Yes a very nice meeting. It was noticeable how many women riders were there, which was great.
I particularly liked the Dutch guy, his talk on his diesel bike and also his travels out to the 'Stans on it. 50 kms per litre - now THAT'S a travel bike! He and the bike survived hitting a big dog at 100kph; and though the bike broke its frame, the strong tank held it together till he found a welder. I liked his account of why he put asbestos cloth round his silencer - because he once set his trousers on fire! He likes to do nearly 1000kms a day, which I admit I couldn't/wouldn't do, but I really like to meet such strong characters and hear their stories. Jens told a story of travel in S. America on farm bikes which were registered in Kenya, had visa date-expired by 2 years in Argentina, and yet he rode all around the continent without being jailed. Though the bikes were caged for a while!
Nice talk also from No Worries Aussies Peter and Kay with 198 countries under their belt! Good to meet Chuck who fired friendly abuse and disposed of garbage in an interesting way. His contribution to TransAtlantic relations was memorable. Chuck, if you turn yourself in, you'll be treated leniently, with time off for good behaviour- and ride safe on your next stage. I was pleased to chat to Miriam and Dan (each with an Africa Twin)from Holland who were very interesting, with RTW beckoning, and Steve from Florida who was having a great time in Europe. There were many others there who were fascinating, friendly and bright folks - really nice; e.g., the German guy who worked in Oxford for some years. And Mario, soon off to Brazil! I would liked to have met the German girl who was going to Kamchatka, but her bike was not allowed. So she intends to ride back on a horse when her time is over; that's the kind of people who you're camping near! Last but not least, there was Lotus Blossom
The site was really nice, and it was kind(?!) of Jens to build that shower in response to someone's enquiry. Once you got the splinters out of your feet it was a nice experience. And he prepared a very toasty fire at night after the talks. Some of the HU people struck up good relations with a local farmer, bought some apfelsaft, and split logs with/for him. That went down well for HU, as you would expect.
All in all, a laid back, friendly meet.
Apart from Derek blaming others for his snoring.
And chucking tins of unwelcome liquids around at night. Next time you sleep in the horse field, Delboy.
Tschuss!!!!!