Day 09. Frouard, France to Neuenweg, Germany, 332 kms

I didn’t cover many kilometres today.   Most of the 332 kms were touring around.   This must be a motorbike's paradise, as I rode past hundreds of them.   They had their own preferred coffee stops too.   I selected the roads off the maps that Wilma gave me from the ANWB.   I chose minor roads with lots of squiggles.

There was also 32 kms of extra freeway, because I didn’t see the turn-off in time.   I couldn’t even go back a little as there was too much traffic and too dangerous.

The 17 kms of forest road in the skiing area of Gerardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer was exciting too.   It is interesting that some minor roads on the map are now freeways.

The weather was best suited to motorcycling today.   No rain and no humidity.   Just sunshine, with the occasional cloud.   I even took out the liner from my jacket.

Last nights accommodation was consistent with the Super6 in the USA, which is more than satisfactory, but tonight (Sat night), I went a little upmarket again in the little town of Neuenweg.   (no internet)

The entrance into Germany was a nil event.   I couldn’t see a welcoming sign, just a board with a “D” on it on a bridge.   I didn’t get a photo.   I think the USA does that well.  On the Interstates, there is a welcoming area to park and often a tourist office and toilets.   That’s life.

Coffee stops in Germany are nice.   Sit comfortably outside and the church bells toll a tune, as well as the normal hourly chimes.   They just tolled again, as I am writing.   There was a band playing tonight at the “Rathaus” Council Offices.   The orchestra must have had about 20 instrumentalists.   I nice surprise, since I missed Andre Reiu at Maastricht.

Jenny asked for some more details on the bike.   It’s a black Yamaha 660cc, Tenere, XT660Z.   Based on the Dakar Tenere.   A very high seat at 895mm, so you sit quite high.   Same as the KLR.   The side panniers are from a KTM bike.   Big and roomy.   One has the lock upside down, so I seem to always get the key wrong.   More practice required by me!   The top box is an original Yamaha, and this key is also delicate.   The Mechanic at the Bike shop showed me how it works, and asked me to be gentle.   The best feature is that they are waterproof.   So far, nothing has gotten wet in the two days of rain/drizzle.   The bike rides very nicely with enough power and speed for the freeways.  (120kms).   I am very glad I hired it.
(I’ll add this paragraph to “The Bike” tab too.)

Enough writing.  My fingers are getting sore.  Photos now.  Just click the first photo to open in Slideshow.

      PS:  I forgot to mention that I loved Luxembourg (the town).

Germany.

LN2N2012