Day 42 to 46. France and Belgium

I returned the Yamaha XT660Z and rented a Yamaha XT1200Z Tenere.   It's the big brother.

I have been touring France and Belgium WW1 sites.   Pity we had to have a war to make them.

I am due back in Holland on the 24th, so I can fly out on the 25th July.

It's been a wonderful experience.   Europe is a great place to visit and travel around.

LN2N2012

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
     

Day 08. Margraten, Netherlands to Frouard, France. 441 kms

The days started great with hot bacon and eggs and a very comfortable dining lounge.
Then it started to drizzle again.

Packing the bike was a pain, as I am not fully organised yet.   It was much easier with the KLR.  Just take all the cases off.   Maybe I'll try that again. I will add some straps to the panniers to make it easier to carry them.   I'm sure that after a couple of days all will be efficient again.

The riding today had morning drizzle & rain and afternoon dry with sunshine later.   The rain-suit I bought in Holland is great: no leaks at the waist.   My riding Jacket fits (thanks Emma) and the extensions Lynn did on my riding pants are great (thanks Lynn).

Not much more to add really.
Just having a fun seeing lots of new places.   Europe has very many fine old places.   The autobahns are easy and the traffic is curtious.   The little country roads are a treat.   I have seen many other adventure riders, too.   They all wave with their hand or raise their foot.   This must be the new way of motorbike waving: no taking your hands off the bars.   I still need some practice.

 Here are some photos of Belgium, Luxembourg and France.
Whoops.  According to the map.   Luxembourg is the city, and Luxemburg is the country.  (No o)
Opa:  Try the slideshow.   Just click on the photo to enlarge it, then right arrow, (maybe a swipe will work on the iPad)

Oma's apple pancakes were good too, but these are bigger.

France:

LN2N2012