METZELER EXPERTS ON THE ROAD 2007 - DAY 1

After a few hours of sleep the EXPerts started this morning from Barcelona.
It was exciting to see 27 bikes parked and ready to start this adventure, and the excitement was clear also in the eyes of the participants.
After the technical presentation of yesterday evening it was clear to everyone that they were going to enjoy the tour, thanks to the outstanding performance offered by the new Tourance EXP.

Barcelona-Solsona
Moving from the town, on fast roads and perfect tarmac, able to appreciate the comfort and the stability of the new Tourance EXP, exploring the surrounds of the town while moving towards the mountains.

Solsona - Oliana - 28 km Special section
This wide and perfectly-marked road crosses the mountain chains of Catalonia with an alternating sequence of climbs and descents, with the mighty Pyrenees on the horizon.
The tarmac was in perfect condition, and the ups and downs and the sequence of very fast bends has allowed us to put the Tourance EXP to the test straight away on its preferred terrain.
We've come to appreciate the excellent qualities of grip and traction provided by the new compound, which thanks to the new mix between Carbon Black and Silica has incredible performance, whether in the wet or the dry.
On a route of this kind we could sweep round the curves, experiencing the same feeling of stability and precision in holding a line that you get with a sport touring. The amazing road holding of the Tourance EXP means that we have to watch the speed limits … but pure enjoyment is guaranteed.

Oliana
For the first coffee break we paid a brief visit to the local motorcycle museum.
During this stop there was an opportunity to try out the Tourance EXP on a route featuring a surface made up of rocks and earth.
Owing to the geometry of the tread blocks, now wider and more compact, and the design of their corners, the new tread pattern gives traction even on light off-road surfaces. We feel we can go anywhere in perfect safety.

Oliana - Alt Urgell
The road has continued to climb towards Andorra, and we've crossed magnificent landscapes, in a valley which at first features a small lake and later follows the course of a river.

Alt Urgell  - Saillagouse
Immediately after the break for lunch we've begun the crossing of the Pyrenees towards France, skirting the state of Andorra.
The road passes through a broad valley delimited on the South by the Serra de Cadi and on the north by the Franco-Spanish border. The road surface is good and the route is a mixture of tight and sweeping curves.
After crossing the border we've begun the descent.

Saillagouse - Cannaveilles 32 km Special section
This second special trial section is characterised by a descending road with carriageways of reduced width and a succession of tight bends and downhill hairpins.
This is combined with asphalt in varying condition, and for many kilometres a coarse-grained surface makes the road extremely tricky.
In these conditions we can really appreciate the tyre's qualities of precise handling in the bends and stability under braking.
On the mixed narrow stretch the Tourance EXP revealed its great handling qualities and easy ride ability, which are all due to the adoption of the new tyre construction. It now becomes possible to ride heavy big enduros with the same style as a nimble naked bike, and in complete safety. Bend after bend, the riding pleasure increases …with just the right dose of prudence it becomes sheer fun.

Cannaveilles - Cape d'Agde
At the end of the special trial section the descent continues towards the sea. The road straightens out, and from the typical mountain landscapes of the French Pyrenees we've moved to the Mediterranean Riviera of the south of France.
Near Perpignan we've taken a fast road in the direction of Marseille, and after a ride of about 100 km with long straight stretches, we've reached the hotel where we are staying tonight.