We’re heading towards the Alps and Tyrol, with a great group of six riders taking on the roads of France, Belgium and beyond to Austria and Italy.

All was going smoothly, until we got stuck behind a flatbed that had managed to get itself stuck on a hairpin! What followed was highly entertaining. The crew had to unload a tarmac remover machine, somehow negotiate the awkward corner, and then reload the machine again. It wasn't exactly the smoothest way to tackle a mountain hairpin, but it provided plenty of amusement for those of us waiting behind.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the great motorcycle roads in the Austrian Alps, climbing to 2,571 metres at the Edelweiss Spitze viewpoint. As we climbed higher, the scenery became utterly breathtaking. This is exactly the sort of road you come to the Alps to ride. Huge mountain landscapes, sweeping bends and spectacular views at every turn. And with the morning sun shining, the conditions couldn't have been much better.

317km France. We’re already all a little achy from yesterday’s ride, but today is a biggie! After missing the junction off the motorway...