Last leg

There is a delay getting off the ferry, for us that is, as we are perched on a side deck above the main car deck. Once ashore another delay as we queue to get through customs. A final photo of the group then we separate into east and west coast teams and head for home. The journey is uneventful for the 3 of us going to Strathclyde region and thankfully it remains dry.
Overall it's been a great trip and I've seen some new countries, Austria and Germany, and new areas of ones I've been to before.

There have been a few errors and things that went wrong but nothing that was catastrophic:-
Thought I lost my wallet at M6 toll, must put it back in same pocket when travelling.
Got charged as a lorry at M6 toll due to 3 cars coming right up close behind me and fooled computer.
Stood on specs and broke them, took 3 pairs so ok.
Thought I left my watch on hook in shower, was in my shaving bag.
Broke ignition key, well everything key really. Lost day and a half getting going again.
Caught 2nd set of specs on jacket, tore leg off it. One set left.
Got through Austrian border without buying a motorway vignette as guard was chatting to his colleagues. Cost 4.40 euros, fine for not having one? 240 euros. Got away with it but bought one later. Apparently enforcement officers constantly patrol looking for offenders! Phew.
Took wrong turning on slip road and ended up going through 10 mile tunnel which was hot and smelly.

All in all a great trip, photo's soon.
Thanks for reading.
Andy

Day 14 Friday, Arnhem and ferry port.

We have arranged to meet the rest of the Scottish riders at the Airborne Museum at Arnhem. It takes a bit longer than I thought as we trace the Rhine for a few more miles but get bogged down in some diversions and new roads not yet on the GPS. We still get there for 1130 but only allows a short visit as the route to the ferry is via Lelystad and a causeway to Hoorn NE of Amsterdam. This is a bit longer way but will miss the Friday pm motorway crush to the SW of the city. The wind picks up as we head north and we pass some old windmills, one has it's sails set and is turning at a good lick for the visitors alighting from their coach.

There is a haze today so the views across the water are not as distant as they could be but there are some yachts sailing nearby, one just over the dyke and impossibly close to the roadway. We can't see the hull only the top half of the rigging which is angled over in the strong wind. We are doing similar leaning as the wind catches the 9 Hondas on the penultimate leg of their European tour.

Soon it's on the autoroute again and the final 14km to the port. We arrive at 1615 and get our passports and booking checked, then allowed through to the keyside. This the first time I have had to show my passport since leaving home.

There are a few more bikes behind us. We board and within minutes the bow doors are closing. The bikes are secured with ratchet straps and bags in hand we climb the gangways to find our cabins and then make our way to the refreshment bar :-)

Stories of the last 3days are exchanged before making our way to the buffet meal two decks below.
The evening ends when the band returns for its second session on the stage, and after each number, the sound level seems to get increased by 10dB. After 4 songs we depart to the adjoining tv bar but after another 3 songs the sound is so loud even here it is impossible to have a conversation. Must be getting old as the table of youngsters remained and seemed not to notice. Maybe they were texting each other? don't know.

Day 13 Boppard to Roermond

Our initial thoughts of this being the best campsite so far are dashed as last night any hope of a good sleep was removed due to the near constant freight trains passing close by. They didn't tells us about these at check in. The earplugs did help but still only managed about 4 hrs continuous sleep. The next blow was breakfast or lack of it. At dinner we had asked what time breakfast was, 8 to 9 was the reply. But it seems you have to ask the right question. They didn't say it was to be ordered the night before, Doh!

Oh well early start and off to Koblenz only 10 minutes up the road. More roadworks here and in trying to get to a car park we are diverted away and are heading for a multistorey job which we don't want. However as we follow the road round the back there is a motorcycle parking area on a small pavement and it's free. Funny how these things work out.

We do some shopping, a map for me and present for Jane, then breakfast. Job done.
It's another sunny day, 24C, so decide to bash on to our site near Roermond and chill out there. This is just over into Netherlands north of Aachen. We get close to the campsite and find a nice roadside eating place and I have a nice omelette with emmental cheese and local ham.

Tonight is our last camp of the tour and the site is even bigger than yesterday. The touring section is about the same with the rest being taken by permanent residents which have amazing gardens and landscape features. Sadly the onsite cafe and restaurants are closed so after settling in we get Mr Garmin to find an Autogelder machine and then a place for tonight's meal. It's never straightforward but eventually I get to a bank only to curse as the door is seemingly locked. Fortunately a local has just parked his car and shouts at me pointing to my left. There is a huge red button on the wall but not immediately next to the door it has to be said. It's about the size of a Red Nose Day nose for your car, how did I miss that? What a plonker. The door glides open as I tap it and I relieve the machine of some Euros.

Day12 Rothenburg to Koblenz

A beautiful morning, sun splitting the sky, we head north on a small road and wind through fields and quiet villages. The farmers are making the most of the good weather getting the harvest in and spraying other fields with fertiliser.

The gently rolling hills change to flatter landscape  though power lines now catch the eye now and again. Hints of wildlife here are buzzards soaring above and a couple of foxes lying in the road.
We are heading for a campsite south of Koblenz on the Rhine with our route taking us to the south of Frankfurt on E42. The autoroute goes past Frankfurt airport and we are treated to a huge aircraft taking off over the motorway. The airport Hilton is right next door on the other side and is a massive building, looking rather like a huge ship made of titanium. 

The news today is of more strikes by Lufthansa staff and just round the corner we see on the other carriageway a big accident which has closed the road. Emergency vehicles are at the scene but behind is a huge tailback of even more frustrated passengers heading for the airport.

We are soon down to a road hugging the river which takes us to Boppard 12km south of Koblenz. We visit a bakers shop for coffee and cake which hits the spot. There are some lovely old buildings dating to mid 18th century but the main season is past as several cafes and restaurants are closed. Large boats are taking coach loads of visitors on cruises along the Rhine but they have to share the waterway with amazingly long barges and container vessels which seem positively overloaded, the water seemingly overflowing the sides and bows barely above water.

The Rhine cuts a deep track here and we get a nice view from the road as it snakes down and we make our way to the campsite 3 km to the north. The site is huge and barely half full with camper vans and caravans. There are good facilities with swimming pool, new shower block and nice looking restaurant and bar which decide to check out later. Tents pitched we get a walk and then perfect timing get to the bar as it opens. The beer garden is next to the water and we enjoy watching the numerous boats with the sun beating down making the water sparkle. Heaven.

Day 11 Garmisch to Rothenburg ODT

What is ODT? It's Ob Der Tauber which was news to me.
A shorter mileage today and we arrived at 1330. The campsite was quiet so we got a good choice of pitches. Tonight on returning from our walking tour of the walled town, the site is busy and we have tents on two sides now.

Thankfully the forecast was correct and it's been quite hot at 25C. Riding on the autobahn is quite a different experience as Mercs and Audis's fly past as if I was parked. However we were soon on smaller roads and had a nice run through farming areas.

Rothenburg is a living historic town. It was saved from American tanks by the Mayor going out to surrender to them. It is a very interesting place to visit.

Once again there is a bell tower next to the campsite. At Arras site the bell stopped chiming at 7pm but tonight the bell is still ringing at 8pm. Hopefully it will stop or else it will be earplugs again for me.
A wee shock at the campsite after we have registered. I went to start the bike but found the stubby key was not on the keyring. My heart missed several beats as the implications of this being lost did not bear thinking about. I looked down the front side of the petrol tank and there jammed in the wiring harness was the key. I dont know how long it had been there but I could not imagine it had been there since filling up 1 hour previously. Whatever, it was rescued and more securely secured now.

Day 10 Back on the Road

Monday breakfast had an air of quiet about it and people were shaking hands and saying farewells.

One couple from germany had brought their dog who travelled in a special tank bag.

 The weekend was over and bags were packed for the journey home. Colin and I wanted to get away sharp as we had a good mileage to get to Garmisch at the foot of the Zugspitz. Our route went via The Eagles Nest, Hitlers holiday house, but as luck would have it the cloud was down and we didn't see a thing. Sadly we didn't see the Zugspitz either but the campsite was in prime location right at the foot of it. There were plenty of posters in the shops in Garmisch of Germany's highest peak which means I will have to go back of course!

Speaking to a couple on the site I learned that Tuesday was to be sunny, I hope so.

Day 9 Tour around Semmering

Awoke to the sound of a birdsong which seemed very loud. A blue tit had flown into our room and announced its arrival. It was only a foot inside the veranda door which had been open all night but it made off as soon as I sat up.

The good news was that it was bright and dry so a nice change from last 3 days.
Group 3B run was leaving about 930 so it was down for breakfast then out to the car park to get ready. Today's run was to the north west of the village and visited several ski areas  and around some lakes which were very scenic. So scenic in fact that the group of 19 bikes got split into two and though we went different routes we met at the lakeside bistro within minutes of each other.

This was a well planned route with all the ascents going up the twisty hairpins and all the descents down long sweeping curves- excellent. The 98 miles run ended too soon but it gave a chance to get in a visit to the local shops.

The evening buffet was next and then the official handover to the French organisers for next years gathering in Aix Les Bains. During the meal a slide show was taking place on a large screen showing the work of the events photographer who had been snapping away for the last 3 days on each evening and in the car park as bikes came and went. I have to say I was not impressed with one of myself at a meal with mouth wide open, not a pretty sight.

Day 8 First Route

Sadly, the weather is not good at dawn. Had a great sleep but woke up to the sound of heavy rain and the baker delivering the days bread and various rolls to the front door. A coach load of the group are going to Vienna for the day so we head down to breakfast at 0800 to eat with them before they go. Archie and Patsy are last on the bus tho they are not late.

The rain is light and Colin and I decide to go for the short run, either the good weather will come while we are out , or it won't. It doesn't. However we enjoy the run of only 90 miles and we get a coffee stop And a lunch stop where we meet the long run group. The Gasthous is very nice and food is generous helping and excellent.

The rain drops get larger but we are mostly dry and have enjoyed taking in many hairpin bends on the ski roads which are plentiful here. Last job is to fuel up just before the hotel then aim for the shower.

The hotel can be found at www.Panhans.at. It is known as the Grand Hotel Panhans for good reason. In a corridor downstairs are galleries of old pictures of various prominent guests such as old politicians and film stars from 100 years ago. Also photos of the extension construction in the 50's, and winter views with loads of snow.
(unable to upload photos for now as Mr Apple won 't let me upload from the IPad,grr, only an IPhone,URL, or a google based photo store which looks like the way I'll need to go)

Day 7 Friday31st

Thursday evening the buzz was about the poor weather coming our way. There was only one route planned, a long one of 300km, however the Routemaster announced that it would be changed to suite conditions. 0830 and I'm waking up, the sound of rain from the balcony does not tempt either of us to go for the run. We are bushed and have had enough riding in the rain for just now.

Not many bikes go for the route and over 3/4 still remain in the carpark all day. People busy themselves with minor repairs and getting gps's fixed / updated. Alan Fair is busy sorting out 3 Zumo 550's.

Colin and I go for the Semmering Walk which takes an hour+ and takes in some of the old buildings and what would be great views if it wasn't for the mist swirling around. We are at 1011m and the dew point is varying with the gentle breeze. A late lunch of cheese and ham toastie is enjoyed in the cafe bar and a good natter with Tony and Mary from Hull. They have been for a small run but returned after the leader lost grip on a greasy bend but managed to recover. Conditions are far from ideal.

The swimming pool is "a la nature" apparently so we decline that for now - wouldn't want to see something that would put me off my evening meal ;-)
The buffet is another superb variety by the chef though no cheese and biscuits  for which I deducted un point from his score. Don't know what happened to the music tonight but nobody turned up. Sat at a different table tonight and met Andy from Southampton, he is an old hand at the gatherings and I listened to some of his stories of epic rides.
Bed was early at 2230 but still hadn't had a good sleep yet.
Not a brilliant forecast for tomorrow we'll see what dawn brings.

Day 6 Semmering

Up early and breakfast for 7. Tried to get on the road for 730 but filling up was time consuming due to the fancy card machine at the pumps, ok once you have been shown how it works. So 800 it is and onto the A35 again heading for Austria but first is a flying visit to Lichtenstein. Not much to say about this as it is only a couple of villages for us and they are still waking up. Innsbruck is the first target and 150km towards the lighter skies. We stop on the east side at a services and check the map,  there is a choice so we go vis Kitzbuhel and down to Bruck. It seems we met the lunchtime rush at Kitz and with the temp at 24c this did not appear to be good timing however the lights were for us and we were quickly back on a country road.

The next 25km were slow, few places to overtake and heavy traffic coming the other way. Villages led into each other and we climbed to a col and a nice twisty decent on the east side.

The gps was doing ok but sometimes the voice is slow to update the route especially when there are quick changes to the route. this happened twice with the 2nd being the worse. Only 60km to go and we took a slip road to the right which then curved round and a choice of 3 routes, non with road numbers , only names that did not mean anything. The voice said "keep right, keep right" which I did only 5 secs later to be told  " take left, take left" Doh!

No option now, a Peage and a very long tunnel,10 miles or so and very hot at 28c, now heading south and the gps says now arriving at 1830 as opposed to 1745. There is a mass picture being taken at 1830, will we make it in time? The re-route goes back north up another valley and we are on the S6 again and meet several other Pans going our way. They shoot past so there is only one thing to do and that is join in at the back. The next 30km really fly by and we get to the hotel at 1825 and are marshalled to the car park in plenty of time. So 425 miles done, it's been a long day.

The evening begins with a welcome address from the organising club and the local mayor. An Austrian group in lederhosen strike up and the buffet is open. Food is excellent, my choice is garlic soup with chives, pork with sour kraut and dumplings and apple strudel to finish... Oh and cheese and biscuits, yes I was hungry.

Day 5

The Honda shop had received a key but not the full month one that has the chip in the end. So option b was taken to get key cut and use old chipped end taped on to get bike going. This worked though I didn't need to tape them together. It's a long story but we still had to get the key cut somewhere else but fortunately all this took place within a 4 mile radius of the campsite.

 So 1400 we are off on the road again. Temp v hot at 27c but as we get down to the edge of the Vosge mountains it cools a bit. Scenic run through the hills tho stuck behind some artics for a while but not long before we are on the A35 heading for Basel.

Border guards are out on the road and we get shown where to park so we can buy our Vingette, Swiss road tax. Maps checked again and we are off heading south for Luzern. It's not long before we are in tunnels and lots of them too, but up ahead skies are looking dark.

We enter a long tunnel and we are doing 60mph and it takes some 5 mins to get out the other side which strangely seems to be nightfall at only 530pm. Soon there are flashes of light above but no thunder but not for long. 15 mins later we are in a downpour in the dark with lightning silhouetting the jagged skyline momentarily. Progress is slow now and we decide to find a hotel as it is not going to be fun pitching a tent in a downpour.

We miss a turning and have to carry on for a further 9km but luck is on our side and we find a nice hotel in Walenstadt. It's 9pm and a hot shower and cool beer are required. Next it's a good sleep and an early start tomorrow for the last leg to Semmering.

Days 1 to 4

Day1 was wet and windy. Not a nice run down to Oxford. This was piqued by being charged at the M6 toll as a big vehicle due to the 2 cars that came in right close behind me. So 6.50 instead of 2.80. Thanks guys. Later that evening had a temporary fright when could not find my wallet. Last time saw it was at ....Toll. Worst thoughts go through mind and think i have lost it on the M40 somewhere. Thankfully i found it.

Day2 only 150 miles but took 4 hours , filtering through miles of queues on M25. But made chunnel in plenty time. V quick run to france on train and no passport checks at all v strange. Great run down to near Arras.

Day3 Beautiful drive to Arras just 20 mins from campsite to a military cemetary so Colin could pay his respects to an uncle who was critically wounded there. Lovely countryside which made it hard to believe the scenes that took place in 1917.
Back to the autoroute and another 300km down the road. Feeling very pleased with our progress we treated ourselves to a beer from the site fridge. It must have been getting the army knife out of the glovebox that did for the ignition key though this was not realised at the time. Two hours later trying to get my headtorch out of the same box i discovered i had a stubby key on my keyring.

Fortunately having the knife out of the box i was able to extract the broken end of the key. Next get address of local honda dealer.

Day4 Go to dealer who is very helpful but no blank key in stock. Takes 24hrs to get one so today we have a day off in Nancy. Did the tourist bits- Cathedral (said some prayers) and also the Hotel de Ville square, ok we had a beer taking in the view. Lots of walking and a good meal in a street off the square. So tomorrow we hope our prayers are answered and a key awaits at Mr Honda. more soon.

The Day Before.

Its friday and its packing day. Its a major job to not take things but I do have more room than on the C2C cycle ride earlier this year.
The main concern has been the weather for tomorrow however I am pleased to see things have improved a lot since yesterday. I think we'll aim to leave a bit later than planned so that we should miss a lot of the rain in the manchester area.
I did get out on the bike again today to give the tyres a bit more of a scrub as they have only done 10 miles since fitting.
The final jobs tonight are loading up all the routes from the PC onto the microsd card and also some new music.
So thats it, the fun begins tomorrow.

Two days to go and the ToDo list is finally ticked. Just the small matter of packing and then leaving things out when there is no space left.
Been getting the routes from the Tour site and making sure they load onto the GPS. There is a choice of runs on both the saturday and sunday, a long one and a not so long one so depending how you feel (or how your butt feels probably) you can choose on the day. Still to load the routes we are taking to get to and from Semmering. Colin has picked some places to aim for but we are flexible with most of the travel days to allow for weather etc.
The bike is serviced and new tyres fitted as probably going to be 3000+ miles in the two weeks. Our plan is to go via the Chunnel at Folkestone, staying the first night near Arras about 1 hour south of Calais. From there we are aiming for Switzerland, possibly Italy, then Austria.
The forecast is looking a tad damp for saturday so off to check the wet suit now!