Time to dust off the college German textbooks...

4842 Views 20 Replies 14 Participants Last post by Hogges, 5 mo ago

bajakirch

Discussion Starter · 6 mo ago

...cuz I'm going to ride Europe, baby!

Specifically, Germany, Austria, and Italy (and maybe Lichtenstein?).

This week I did something very impulsive (for me); I put down a deposit on the 2023 Dolomites Training Trip for Motorcycles & Misfits.

I've been listening to the Motorcycles & Misfits podcast for years. Quite some time ago, they began cooking up the idea of working with a motorcycle trip company to develop an affordable European MC trip. The Dolomites Training Trip was the outcome, and the first iteration was held earlier this year.

Afterward, several participants talked about their experiences and it really got my juices flowing. I've been semi-seriously kicking around the thought of riding in Europe for a couple of years now. When the 2022 riders said their full cost of this trip was easily under $5000, it set the hook.

As luck would have it, I've been dumping all my earnings from renting out my bike on Riders Share, Twisted Road and Eagle Share into an account I call the New Bike Fund. My original plan was to upgrade to a new bike, probably in 2023. But I decided I can put off that purchase a little longer, because my Wee is working just fine and has plenty of life in it.

The final cog in the works was getting spousal buy-in, which I have to admit was way easier than I expected.

So I pulled the rip-cord and put down my deposit. Right now I'm set to ride a BMW F850GS, which is a fine bike. However, they also have a lot of F900XRs for rent, a bike that has caught my attention of late. All of those were already spoken for, but I plan to inquire about doing a swap if possible.

I'm so excited and I can't wait for my July departure date!

Next up: Securing a reasonably priced flight to Munich.

Reactions: 5

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

Fox

· #2 · 6 mo ago

Ausgezeichnet!

If your experience in the Deutschsprachige Welt is anything like mine, you might have very few opportunities to practice once they realize you're an English speaker.

Reactions: 4

nomadic

· #3 · 6 mo ago

If you still want to read German
Also read this for your information

bvdm.de

Streckensperrungen für Motorräder

Hier findest du eine Übersicht der Streckensperrungen für Motorradfahrer in Deutschland

bvdm.de

theayn

· #4 · 6 mo ago

Awesome. Can't wait to read about your trip.

Dado8

· #5 · 6 mo ago

6

bajakirch said:
...cuz I'm going to ride Europe, baby!

Specifically, Germany, Austria, and Italy (and maybe Lichtenstein?).

Don't bother... everybody speaks English
It'll be a great experience, enjoy

Also try to include Croatia in your trip, beautiful country highly recommended by me

(most speak English, members of EU with official currency Euro)

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Reactions: 5

richlandrick

· #6 · 6 mo ago

Sounds epic.

Reactions: 2

ratbikerandy

· #7 · 6 mo ago

Awesome! Should be a great time.

D.T.

· #8 · 6 mo ago

EPIC.

Like to do a Norway MC trip myself.

Chucksklrst

· #9 · 6 mo ago

8

bajakirch said:
...cuz I'm going to ride Europe, baby!

Specifically, Germany, Austria, and Italy (and maybe Lichtenstein?).

This week I did something very impulsive (for me); I put down a deposit on the 2023 Dolomites Training Trip for Motorcycles & Misfits.

I've been listening to the Motorcycles & Misfits podcast for years. Quite some time ago, they began cooking up the idea of working with a motorcycle trip company to develop an affordable European MC trip. The Dolomites Training Trip was the outcome, and the first iteration was held earlier this year.

Afterward, several participants talked about their experiences and it really got my juices flowing. I've been semi-seriously kicking around the thought of riding in Europe for a couple of years now. When the 2022 riders said their full cost of this trip was easily under $5000, it set the hook.

As luck would have it, I've been dumping all my earnings from renting out my bike on Riders Share, Twisted Road and Eagle Share into an account I call the New Bike Fund. My original plan was to upgrade to a new bike, probably in 2023. But I decided I can put off that purchase a little longer, because my Wee is working just fine and has plenty of life in it.

The final cog in the works was getting spousal buy-in, which I have to admit was way easier than I expected.

So I pulled the rip-cord and put down my deposit. Right now I'm set to ride a BMW F850GS, which is a fine bike. However, they also have a lot of F900XRs for rent, a bike that has caught my attention of late. All of those were already spoken for, but I plan to inquire about doing a swap if possible.

I'm so excited and I can't wait for my July departure date!

Next up: Securing a reasonably priced flight to Munich.

You will Love it. I made a tour with Blue Rim Tours in 2017 and covered 5 countries, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Slovenia, I also rented a F800GS. Great bike for riding the Alps.I also did a week on my own after the tour was over. Also in the Summer of 2019 I went over to Germany and Austria and di a Solo ride on my own for two weeks. I rented a Wee Strom for that trip. Was going to go back the next years but Covid got in the way. Maybe I will be able to get back next summer again. Have fun and take a lot of pictures. You will get so tired of switchback turns that you will long for a straight stretch of road.

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Reactions: 5

bajakirch

Discussion Starter · #10 · 6 mo ago

Don't bother... everybody speaks English

Ironically, I've been studying a new language for the last 6 months, partially in anticipation of future international riding.
Pero no creo que me ayude en esta excursión.

Also try to include Croatia in your trip

Actually, that was part of my original plan to do a European ride, kind of. I initially had the thought of touring Eastern Europe (Romania, Bulgaria, etc.) but research led me to believe that might be a bit challenging for someone who's never ridden there, especially as a solo rider. So I modified my thinking to Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia. But doing something like that was still a few years out.

For me, the Dolomites Training trip seems to be a good combination of guided/unguided riding, especially for my first international excursion. The logistical planning (hotels, bike rental, trip maps, etc.) is all covered by Leod Escapes, and a guide is present for the duration of the trip, but the daily rides are made with small groups of like-minded and like-skilled riders who go out and back on their own. Plus, it fit my budget perfectly.

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Reactions: 1

Dado8

· #11 · 6 mo ago

bajakirch said:
Ironically, I've been studying a new language for the last 6 months, partially in anticipation of future international riding.
Pero no creo que me ayude en esta excursión.

Actually, that was part of my original plan to do a European ride, kind of. I initially had the thought of touring Eastern Europe (Romania, Bulgaria, etc.) but research led me to believe that might be a bit challenging for someone who's never ridden there, especially as a solo rider. So I modified my thinking to Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia. But doing something like that was still a few years out.

For me, the Dolomites Training trip seems to be a good combination of guided/unguided riding, especially for my first international excursion. The logistical planning (hotels, bike rental, trip maps, etc.) is all covered by Leod Escapes, and a guide is present for the duration of the trip, but the daily rides are made with small groups of like-minded and like-skilled riders who go out and back on their own. Plus, it fit my budget perfectly.

I agree, organized trip means, less surprises and more relaxing, especially for the first timer.
July is very, very busy month, with half of Europe "on the move" heading to their holiday destinations, Croatia and other coastal countries in particular. Also July,August temperatures will be in 30-40C range (86-104F), so you'll be better off in the mountains.
As Chuck already mentioned don't forget to take lots of pictures and videos, couple of GoPro's and some clamp on RAM mounts, and a 360 camera on an "invisible" stick, lots of videos on YT with great ideas.

Motopundit

· #12 · 6 mo ago (Edited)

I lived in Berlin for 5 years (2013-2018). Awesome back road riding north of the city. Spent my weekends riding all over Northern Germany and Western Poland. The Black Forest area in Southern Germany is even better. Riding in the Alps is worth the trip, but the weather at the top can be unpredictable at any time of year, and it the tourist traffic is annoying as hell. IMO, the back roads in the Black Forest can't be beat. Those were the best.

Reactions: 1

StretchNM

· #13 · 6 mo ago

I lived near Stuttgart during the very early 60's, 62 or 63 I think. Learning German was very popular. I can count to ten and say nein. Touring the castles is great stuff. Don;t touch the gold to avoid scolding.

It may be important to note I was 5 at the time.

Reactions: 2

bwringer

· #14 · 6 mo ago

Sounds awesome!

The alps on a motorcycle is on my bucket list as well.

Fox said:
Ausgezeichnet!

If your experience in the Deutschsprachige Welt is anything like mine, you might have very few opportunities to practice once they realize you're an English speaker.

Yep, five years of German classes, and I never managed to put it to use. Every damn German I've ever met speaks excellent English.

That said, learning some basic road sign and menu German will do you some good. And they do appreciate it when you try communicating in German. Just get used to that brief look of "aw, isn't he precious!" as they switch to impeccable English.

Heck, you've got time; install Duolingo on your phone and try to pick up some Spanish, French, and Italian while you're at it. Can't hurt.

Reactions: 1

bajakirch

Discussion Starter · #15 · 6 mo ago

Also July,August temperatures will be in 30-40C range (86-104F), so you'll be better off in the mountains.

Yeah, this is something I'm already wondering about -- which riding gear would serve me best? I'm a heat-weenie, so any time the temps rise about 70*F I switch to my mesh gear. But for the cold and rain, I much prefer my Klim jacket and Aerostich pants (Gore-Tex for the win!).

Yes, the Klim/'stich combo has venting, but past experience has shown them to get really uncomfortable at slow or no speed. Yes, I can layer up and don rain gear with the mesh, but that means packing extra stuff, plus the added hassles of adding/removing items mid-ride.

Hopefully input from others who have done similar trips can help inform my packing decisions.

Reactions: 2

Chucksklrst

· #16 · 6 mo ago

4

As with here in the Rockies, the weather in the Alps can change in an instant. A normal sesional Riding jacket will suffice, but bring along a good cold weather liner, But most important bring good rain gear to include rain booties, (Rain covers for your boots.) I was very fortunate on my 2017 tour, the weather was excellent for the two weeks of the tour, but the week I did solo after the tour, it rained every day but one. The Europeans do ride in the rain.

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Dado8

· #17 · 6 mo ago

2

How about speak 36 languages in seconds

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ocoas

· #18 · 6 mo ago

knowing Key words is always a good idea.
Bathroom, Thank You, Please, Police, Water, Grocery Store,

Plus the language translator on my phone

bajakirch

Discussion Starter · #19 · 6 mo ago

How about speak 36 languages in seconds

So it links to Google Translate?

I must say I've been impressed with how useful Google Translate is for basic communications. I work in a job where I regularly come into contact with many people who don't speak English, and GT is my go-to tool. The conversation feature is pretty impressive, especially considering it's available for dozens of languages.

Dado8

· #20 · 6 mo ago

bajakirch said:
So it links to Google Translate?

I must say I've been impressed with how useful Google Translate is for basic communications. I work in a job where I regularly come into contact with many people who don't speak English, and GT is my go-to tool. The conversation feature is pretty impressive, especially considering it's available for dozens of languages.

bajakirch said:
So it links to Google Translate?

I must say I've been impressed with how useful Google Translate is for basic communications. I work in a job where I regularly come into contact with many people who don't speak English, and GT is my go-to tool. The conversation feature is pretty impressive, especially considering it's available for dozens of languages.

I guess it connects to your phone, but it uses it's own App, never tried one myself

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