This could be another shorter day that should allow us an early evening arrival in Nice to relax. We havetwo choices, either traversing the Col du la Bonette high mountain road, or the scenic Col de la Cayolle and additional canyons. Assuming the road is clear, we will prefer the Col du la Bonette for it’s altitude and view. The alternate route is also approximately 60-70kms longer. Guess what, we took the alternate route!
Daily Highlights
- Col de la Bonette Col de la Bonette is a high mountain pass at a an elevation of 2715m(8,907ft) above the sea level, located in the French Alps, near the border with Italy. It is situated within the Mercantour National Park on the border of the departments of Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. A signpost at the foot of the climb makes the claim “Col de la Bonette, the highest road in Europe” but this is apparently not correct. The road (opening from June to October) from Nice to Briançon was built on 1860, but the final route by the summit of the Bonette was built between 1960-1961. It’s located next to the Cimede la Bonette(2860 m).The pass has been featured in the Tour de France several times. The climb begins quite easily, but suddenly ,after La Chalanette and Le Rochas, the slope increases at points to8-9%. The pass is traversed by the scenic Route des Grandes Alpes.
- The Cians is a left tributary of the river Var , and a first class watercourse in the Alpes-Maritimes department, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It is 25.3 kms long. The Cians Gorge, lower(inférieures) gorge and upper (supérieures) gorge, excavated by the Cians in red pelite soils, are absolutely impressive. They were carved by Cians in the eastern end of Barrot’s Dome. The Dome of Barro tcorresponds to a rise of Paleozoic basement which makes out a thick Permian series 7.
Daily Video Highlights
Daily Blog
Whilst the trip today was only a relatively short 260 kms, it took most of the day. A concession to Hydro: excessive kilometage & gratuitous curvitage.
First highlight was the La Bonnette, the highest Pass in Europe at 2800m.
We executed parfait turns on the Grand Alps Rd which led to Gorges des Cianes, a magnificent gorge with deep red granite walls.
Arrived into busy Nice in very hot weather. Bikes parked at the front door!!! A drink at the Hotel Bar & presentation to Hydro of his bday present, the Marmot. Still to be named. Suggestions please!
Special dinner tonight for Hydros Birthday at La Plongeoire on the French Riviera (Bekky having secured the booking 6 months earlier) Boxy & Singo have hired a Rickshaw to get to the restaurant.
The others have walked in sympathy with Russ swollen kankle.
The restaurant is magnificent, the sun hides behind the light clouds & we are on fire. We are blending in well with the beautiful people. The restaurant provides the birthday cake & we sing happy birthday.
Hydro wanted more drinks after dinner but we told him to f#?! off and went to bed!
Silver Foxes Motorcycle Club Australia 