Well, turned out all I managed to download was a bunch of empty web pages, JOY!
Not to worry got a map of Europe and set off with the intention of getting the route sorted while on the train (first bit anyway), typically I got chatting so stopped at the first garage and decided to head to Brugge.
I had been riding all day at work and nearly missed the train because of doing a last minute oil change, risky but it paid off. I was tired and a touch disorientated, I failed on the hotel front so thought fug it, these people are sleeping in their cars at the services I’ll pitch up. To the amusement of those other tired souls at 3am I popped the tent up and crawled in for a couple of hours. Bloody women on the Tannoy, I’m not sure but I think it was “YOU HAVE TOO PAY FIRST!” to every driver that came in to fill up.
I awoke at 6am and got packed for the days ride feeling surprisingly fresh if a little greasy, got a quick feed and then went to my bike. I was approached by a fellow brit claiming he used to have a Harley. I couldn’t get over that here I was in France and a Brit came up to talk to me about bikes, nothing unusual about that I hear you think, it was his accent I couldn’t believe. I had no idea what he was saying to me, all I could hear was “it’s a single span canterlever suspension bridge”, and there was me worried about my terrible French, and worse German.
Surprise surprise I got a little lost but on the up side found a race track (road when not in use) and couldn’t resist (pics to follow). Fully loaded and a raining I scratched the slider and boosted my energy on adrenalin alone. That next night was a bit better and at least I got to shower.
The leg to Vienna was a giggle and up through the mountains from France, a bit long though. I’d passed out in St Avold (a fare distance left to go). From there (where I had camped) it went like this…Strasbourg, Oberkirch, all the way to Ulm on the N28 (lovely) then the boring 8 and finally, in the dark the A1 into Vienna where I was greeted by my friends endless and welcome hospitality.
I need a new rear tyre but not a worry and am looking forward to the next few days chilling here before heading back to the Alps for fun fun fun.
Hope this is not boring, I also hope a few of you may be inspired to do it yourselves. This is the furthest I’ve been on my bike and the first time outside France. I have never traveled on my own before and was quaking but it’s been a breeze. I have 17 days of play and the forecast is set for 30+ for this month!
No excuses!
See you all soon and I’ll post more when I get back from the Alps before hitting Brno for the GP.
Ride safe y’all.
