Jonathan

At the beginning, a message from Marjorie, my partner (a great Ducati enthusiast!). Knowing that I am interested in big adventure bikes, she sent me the link to the contest. “Did you see? A road trip on a Multistrada to win!” Of course, I’m interested! I clicked on the link and submitted my application. How surprised I was to be selected to make the journey from Ducati Toulouse to Ducati Francorchamps! There was no doubt about the project upon this announcement, we had to share these moments together. Marjorie would accompany me on her Ducati Monster 696. Everything came together quickly. The idea while developing the roadbook was to diversify the landscapes and routes as much as possible to fully enjoy all aspects of the bike while avoiding highways. About 1500 km of national and departmental roads. Logistically, I knew I would have to rack up the kilometers to bring the 696 to Toulouse! Departure on Thursday from Belgium at 6 a.m. on the Ducati 696 to meet Marjorie at Bordeaux airport at 4 p.m. A short night to recover and be in the best condition to pick up the keys to the Multistrada. We arrived on Friday (a day earlier than planned! Thank you Ducati Toulouse for the flexibility!) with all our gear. A travel bag packed with stuff for two for a week! Everything easily fit into the three cases of the Multistrada. We were warmly welcomed by Gwendoline, but I couldn’t wait to get on the beast! The contrast is striking when moving from the 696 to the Multistrada. I admit I was surprised by the height and weight of the bike! Despite this, from the first few meters, I noticed that it handles like a bicycle… what maneuverability! We were at point 0 of our roadbook. Departure from Toulouse (Labège) and heading to Nîmes via Carcassonne, Sète, and Montpellier. Let’s say this first stage was more of a tourist interest and allowed a gentle handling of the bike. For the second stage, we changed scenery and roads! We left Nîmes and headed to Gap via Mont Ventoux. I could finally enjoy the bike and string together the curves. I was surprised by the perfect weight distribution of the Multistrada. Its behavior is really sound and despite the filled cases, I rode the bike with ease as if I had been riding it forever! We also had the opportunity to test the bike with two people. Thanks to the pre-set riding modes, the bike adapts perfectly. I almost forgot we were two. On the third day, the destination was encoded in the bike’s GPS: Annecy… with as many winding roads as possible, please! We linked curves and landscapes and climbed in altitude via Chamrousse. The weather was not great and I started to feel a bit cold in the fog. It was time to test the heated grips and seat. What a pleasure! No need to change gloves, I could keep my summer ones! I still had a thought for Marjorie who followed me on her 696 (with fewer options 😊). We arrived in Annecy where we warmed up with a good traditional raclette… After all, with the weather we endured in recent hours, it almost felt like winter! I just wanted to rack up the kilometers and the landscapes, I could have tested the Multistrada in almost all weather conditions… On the fourth day, the weather seemed more clement. We set off again for Belfort and continued our journey north via the Pont de la Caille, and a superb road towards La Croisette where we had a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva and the Jet d’Eau in Geneva. The roads kept coming with as much driving pleasure. The good seating of the bike made me forget that my behind had already racked up quite a few kilometers! Passing through Gex was a must before heading to Belfort. The sixth stage, the weather was not good again. We got soaked before arriving at our final destination: Sarreguemines. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the Route des Crêtes in the Vosges via the Grand Ballon. Our stop at the Saarland spa was well deserved. Seventh and final day. The end of the trip was near. Heading to Spa-Francorchamps, under pouring rain, which, I admit, took away some of the bitterness of the end of the trip. We arrived in Francorchamps. Marjorie and I signed our names on the tank, marking the end of the experience. 1884 km separated us from the first day. It was with a small pang in my heart that I returned the key to this little gem. What an experience, what an incredible bike. Each day riding it convinced me a little more of its efficiency.