Dream ride: Budapest or bust...

It’s 3am and I wake full of anticipation. Despite the long days of late June, it’s still dark outside, although the sky is just starting to turn blue rather than black.

I have a Channel crossing to catch, and four days to get across Europe to the Hungarian capital, Budapest, for the 120th Harley- Davidson anniversary celebration and I am going to try to fit in as much riding as I can on the way.

Time to get moving.

DAY ONE

A blast to Dijon The morning is mild, and I try to grab an earlier Eurotunnel, but with no space on the crossing I settle for breakfast and a chat with some American Harley riders making their way to Monaco.

I’m heading to Dijon, some 360 miles away from the Calais terminal. There’s nothing for it but a long day on the toll roads.

During one of two stops I share my crumbled custard creams with sparrows, and once I finally reach the French city I begin to melt with the heat.

Pulling into the hotel car park, I breathe easy knowing the hardest day is done, there’s a beautiful botanic garden to explore next door, and it’s only going to get better from here…