I find myself still in Kassel. Not that that's such a bad thing, it's only been a couple of weeks and there have been plenty of good times as well as reminiscing.
After landing in Denmark, I rode straight to schwaförden and my mate Michi.
Here, we fit new tyres (12,000km +) it seems that Iceland managed to kill my rear one.
I also was able to perform the service and get Melinda ready for another 10,000-15,000 km around Europe. You may scoff at the big numbers, but to me they are only distractions, markers to be glanced at as they roll by.
The achievement is journey, the destination is mostly only there to give direction and make it easier to explain to others. There is no real destination.
Rambling!!!
Anyway, last weekend was the 30th anniversary of Samhain M/C and I convinced Jay to join me there. He even rode pillion, 254km each way. Quite an achievement for a novice.
From the moment we arrived our proverbial cups overflowed with kindness, friendship and drink. What a night. It's always a good time up with the club. With the good food, good mood, 300-400 bikers, beer, cocktails, camping, ceremonies, shots, fire-breathing strippers, burn-outs, a night to remember.
The next day we returned to Kassel, a little worse for wear & decided to visit the thermal baths for some much needed recovery. As I learned in Iceland, there is nothing better than swimming, sauna, steam-rooms to help the body and mind heal.
This past week I've been spending some quality time with Jay, Bomb (Anna) and the kids drove to St Tropez last weekend.
I even managed to sit in on Jay's band practice a couple of times and just do normal stuff.
Enough of that.
I've started getting ready for the next phase of my journey.
I shall embark upon my first IBA of 2015. This will be my second attempt of the FHB-48. Hopefully
this time I'll be successful. The ride: Fucking, Hell and Bach in 48 hours. Over 2000 miles. Last time I started in Bach, France rode across to Fucking, Austria and on to Hell, Norway. This time I shall begin my ride in the north and travel South. After reading a few reviews, this seems the most likely route that will be successful.
So, today I shall wash, pack Melinda, pick up a few supplies, and ready myself.
Another important part of my preparation was to replace the original seat on Melinda. The old one was extremely soft, didn't offer much in the way of support and became uncomfortable very quickly.
I got the name of a guy who reupholsters motorcycle seats from Tobias, a German biker I met in Iceland.
I guess this ride will be the ultimate test.
Tomorrow morning I'll be back on the road again and heading north so I may eventually head South.
1 comment:
Hope your preparation pays off this time. If you don't achieve your goal it won't be for lack of trying. Safe travels. K
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