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.