![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Aug 2008
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 4
|
|
Help me plan 4-6 day Germany trip/ride
I'll be travelling to Germany from the U.S. in early to mid September for business and plan on taking 4-6 days off at the end and renting a bike for some touring (all street). I've got a line on a BMW RT or GT through ADMo tours, but am willing to listen to views on where to get a BMW for rent. I'd prefer the RT but would settle for the GT, or a GS. I have a 1200 GS Adventure, so I'm familiar with them. I'm considering the RT as my next bike, thus the preference.
I'll be in the Karlsruhe area, but could travel to Heidelberg or Frankfurt to pick up the bike if necessary.
I'm REALLY looking for advice on what to see and do during the trip. My interests are touring through mountain regions, architecture (castles, etc.) and history. Ideally, I'd prefer areas that aren't terribly choked with tourists and have lots of scenery and local charm.
Over on ADV, someone mentioned going to the Alsace and Vosgas mountain areas of France. I'm open to going wherever the great rides are. Maybe the Black Forest and/or the Swiss Alps?
BTW, I'll probably stay in hotels, so I don't have to lug camping equipment across the pond.
Any advice?
Regards,
John
__________________
07 1200 GS Adventure
"Behave Yourself" - Me
Last edited by John Harden; 4 Aug 2008 at 18:59.
Reason: Clarification
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Aug 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 179
|
|
Hi John,
I'm not long back from 15 days in Germany with my husband. We had a great time!
I would definately recommend a visit to Schwangau where you will find the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. The village, although having a lot of accomodation, wasn't crowded and there were some nice resturants, one in particular... will try to remember its name!, and bars. The castle is crammed with tourists but is definately worth a visit. Go early as tours have to be booked and the tour buses start arriving around 9:30am! It is walkable from the village as it's only 2km or there is parking nearby but even bikes have to pay! We also took the cabel car up to the top of the Tegelberg where you got amazing views around Germany and into Austria.
The Black Forrest has lovelly roads, again you will see lots of bikes! For castles then you want to follow the River Rhine and Mossell. They meet in Koblenz although watch your speed as they set speed traps... ![Oops2](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/oops.gif) Very friendly policemen though! ![Thumbup1](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/thumbup1.gif) You are also close to the Nurburgring if that takes your fancy!?!
Do remember to bring your waterproofs... boy does it rain! ![Rain](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/rain.gif) and when we stayed in Schwangau we popped over to Austria in the evening for a run (only 10km away), and got caught in a storm which went from glourious sunshine ![Beach](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/beach.gif) to a huge storm ![Stormy Weather](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/stormy.gif) in 10 minutes which included a huge hail storm. Meanwhile our waterproofs were snuggly tucked up in our hotel room!
Tried to attach some photo's but the only one which would work is the one of our bikes during the hail storm while we hid under a bus shelter!
Lt me know what you end up doing... have a great time,
Beej
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Aug 2008
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 4
|
|
Germany trip
Thanks to the both of you for the information. It's now looking like the after work part of my trip will start on Saturday, 9/13, and ending on Thursday, 9/18 for a total of 5 nights. Should be fun, and I'll probably be renting the bike out of Frankfurt.
I'm leaning towards renting a helmet, riding jacket and rain pants, versus carting my stuff with me.
Visiting at least one castle seems like a must-do and I'm hoping the crowds will be smaller in mid September.
Any other ideas or specific roads I should consider?
Regards,
John
__________________
07 1200 GS Adventure
"Behave Yourself" - Me
Last edited by John Harden; 5 Aug 2008 at 00:04.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Aug 2008
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
|
|
We are just off for a 2.5week blat aound germany and the alps, setting off tomorrow. we are pretty much covering your suggested areas. hope you are wrong about the weather ![Stormy Weather](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/stormy.gif) tho.
riding down the alongside mosel and rhine is a really nice relaxing way to spend time. Although keep an eye for the police as already mentioned.
Enjoy, the Germans are a hospitable bunch.
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
5 Aug 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Walsall, UK
Posts: 251
|
|
Berg Eltz on the Mosselle Valley between Koblenz and Cochem is the most perfect German Castle and well worth a visit.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
5 Aug 2008
|
![Redboots's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar17140_2.gif) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
|
|
If you think you will get time for the Alps, get a copy of John Hermann's "Motorcycle Journeys through the Alps and Beyond" NOW and plan one of the rides. Available at Whitehose Press and other places.
You will find it a great reference. ISBN 978-1-884313-70-7
Cheers,
John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
5 Aug 2008
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 4
|
|
Book
You're about the 3rd or 4th person who has recommended that book to me. I bought it online at Barnes and Noble last night and it should be here within a week, giving me time to take a close look at it. I have never heard of it before, so thanks for the recommendation.
My trip dates have changed a bit and my riding will now be from 9/19 through 9/25.
What will the weather be like during this time? My thinking is to bring my Rallye 2 Pro jacket with liner and some Olympia overpants with rain liner from them too. Underneath, I'll wear either shorts if it is hot (unlikely), or some full length UnderArmor "pants". If it is cold out, the two layers on my lower body should be dry. I'll have plenty of layer options for the top to stay comfortable. I just don't want to lug the heavy RP2 pants across the pond. The jacket is enough and my Olympia pants allow more flexibility.
Regards,
John
__________________
07 1200 GS Adventure
"Behave Yourself" - Me
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
6 Aug 2008
|
![Redboots's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar17140_2.gif) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
|
|
Weather
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Harden
My trip dates have changed a bit and my riding will now be from 9/19 through 9/25. What will the weather be like during this time?
|
It can be cold in the higher places. Odd passes can be closed due to snow - usually a temporary measure at that time of year.
The weather is so screwed up for the last few years there is no telling what it will be like.
John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
9 Aug 2008
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 4
|
|
Trip
Well, I have a few things firmed up. After talking to lots of people, it seems the thing to do is leave Frankfurt on the 19th, head South to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, stay overnight, then go to Arraba or Cortina in the Dolomites for 2 nights.
On day 4, head to Arrabata in the Swiss Alps for 2 more days of riding before heading back to Frankfurt to turn in the bike.
Thanks to everyone who has offered suggestions. I've got a full 7 days and 6 nights of riding to enjoy and really looking forward to it.
Regards,
John
__________________
07 1200 GS Adventure
"Behave Yourself" - Me
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|