A RIDE FROM TOULOUSE...

After so much talking about, thinking about, and writing about motorcycles, I think its time for a ride.  Can we go for a ride now?  Let's go for a ride.

Motorcycles are for riding...

Okay, let's go, how about a big loop from Toulouse, with a bunch of characters, the usual kind who bring all sorts of crazy bikes, and who make you laugh all day, one way or another.

Thanks to the Southsiders M.C. for organizing two days of fun in the south of France, to Vincent Prat for loaning his beautifully-sorted Norton Commando, to Derek at Lewis Leathers for the loan of one of his 'archive' jackets from '62, and Jérome Coste of Ruby for the loan of one of his fantastic (and super-light) helmets.

The Friday Ride:  Toulouse to St. Ferréal to Saissac to La-Louviére Lauragais, 185km.

After-party in Toulouse center; Blitz cycles arrive.

What a pair!  A new French custom (which looked rideable), and an icon of modern design...

Polo Garat, photographer.

David from El Solitario M.C.

Nice Triumph Daytona; not with our group!

Hugo from Blitz

El Solitario drives el Invisible

Shadowed by a black 'Vette, slithering its way along the unlined country roads, and having big fun...

Olivier of Digital Milk tries the 'Vette for size...

Clearly, Spring has arrived.

I've had that kind of relationship to a motorcycle...

Valeria of El Solitario, who rode from the very tip of Spain to join us!

Nice Brough Superior patch, Hugo.

The oldest bar in Toulouse

The Saturday Ride:  Toulouse to Castlenau to S. Antonin Noble-Val to the middle of Nowhere and back, 320km.

I'd just told the Blitz boys they looked like a beer ad.

The bridge at Cahors

Christophe of Eastside in Toulouse, who hosted our Friday after-party

Das Kleine Wunsche?  Le garcon de réve...

DAV from le Container

Fred from Blitz Cycles

Artist Mark Woodhatch and his very loooow H-D

The modern era; iPhone trouble light...

Knights of the evening...

How to feed 30 hungry bikers; in style...

Momo and his original Dave Mann-style jacket, of the bike...

...he is riding!  Old school Kawasaki chopper.

Lovely Motobecane 175cc

Botticelli angel with pony; as it should be.

Mowing the grass with a Kawasaki...

Ride organizer Vincent Prat collecting lunch money in a Ruby helmet...

See you next time!  Thanks for the ride!