembering all the great times that we had at those amazing places in Spain.  

At lunch today I thought I sat with some of the Posse team and some of the new people in hopes to get to know everyone!  We stopped in Spain and the waitress spoke so fast and then Margo and Luc would translate it in not English but Flemish - well I guess my eyes were getting quite big and the English speaking people saw me with a big bubble with a question mark over my head and they started to laugh.  Well I had to laugh too as I was totally confused and was just taking it all in but really not having a clue what was going on or being said!  Afterwards they did translate into English and it was their conclusion as well that the waitress spoke very fast and they were also trying to decipher what she was saying and it was easier in their language first and then mine.   It is amazing that they can speak so many languages in order to help everyone out and I am very grateful for that as I would be totally lost without them!

Travelling into France was quite busy at the duty free shopping area and all the French police were out in full force lined up along the road watching us all struggle (not really) with our bikes trying to get up a hill in stop and go traffic - not fun in such a heat near the end of the day.  My hands were screaming at me as I was squeezing the clutch over and over again!  Everyone was in the same boat.  Along the road today it is very interesting in Spain as it seems the hookers can just set up camp anywhere!  They are sitting at the end of what appears to be a dirt road into the small bushes alongside the highway in a lawn chair waiting for customers or trying to entice customers into their lair!  I got a kick out of all the guys checking them out as we rode alongside them!  Guys will be guys no matter what part of the world they live in obviously!  I told them later that the French policemen were just there for us ladies to do the same!  LOL

We arrived at about 7:30 to the hotel and I was able to do a quick shower (in one of the smallest showers I have ever seen) and wash a bit of laundry to hang out the window and then get ready for supper for 8:30.  It never ceases to amaze me at the time people eat supper in Europe.  In Spain the restaurants don't even open until 8:30!  Supper was good and then a few of us enjoyed a bottle of wine while reminiscing about the trip and making new friends from the guys that came in to ride the bikes back.  

Everyone must be asleep as I can finally get onto the internet to complete the last few days of blogging.  We are up early again tomorrow and we are heading out at 8:30 for another long day of approximately 600 km.  With 38 bikes it takes a little longer especially for stops at gas stations and lunch but with this second man drop system you are guaranteed not to get lost!  

Today when I was heading to bed Benny made a comment that we are leaving at 10:30 and I laughed as the team has been saying they want to lose me!  Not true I know or they wouldn't joke about it they could quite easily do it - as I have no idea where I am or where I am going!  LOL

Valencia, Spain

Coming soon!  Lol. Too much partying went on last night.

Finally after two days!  Sorry folks but it has been so hot and so busy in Valencia that I have not had the chance to complete the blog.

Saturday was the final farewell dinner day for the Posse Ride.  Saturday afternoon a few of us headed to the old part of downtown Valencia to tour the beautiful sites.  The old buildings are outstanding with so much history.  There was a beautiful cathedral, a number of fountains and lots of different statues on top of all of the building with such detailed archeticuture.  My camera has taken a turn for the worse and I do have some pictures that I took with my cell phone however I am unable to upload them due to the poor internet reception we have all experienced lately.  It is much easier from the camera to download them to my iPad.  I will try to post these pictures later once I am home.

Each trip that I go on I try to purchase something for my desk to remind me why I work!  This time it was perfect a magnetic paper clip holder in the form of a bull for Spain - perfect I would say!  I also purchased a small hand made and hand painted bowl from Spain for my jewellery at night.  There is not a lot I can buy when travelling on a bike and especially one that is not mine as I am really unable to tie down a lot of things on the bike like I would on my own.  Oh well - I will just have to come back!

Saturday night the final farewell dinner was quite good - the final speeches from Geert and his team, the final showdown between Dyke and Don was priceless and all the goodbyes were said.  The Posse Team surprised us with our pictures from the start of the trip and a metal poster of the art that was done for the Posse Ride itself and a certificate of completion!  Free drinks made for a long night!   Fireworks completed the night (just for us of course)!  Apparently every Saturday in July in Valencia they celebrate with amazing fireworks.  The temperature and the humidity level was so high that the smoke never did clear from the fireworks and hung in the air hiding the grand finale!  It has been so hot reaching temperatures near or above 40 once the humidity level is taken into consideration.

I was all set to leave with a group and Margo - yes it is all your fault and had nothing to do with my rubber arm - convinced me to stay!  Well the people in Valencia do not come out until midnight and once they did they never stopped coming!  Our venue had music and is the local outside disco bar and attracted everyone to the party!  It was packed - the dance floor was full and we had a blast!  At 2:30 we decided to take a taxi and by the time we got back to the hotel it was 3:00 am!  What a night - just like you see on tv with all the spanish young ladies enjoying the music and there were some guys too!  The Posse camera was flashing everyone and everything!  We certainly enjoyed ourselves and I certainly paid for it the next day - however you will all be  proud that I was the last Posse rider standing besides the Posse Team - somehow I know you are not surprised!  Thank you again Posse Team for another outstanding night!

Sunday was definitely a sleep in day until I had to get up for breakfast.  After breakfast was the final Posse song and it was sad to see everyone depart that were leaving us that day.  The rental bikes had to be returned by them and some people from the Antwerp HOG Chapter were arriving later on Sunday to be able to ride them back.  I am happy I decided to ride back as this way I really feel that I have not missed out on anything!

After the final song there was a few that decided to get on the tour bus to tour the city the easy way.  I stayed on the bus just for the tour as I had been downtown and the others got off and later got back on as they saw fit.  It was quite interesting to hear all the history of all the area of downtown and the newer part of the city.  However after the tour I was quick to get back to the hotel and hit the pool for a relaxing swim and some snoozing by the pool.  It was so hot again hitting near the 40 degree mark!

Sunday night we were on our own and a great couple who we have called Stop and Go as there names are very difficult to say as they are Bulgarian found an amazing restaurant for a small group of us to go and enjoy the food of Valencia.  Tapas are like appetizers and here in Spain they are enjoyed by all and many of them until your main course arrives.  Again trying new food - and delicious - somehow I don't think I will get the same cooking at home!

It was an early night to prepare for the morning and the start back to Antwerp/Brussels to return the bikes and the end of the ride.

Taragona to Valencia, Spain

This morning the duo Dirty Dyke and Donnie the Kid were at it again!  The Posse Team has been ambushed every day since the start of the ride.  The game is the person who has correctly identified all the ambushes will win 100 euros as a reward. This morning the duo surprised sheriff Geert as the Dirty Dyke and Donnie the Kid now became a gang and a number of the Posse Team joined the gang. The look on Geert was priceless as he was not expecting that at all.

Today we headed to Valencia the final place for the posse Ride. Some people leave the group Sunday and some ride the bikes back to Antwerp. I will be riding back to Antwerp.

The ride through the mountains has been amazing. I cannot decide which ones were the best as they were all extremely different and therefore I love them all. Today the Pyrenees were very colourful with all the tones of browns. The roads were faster and the curves were longer. There were two small portions of roads that were rough but the end result for the views were amazing.

We stopped for lunch atop a mountain where the village is literally built on the edge!  It was a little disconcerting riding into the village with a complete drop off on one edge of the road and the cliff on the other. We had ridden from the bottom and I knew what kind of a drop off there was!  After lunch it did not take us too long to get to Valencia however the screen on my camera quit but I have now figured out that I can still take pictures but I will not know if they turn out until I upload them to my iPad.

Supper tonight was down at the beach front at one of the best restaurants in Valencia. The food was delicious and the sampling  that I have tried on this trip would amaze the girls at work as I normally do not try different foods. I have to say there has been nothing that I have tried so far that I have not liked.

Today as well poor Chris and Mel had some more bad luck. They were on their way to Valencia in the support truck with two broken down bikes when the support truck blew an engine. So two tow trucks were called, one for the bikes and one for the truck. At least there was another spare bike that they used to go to get temporary passports as Mel's purse was stolen yesterday with all their money, passports and credit cards.  Geert has been handing out bad luck ducks during this trip to people who have had bad luck - I think they deserve a bad luck goose as they have had the biggest problems!

Tomorrow is the final farewell supper and party. I am sure there will be a few tears shed by lots of people but their have been great friendships made as well.

Rosa to Taragona, Spain

Today was another early start at 8:30 with packing at 7:30 to the trucks and breakfast didn't start until 7:45 am.  We were all on the clock!!  I was up early so I could hit the lobby and complete my blog from the previous day before breakfast and putting my luggage in the truck.  Busy - busy - let me tell you!!

We headed out with the forecast to be 33 degrees celcius and I am sure it was already that when we left.  Thankfully we hit the highways for a bit so it seemed cooler as the breeze was blowing through our hair!

A few breaks for gas, water and then we hit lunch.  Lovely - over here they like to give you tapas (spelling not sure of) - which are basically appetizers shared amongst friends which seems to be the easiest when you show up with a large group of about 20 to 30.  They were very excited to have all the bikes parked out front and seemed to take forever to take our drink order and organize the food. Thankfully one of the riders, Maurice has been translating for us and working out the details. Maurice and Cathy have had to do this several times on the trip and we are all very grateful especially those of us - like me - who only speak one language. There are 21 different nationalities in the group and everyone manages somehow to communicate.

Just after lunch we headed on the road again and had a break down. Our Scottish leader George's bike  sputtered and stopped!  Back up plan - Dave became leader and one of the riders from the US, Tom, became sweep. Great job guys!

Arriving at the hotel most people went to the bar and then the pool in no particular order. It was a smaller pool but a more social pool this time as lots were in the pool with their drinks and the pool was only about three or four feet deep. The beer bottles were lining up and so were the labels from those bottles!

Supper was buffet style and was served around 8:30.  Once supper was done the pool patio was a great place to gather for more socializing. We certainly have had a lot of laughs together and again my cheeks were sore from smiling.

Dyke up to no good!

Tomorrow we head to the final destination of the Posse Ride, Valencia. It is really hard to imagine that it is soon all coming to an end. I believe there are 30 bikes riding back together to Antwerp on Monday and it will seem very empty!

Rosa, Spain

Today was a leisure day to be enjoyed as we see fit.  It was heaven sleeping in until around 9:00 and after last night with everyone up enjoying the dancing to the DJ out by the pool it was needed.  Thank goodness they shut it down at 12:00 or some of them might have been there all night.  Not me I was busy doing my blog in the lobby and watching everyone come past the reception.

As we were getting our bikes in order for the ride some of the Posse Team from the nudist colony next door we peaking over the fence to see who was riding away today!  No nudist colony but the picture certainly makes it appear that way!  LOL

We had a group of about 10 bikes that was led by Lucas from Spain that took to the roads today and headed into Figure, Spain (spelling not sure of) to visit a famous museum that at this moment I cannot remember.  The lineup was too long and we decided to not to wait and headed to Cadaques to have lunch by the beach.

The road was twisty but it was lined up due to a big tour bus on the road that was  holding everyone back.  Too bad as we were ready to hit the corners again.  Upon arrival we were able to find a parking spot right downtown by the beach - which is a shale beach not a sand beach!  The little cafes along the beach were an ideal spot to have a beer and then lunch and then just a little relax with a diet coke - all three different cafes.  LOL.

The guys were busy checking to see if there were any topless girls on the beach and there were a few but not many.

When we returned to the road there was a bit of a lineup on the road that was full of curves and our fearless leader took us safely passing the cars between corners - I have to say I never thought I  would do that but I felt confident enough now with these corners that I had a smile on my  face!!  Arriving at the hotel I immediately hit the room for my bathing suit and then the pool to enjoy the refreshing dip and sunshine!  Awesome!

After a leisurely evening at the pool I hit the shower and then supper. The DJ was playing again tonight and a few of us were the last ones standing again.  Thankfully Joyce and Jody stayed up too and we thoroughly enjoyed the dance floor!

Tomorrow I change groups again but Fred and Betty are in my group so I will be jumping in behind them as we will be hitting the curves and hairpins again!  Woohoo!!

Millau, France to Rosa, Spain

Today was the "Monster Ride" which means we left at 6:00 am!  We were to do it quietly out of town - but really how quiet can approximately 80 Harley Davidson bikes be?  It was quite hilarious when we were almost ready to start and "siren Sam" turned his bike on and the sirens went off by accident as he had been wiping his bike down and must have flipped the switch!  LOL

After about an hour of riding we came upon our destination for a picnic breakfast.  An awesome view of the sunrise was enjoyed by all.  The box breakfast of buns with ham and cheese, an apple and orange juice hit the spot.

After breakfast we split up into our groups again and headed toward Spain.  The beautiful roads again with curves galore!  We made a few stops on the way to enjoy the views on top of the mountains and then down in the valleys where some of the little villages were to enjoy hot chocolate, coffee or water  before hitting the road again.

When we stopped for gas where another group was eating lunch we decided that we would wait a bit and hit the ocean front for lunch as Mich our leader and Benny our sweep thought it would a good idea and it was!  On our way to lunch just outside of this little town we came upon a corner on the highway with nothing but two hookers in lawn chairs!  Well needless to say everyone took a look as we were all quite surprised that they were there - all guys were accounted for upon arrival to the village for lunch!! LOL.

Our table had lots of muscles and fries and I had filet rouges which was absolutely delicious!  I tried one of the muscles as well and I was surprised that I actually liked it.

After lunch we continued following the coast until we entered Spain. The topography reminded me of  Arizona and California.  Beautiful coast line with great roads following along with curves up and down the inlets.  It wasn't long before we reached our destination and everyone was thirsty and hot and ready for a beer and the pool.


Tonight we had our group picture taken by the pool area before supper and received "monster ride" t-shirts and pins!  Awesome - all these little gifts every so often is amazing - we have had free drinks, candy, flip flops and bad luck ducks (if you are unlucky enough).

Tomorrow will be a more relaxing day as we can either go out and explore on our own ((which some of us might do), relax by the pool or go to the beach.  I might end up doing all of the above!

Montelimar to Millau, France

This morning seemed a little earlier than the other mornings.  The free wine at supper last night was a little much and I felt the effects this morning!  I headed off with a new group today which is always interesting who you get to ride with and what kind of experience they have.  Some riders ride so much better than others and it is a real treat to ride behind them.  

The ride today was again spectacular - I cannot get over how beautiful the views are from the bike.  All the little villages that you enter are so quaint and are right out of a story book.  The aim today was to arrive in Millau so we could see the famous Millau bridge.  I have copied the link that tells all the history of the bridge for your reference.  Millau Bridge  

We were fortunate today that we stopped a few times in some great little villages for something to drink and a bathroom break.  The little cafes are beautiful. You could stay there all day long under a canopy of shade trees or in some cases vines.  I could sit there and watch all the people as they go by. Today is Bastille Day in France so there were a number of celebrations going on in many of the villages that we passed through.  The town  people were all in awe as we travelled past with smiles on our faces and waving to the children who were very excited to see us wave to them.

Arriving at the famous Millau Bridge  is truly awe inspiring!  We stopped underneath it as you get a better view of it rather than riding over it (plus it costs to ride across).  I believe on the return trip from Valencia to Antwerp we will be riding over the bridge so it will be a totally different perspective!  We had to waste a little bit of time at the bridge due to the fact Millau was closed for entry due to  celebrations of Bastille Day.  We were able to fuel up for the morning and arrived at the hotel in time for a shower and supper which was served at 8:00 (really 9:00) by the time you actually get to eat.

Tomorrow is the "Monster Ride" which starts at 6:00 am!!  (yes that is correct).  It is tradition on Posse Rides to leave the village as quietly as possible before the sun rises to see the sun rise as we ride out of  town.   Could be interesting to see if they actually mean quiet or not!  We are in for more surprises tomorrow - one being a picnic breakfast on the road as we will be too early for breakfast.  I am sitting out on the balcony doing my blog and overlooking a specular view and listening to the drums going through town in celebration.  WOW!!!!  

I was just about to finish the blog for the night and then the fireworks began.  Amazing - I am a very lucky girl to have such a spectacular view for the night as I am sitting here in awe as the firework display has just gone on for at least 15 minutes.  Just when you think it is over and you here some of the other people on their balconies close their doors then open them again to more fireworks bigger and better than the ones before.  Thank you Posse Team for giving me a night I will soon not forget! Amazing!!  OMG now a band is playing and I can hear as clear as day!  How am I ever going to get to sleep after all this excitement - just missing a nice glass of wine and my husband to enjoy this beautiful night!

Geneva to Montelimar, France

Today we headed into France again leaving Switzerland behind - but not the mountains.  OMG I had such an amazing ride today.  The roads were filled with corners that almost rock you to sleep.  Some were scary than others!

One area we drove through was very interesting - the rock formations came out over the road and there were tunnels - sometimes when you went around a corner you weren't sure if you were going to hit the oncoming traffic or the rock wall.  Wow - loved it though!

It certainly makes a difference who you ride behind either going up  or going down the mountains.  At one point I was riding near the end of the line which becomes very congested and slow at times and it makes it very difficult to ride the curves properly.  When we stopped near the top for photos and a look  at the road ahead (wow!!!)  I decided to jump the line and head right for the front as you get your best riding right behind the lead bikes.  Well my smile on my face was from ear to ear as I hit the curves just right all the way and it was exhilarating.

We stopped for a cold drink at a very lovely little village that was full of people sitting at little cafes and having picnics along the river that runs alongside the road.  Beautiful little village.  People are always happy to see the bikes come through and wave at us - of course that makes us feel like superstars!  Not really but  it is really cool.

At night we had supper outside under canopy while it was raining a bit.  Supper was delicious - I had duck for the first time and it was scrumptious.  In France the wine is included in the meal cost and wow did we take advantage of it.  We were the last to leave and there was still wine left over - what a shame!  Arriving back at the hotel I had a real hard time getting into my room as the key hole was spun a bit and I could  not get my key to engage - thankfully a man came along and with the help from his wife we were able to finally get in.

Tomorrow we head to Millau, France.  Looking forward to it.