I did German at school (D-grade GCSE so not too good) then again at college as part of my engineering studies. However, if you've got some basic knowledge of the language, going there on your own for 2-3 weeks will improve your German more than a 1 night a week college course.

Was last there in May this year. Spent my first night on a campsite in Punderich on the Mosel. The guy that runs the place will tell you exactly the same as above. He lived in Edinburgh for a few years and basically taught himself as he had no knowledge of our language. He also did the same in Spain and also in Russia (Siberia) before resettling in Germany. He actually said he had to relearn some German as he'd lived away for so long. The second time I stayed there was on my way home after 2 weeks. An elderly couple from Dusseldorf, saw I was on my own and invited me to have breakfast with them. They spoke no English and I surprised myself how much my German had improved so I'm convinced that going there is the best way to learn.

The Germans are great people if you make the effort. At least try to speak some German and if they speak English, they will humour you at least. So many people make the mistake of thinking they'll offend people with their attempts so they don't bother trying which couldn't be further from the truth. For example, I spoke to a guy running a little food stall in Konigsee and I got a totally different response to the American tourists, who seemed to think if they just shouted very slowly in pigeon English, that somehow he'll understand .

BTW, I also have a Nurburgring addiction and need to get my next fix. Can't honestly say where I'd like to live in Germany. The Mosel has great people, great roads and the 'Ring is never too far away. The Black Forest is stunning. Didn't visit Freiburg, just passed through Baden-Baden but I quite liked Freudenstadt. The B500 from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt is biking heaven. Drop your gear off in Freudenstadt and spend a day enjoying it. Some great roads around Fussen heading into Austria and also the Alpenstrasse. Berchtesgaden and the surrounding area is very nice but it's too "touristy" for all the wrong reasons. In all honesty though, I'd probably choose the Eifel for it's cheap property and as it's easily within 3-4 hours of the ferry in Holland, probably a little further to Calais.

Hi mate,
You dont need to to me about the 500. Rode it 3 times this year, the last time like a scalded cat. The local sportsbibe riders had trouble keeping up and i was on a CB 1300 naked. Fabulous road!!

See above, but this may change, nothings set in stone yet.
I was trying to emmigrate there but the company sorting my visa's went under, soi i'm not sure whats going to happen. Will keep you posted.

Hi Leevtr, wow! nothing too unambitious then! On the Freiburg side. Here's a tip. Take it seriously! Go to Freiburg for their Weihnacht's Markt. This is a wondrous Christmas Market that simply didn't develop here when wave after wave of swilling medieval invaders came from what is now Germany.
Seriously the medieval town square overlooked by the gothic cathedral is decked out in colourful flags with a maze of stalls to peruse. Everyone is excited by the season and it is an unmissable insight into German culture. We must have had the same sort of thing but all we've got now is a few morris dancers and the "odd" town crier. I almost cry when I think how we've lost so much history compared to on the continent. Please, please go for the Weihnacht's Markt. Taste the gingerbread made with cinnamon, cummin, nutmeg and don't ask me what else. They offer Lebkuchen which are to die for----OK my taste I admit. I gave one to a gangly UK youth and his Yuk! reaction was worth seeing. His pallet is atuned to salt and pepper. Freiburg in the candle light of a clear winter night with crowds milling round the square is a time to enjoy Freiburg. It's my insider's tip. My abiding memory is of the happy little children hanging onto Mutti's dress and Vatti's hand. Little faces lit up in the yellow glow. Families out lazily enjoying a fabulous vibe. Sorry to say I never feel the hair tingle the way it can for me overseas some times.Not to mentioned you'll find stalls offering Gluwein. YES, now you're talking. Herbs soaked in warmed red wine. Hic! Mulled wine roughly. I think a lot of German recipes etc came over here pre Chaucer and just got watered down. Nip over to Freiburg and you'll get them full strength and in focus. Germans know how to celebrate Christmas. For me it really hits the spot. Linzi.

Im off on the bike to Germany again next week (3rd time this year), staying near the Mosel at Bernkastel Kues, mind you its about time for the Octoberfest kicking away so who knows where that will lead me to. Got to say Germany is a superb country to be in, the people are generally really friendly moreso if you make an effort and break the ice to speak. Even better in the pubs you get put on a long table to eat with total strangers so you get to socialise the german way. I speak a little german maybe understand a bit more than I am able to speak but after a short time ( and a few s) - the language becomes easier to follow when your there. When I come home I forget most of it till I go back. Wonderful country,loads of history, great roads and scenery, nice people, good standard of living, brilliant christmas markets and localised culture its a superb European country overall. So got to agree with those in the know its one of the top places to live in Europe.

You know what Linzi, it has crossed my mind to go over for xmas. One thing that stops me is that i'd rather ride over, and I've been to Germany ( Munich ) at xmas years ago and f*&k me it was cold. Probably snows in the black forest around that time to.

Leevtr - Not so cold that a hot mulled wine with a dash of brandy wouldn,t cure it at the end of a long day on the bike.

Please please no more!! I'm having to fight the urge to book the ferry!!
Sod it, shall we all go and just get drunk on Franzikaner Weiss for a few days!!

Bernkastel Kues is a nice place. Stayed at the Burg Landshut Hotel on the Bernkastel side last year (55 euro a night for B&B). Could do with a refurb but it's comfortable enough. Stayed at the campsite on the Kues side this year. Cheap enough but the lad who runs the place is weird to say the least.

My parents aren't motorcyclists at all but they love Germany. They're off on a Christmas market tour of the Rhine and Mosel in December this year.

You get a real sense of the focus on family at these places and events. Italy is very similar in some ways. Kind of sad that we've lost that in the UK.

As for cold weather riding, check out the Exo2 heated vest. Awsome-I just wish I had one. But don't poo poo the idea of going by any other means of transport. As said also, temperatures are all over the shop these days. Linzi.

Linzi the safe and warm gear is better than the exo stuff also has arms so it keeps you all warm Lifetime warranty on the wiring and a heat trollerthat uses half the power of a comparable jacket heater - safe and warm eu in Sweden are top people who really look after their customers well.

My preferred ale is the dunkel (Dark) variety I am sure I will be able to have a dunkel for everyone to save them the trip.

Cold i can do no problem... cold and wet or snow i dont find enjoyable!!

Hi Jake, thanks I was going on ads and tests. The Exo2 has of course no wires and is "squaddie proof" ie soldiers don't normally wreck them. I'll check up on your tip. Other ways of staying warm; Never forget to keep the body fuelled by eating muesli bars for instance. Keep the wind off you as much as possible but I admit I'm crazy when it comes to roughing it!
To put you off going in winter, check out the eleffanten treffe. This is a winter camping/ motorcycele meeting near the Czech border! Bundesverband der Motorradfahrer e.V.: Startseite scroll down to the eleffantentreffe. The Zundapp side car combo of the war time was referred to as the elefant. Hence the Elefant Meeting. Tell me now that all Germans are logical, boring and without a sense of humour!!!! Linzi.

Sorry, the site is all in German--funny that? Having clicked on elefantentreffen, click on ET links. You can at least enjoy the photos and easily imagine the chill! Linz z zi.