Triumph's Winter Wonderland

Triumph's Winter Wonderland

Trippin' completely in the South of France

Such strange tragedies are rarely known in this business, for when press introductions are scheduled, even in early March, they always are in places where the world has confidence in the attendance of fine weather along with the world’s scoot-jockey typists. And the South of France has been a reliable source of motorbiking ambience. Until now.

A Triumph rep warned us it would be cold in Marseilles, and it was evident on this sub-freezing morning (lowest temps since ’71, went the rumor) that my Aerostich electric vest and lined Alpinestars leather jacket were going to come in mighty handy. But who would have thought to pack a parka and snowboard?

The first little flakes began to fall at our departure gas stop. By the time we got into the hills, big, fluffy tufts of snow were blanketing parked bikes and sticking to the road. We cracked off a few photo passes, because that’s what you do in this job no matter what, then headed up the road to an even higher elevation for possibly more photos.

Turns out snow is slick. As I released the clutch to get under way behind the moving photo van on the now fully snow-

covered road, the rear tire spun lazily, yet uncontrollably. This, without any throttle. The bike rotated and I put my feet down to try to hold it up and I believe I spun nearly 180 degrees while upright, traveling in semi-reverse down the road briefly. Alas, the burden was too great and gently the 2005 Speed Triple and I reclined at low velocity in the snow. The worst of it was when my e-vest came unplugged, letting in the chill. It was the official end to riding for everyone. We shuttled back to the hotel stuffed into rental cars, while four inches of snow accumulated on the parked bikes before the Triumph factory truck could fetch them from the mountain.

At least I have my Christmas card picture this year.

Mark Hoyer