However you like to take your motorcycling, there’s much on offer around us in Vanzay. Whether you prefer lazy touring, or are a little more plus rapide, you’ll find much to enjoy.

If you’ve ridden your bike in France you will know just what a great experience this is. The French are motorcycle-friendly, perhaps reflecting their passion for cycling, and will almost always make way for, or room for, passing motorbikes. You’ll not experience the aggression that sadly is sometimes encountered on the roads in Britain. Indeed, many car, van and truck drivers often like to engage in a little racing, either trying to stay in front, or following behind. Mind you, never take on the gendarmes on their Yamaha FJR1300s……..😄

Of course, a key advantage is that there’s less traffic and the state of the roads is that much better. It’s not unusual to see only one or two vehicles on a ride out although you might come across a few tractors in the the French countryside. I can’t speak for the whole of France, but around here, whilst not always newly surfaced, the roads are also free from giant potholes that pose a danger, especially to those on two wheels.

What will you see on the roads?

Mostly “middleweight” bikes like Suzuki Bandit 600 or Honda Hornets. There used to be a 102bhp limit, hence the profusion of these bikes, but now you’ll see some full power sports bike around. And, of course, you’ll see (and hear) youngsters charging around on their 2-stroke small bore bikes. Mind you, I’m happy to see this, as it breeds a new generation of motorcyclist, and without them the biking fraternity would become just a bunch of folk like me out on a sunny afternoon!

There’s also some fine older machinery around, principally at displays and here are a pictures of just a few:

At the Circuits des Remparts, Angoulême

At the Chinon Classic

My bike: KTM 690Duke

The Duke is perfect for the roads around here: upright ride (for the more aged pilot), wide bars, top WP suspension and Brembo brakes. Weighing in at only 150Kg (at least until I get on it) and with 73bhp from the single cylinder LC3 motor, this is a truly great ride.

Why not ride over and get in on some motorbiking action – drop me a line here.