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#61
Adventure, Excursions, Ride outs, Touring / Re: 2025 European trip
Last post by Rynglieder - August 16, 2025, 11:32:11 AMDay 3 Munshausen [L] > Aschaffenburg [D] (probably c.250 miles, but who knows?)
You cannot view this attachment.
After breakfast and shoe-horning the bags back into the cases, a quick check on the Zumo confirmed its intention to stick about 100 miles of secret riding on my trip if I dared to follow what was in its little digital brain. Once more I was left to select the first way point and trust that it was going to take me on a pleasant route there.
The ride started out with a quick fuel stop in Marbourg but no sooner than I had ridden 50 metres off the forecourt I was confronted with a road closure; at this point I was blissfully ignorant that it was to be the theme of the day. I did a U-turn and headed off in the opposite to my intended direction. Through a series of minor roads that I didn't have any agency in selecting (but were nevertheless just the sort of roads I would have chosen) I made my way to the border with Germany at Dasbourg Pont.
Now hoping that the satnav would get me back on track I followed it to the village of Preischeid, where once again I was confronted with barriers across the road inviting me to go away. Another U-turn and run back to the [410] followed, I was now on a detour of the detour.
Frustrating though it was, any selection of roads in the German Eifel region will throw up a satisfying ride and it was early in the day, there was plenty of time to recover my schedule. The next two hours were exactly as this trip should be, winding though the countryside with gentle curves and changes of elevation, just right for the GTR.
You cannot view this attachment.
Just after noon I descended into my beloved Mosel Valley, parked the bike up under the river bridge and extracted a coffee from my usual café. The camera stayed in the top-case, I've probably got enough photos of this area already, but it didn't stop me taking 15 minutes round the old town and wishing I was staying longer.
A tunnel from the riverside road took me up though a series of tight curves into the Hunsruck massif which sits between the Mosel and Rhein rivers, once more I was on known territory with good riding to look forward to. Sure enough, at 14:25 I reached the town of Langenlonsheim, just beyond which lay the historical Felseneremitage which I had intended to visit. Once again, I was confronted with a row of barriers sternly blockading my onward route. I pulled up and perused the map on my phone, but there didn't seem an obvious way round. I could perhaps have walked it in about 20 minutes, but it was too hot and humid to contemplate in the bike gear, so the fixture was scratched.
I pressed on, "my" selected route had become a mere fantasy, and all I could do was select my next waypoint and hope for the best. The Zumo directed me out on the [420] and within a few miles I began to get a bad feeling, destinations ahead were crossed through on the signposts but I progressed in the hope that I was not supposed to reach them. I can only assume that the little box of tricks' intention was to take me over the Rhein on one of the little vehicle ferries, perhaps the "Rheinfähre Landskrone" at Nierstein, but inevitably I ran out of [420] before I ever got there. I selected a road at random in the hope that I would find a diversionary route or anything that might be a helpful recalculation, but after a few minutes of aimless riding through small villages I pulled up, had a smoke and reluctantly changed the Zumo's settings to allow it to use the Autobahns and find the quickest way to my hotel for the night.
After just a few minutes of back-tracking I joined the [63] autobahn and settled to my cruising speed of about 130kph with a careful eye on the mirrors as (invariably black or gey) German saloons flew past at about 200kph. Looking back through my video as I write this, I have to say the route I was directed on makes no sense whatsoever. I was switched to the [60] near Mainz, followed by a touch of [67], a helping of [3] around Frankfurt airport, ejected onto the [5] to go south for quite some distance and finally expelled at Darmstadt North. During this motorway escapade another fill-up was required for the bike. A tank full usually lasts me a day, but I reckon I had exceeded my intended milage by about 50. Other than watching my fellow road users there was not much to entertain me, but I was curious about what appeared to be a catenary system in place over lane 1 of the A5 Autobahn – are electric trucks with pantographs coming?
You cannot view this attachment.
Next up was a bizarre tour of Darmstadt's commercial suburbs, finally leaving the town on the [26]. That is, up to the point where I reached Dieburg. Another town, another set of barriers – at least there was a decent diversionary route signposted for this one and after a few 30kph back-streets I was back on course with not much more than a mile or so added.
The final run into Ashaffenburg was easy enough even if a little lacklustre, and I was delivered over the River Main bridge straight to the Hotel Wilder Mann where I docked the GTR in the car park entrance way as there was no space available. I offered to the receptionist to move it if necessary, but she said it was fine and I was just left to hope that other users would take care when entering the car park.
You cannot view this attachment.
Due to my motorway milage I had arrived in town with plenty of time to explore. It's unusual for me, but the camera hadn't had much of a workout so I took a few shots before settling down in an Imbis bar with a beer and pizza.
You cannot view this attachment.
It has been an excellent morning and early afternoon, but a bit of a disappointing last hour or so to my ride. On balance though, a good day, frustrations but no disasters. On review, I simply can't understand why once I had arrived on the [3] Autobahn past Frankfurt airport, I was not just directed to stay with it until I reached Aschaffenburg, I don't know where Darmstadt would need to figure in the equation at all. Note to self; if diverted, spend more time with a proper map.
You cannot view this attachment.
After breakfast and shoe-horning the bags back into the cases, a quick check on the Zumo confirmed its intention to stick about 100 miles of secret riding on my trip if I dared to follow what was in its little digital brain. Once more I was left to select the first way point and trust that it was going to take me on a pleasant route there.
The ride started out with a quick fuel stop in Marbourg but no sooner than I had ridden 50 metres off the forecourt I was confronted with a road closure; at this point I was blissfully ignorant that it was to be the theme of the day. I did a U-turn and headed off in the opposite to my intended direction. Through a series of minor roads that I didn't have any agency in selecting (but were nevertheless just the sort of roads I would have chosen) I made my way to the border with Germany at Dasbourg Pont.
Now hoping that the satnav would get me back on track I followed it to the village of Preischeid, where once again I was confronted with barriers across the road inviting me to go away. Another U-turn and run back to the [410] followed, I was now on a detour of the detour.
Frustrating though it was, any selection of roads in the German Eifel region will throw up a satisfying ride and it was early in the day, there was plenty of time to recover my schedule. The next two hours were exactly as this trip should be, winding though the countryside with gentle curves and changes of elevation, just right for the GTR.
You cannot view this attachment.
Just after noon I descended into my beloved Mosel Valley, parked the bike up under the river bridge and extracted a coffee from my usual café. The camera stayed in the top-case, I've probably got enough photos of this area already, but it didn't stop me taking 15 minutes round the old town and wishing I was staying longer.
A tunnel from the riverside road took me up though a series of tight curves into the Hunsruck massif which sits between the Mosel and Rhein rivers, once more I was on known territory with good riding to look forward to. Sure enough, at 14:25 I reached the town of Langenlonsheim, just beyond which lay the historical Felseneremitage which I had intended to visit. Once again, I was confronted with a row of barriers sternly blockading my onward route. I pulled up and perused the map on my phone, but there didn't seem an obvious way round. I could perhaps have walked it in about 20 minutes, but it was too hot and humid to contemplate in the bike gear, so the fixture was scratched.
I pressed on, "my" selected route had become a mere fantasy, and all I could do was select my next waypoint and hope for the best. The Zumo directed me out on the [420] and within a few miles I began to get a bad feeling, destinations ahead were crossed through on the signposts but I progressed in the hope that I was not supposed to reach them. I can only assume that the little box of tricks' intention was to take me over the Rhein on one of the little vehicle ferries, perhaps the "Rheinfähre Landskrone" at Nierstein, but inevitably I ran out of [420] before I ever got there. I selected a road at random in the hope that I would find a diversionary route or anything that might be a helpful recalculation, but after a few minutes of aimless riding through small villages I pulled up, had a smoke and reluctantly changed the Zumo's settings to allow it to use the Autobahns and find the quickest way to my hotel for the night.
After just a few minutes of back-tracking I joined the [63] autobahn and settled to my cruising speed of about 130kph with a careful eye on the mirrors as (invariably black or gey) German saloons flew past at about 200kph. Looking back through my video as I write this, I have to say the route I was directed on makes no sense whatsoever. I was switched to the [60] near Mainz, followed by a touch of [67], a helping of [3] around Frankfurt airport, ejected onto the [5] to go south for quite some distance and finally expelled at Darmstadt North. During this motorway escapade another fill-up was required for the bike. A tank full usually lasts me a day, but I reckon I had exceeded my intended milage by about 50. Other than watching my fellow road users there was not much to entertain me, but I was curious about what appeared to be a catenary system in place over lane 1 of the A5 Autobahn – are electric trucks with pantographs coming?
You cannot view this attachment.
Next up was a bizarre tour of Darmstadt's commercial suburbs, finally leaving the town on the [26]. That is, up to the point where I reached Dieburg. Another town, another set of barriers – at least there was a decent diversionary route signposted for this one and after a few 30kph back-streets I was back on course with not much more than a mile or so added.
The final run into Ashaffenburg was easy enough even if a little lacklustre, and I was delivered over the River Main bridge straight to the Hotel Wilder Mann where I docked the GTR in the car park entrance way as there was no space available. I offered to the receptionist to move it if necessary, but she said it was fine and I was just left to hope that other users would take care when entering the car park.
You cannot view this attachment.
Due to my motorway milage I had arrived in town with plenty of time to explore. It's unusual for me, but the camera hadn't had much of a workout so I took a few shots before settling down in an Imbis bar with a beer and pizza.
You cannot view this attachment.
It has been an excellent morning and early afternoon, but a bit of a disappointing last hour or so to my ride. On balance though, a good day, frustrations but no disasters. On review, I simply can't understand why once I had arrived on the [3] Autobahn past Frankfurt airport, I was not just directed to stay with it until I reached Aschaffenburg, I don't know where Darmstadt would need to figure in the equation at all. Note to self; if diverted, spend more time with a proper map.
#62
Adventure, Excursions, Ride outs, Touring / Re: 2025 European trip
Last post by Rynglieder - August 16, 2025, 11:27:16 AMQuote from: Burchy on August 13, 2025, 03:59:39 PMLooks like a cracking route, if you discount the Belgian bit. Interested to see "Rangersdorf" on the map. I stayed there a few years back after riding the Hochalpenstrasse at Grosglockner. I wander if it'll be the same hotel?...
I stayed at the Hotel Mölltalerhof. I will get to it eventually but I'm doing this write-up at the same time as reviewing and editing my video and it's taking quite a bit of time - probably twice as long as actually riding it
#63
General Discussion / Re: Spam and stuff
Last post by Kwikasfuki - August 13, 2025, 07:47:50 PMQuote from: Boomer on August 13, 2025, 12:29:49 AMActually managed nearly 3hrs in the saddle on Saturday. I took breaks every hour to ease my back which helped but I was comfier than I expected. Am hoping that the current bout will subside soon so I can ride more often. Did a wide loop around Chelmsford sticking to backroads.
Three hours ain't bad. I did about the same, only meant to go out for an hour.
What's helped me is yoga. Lots and lots of yoga
#64
Adventure, Excursions, Ride outs, Touring / Re: 2025 European trip
Last post by Burchy - August 13, 2025, 03:59:39 PMLooks like a cracking route, if you discount the Belgian bit. Interested to see "Rangersdorf" on the map. I stayed there a few years back after riding the Hochalpenstrasse at Grosglockner. I wander if it'll be the same hotel?...
#65
General Discussion / Re: Spam and stuff
Last post by Burchy - August 13, 2025, 03:41:59 PMQuote from: Kwikasfuki on August 12, 2025, 08:02:22 PMI saw the new Versys at the dealership last week and was tempted.
But I've still got the itch of the ZZR first, so will have to scratch that next.
As for the forum, it's not going anywhere. It's been going since June 2009 so 16 years old
30mm bar risers were very helpful to me. The standard setup is quite agressive, especially if you're tall and have lower back issues...
#66
General Discussion / Re: Spam and stuff
Last post by Boomer - August 13, 2025, 12:29:49 AMActually managed nearly 3hrs in the saddle on Saturday. I took breaks every hour to ease my back which helped but I was comfier than I expected. Am hoping that the current bout will subside soon so I can ride more often. Did a wide loop around Chelmsford sticking to backroads.
#67
Adventure, Excursions, Ride outs, Touring / Re: 2025 European trip
Last post by Boomer - August 13, 2025, 12:26:33 AMI often used to do the Dunkirk-Lille-Namur-Luxembourg route when my Dad was still alive.
These days I am mostly heading to Brussels where my sister lives so just do the Bruges route.
I spent much of my late teens and early 20s riding the Ardennes/Eifel so am enjoying the pics
These days I am mostly heading to Brussels where my sister lives so just do the Bruges route.
I spent much of my late teens and early 20s riding the Ardennes/Eifel so am enjoying the pics
#68
General Discussion / Re: Spam and stuff
Last post by Kwikasfuki - August 12, 2025, 08:02:22 PMI saw the new Versys at the dealership last week and was tempted.
But I've still got the itch of the ZZR first, so will have to scratch that next.
As for the forum, it's not going anywhere. It's been going since June 2009 so 16 years old
But I've still got the itch of the ZZR first, so will have to scratch that next.
As for the forum, it's not going anywhere. It's been going since June 2009 so 16 years old
#69
Adventure, Excursions, Ride outs, Touring / Re: 2025 European trip
Last post by Kwikasfuki - August 12, 2025, 07:57:18 PMWrite great write up and pics. Looks fantastic
#70
General Discussion / Re: Spam and stuff
Last post by Burchy - August 12, 2025, 10:03:24 AMI'm so pleased that this forum is back up and running again. Its been quite a few years since I traded my 3rd GTR for a ZZR1400, then on to a 2021 Versys and now the new 2025 1100 Versys.
The ZZR was a brilliant bike, but my right arm was starting to go numb after about an hour due to the riding position. The Versys sorted that out, but the penalty was a drop of about 80hp. That's quite noticeable.
However the new 1100 Versys is a revelation. So much better in so many ways. Only 5% increase in capacity, but 12% increase in performance.Now, if I can graft a shaft drive to it, it'll be perfect....
The ZZR was a brilliant bike, but my right arm was starting to go numb after about an hour due to the riding position. The Versys sorted that out, but the penalty was a drop of about 80hp. That's quite noticeable.
However the new 1100 Versys is a revelation. So much better in so many ways. Only 5% increase in capacity, but 12% increase in performance.Now, if I can graft a shaft drive to it, it'll be perfect....