Customs and immigration took over an hour for me, there had been weather delays and all e planes landed at once. Annoying but not the end of the world.
But from Amsterdam to Bremen proved to be not as smooth as we expected.
Scott’s flight was delayed, I’d expected him to arrive In Bremen and be waiting for me at the train station. I, on the other hand took the train, but my connection from Osnabrück was also delayed by 45 mins and changed to the regio-barn. Also arriving later than expected. Upon arrival, I quickly found Michi & tried calling Scott to find out where he was. We quickly discovered that our Australian phones had no connection. Luckily Scott had WiFi connection and was able to email michi and we eventually picked him up, better late than never.
The train ride from Amsterdam into Germany was when I actually felt that I’d arrived in Europe, everything was so green. Fields, farmlands, autobahns. I was happy.
After picking us up we headed for Schwaförden and it just happened to be Denis’ birthday. A quick introduction for Scott to German culture & beer. Then it off to bed.
Day two: we got to meet the bikes, woo-hoo. Both exceeded my expectations. We had a bit of a test then it was off to a couple of biker-parties. First, rolling wheels. Lots of new friends, new people, new places. Scott’s first time riding in a small group, we were around 8 bikes, Or so (plus one car)
Then off to another party where the flavour of the day was burnouts, Germans being German had a fenced off area where they took their bikes for their burnouts, just across from the beer tent. Safety first. Then home for a well earned sleep.
Day three, 2nd June: a bit of work on the bikes then in the afternoon met again at the clubhouse and headed off to the Abominogs MC. This time, camping. We were 15 bikes + car.
Around the club the land was all moors, soft, springy, easy for bikes to sink into and fall over, left or right. We all came armed with planks of wood to place under the stand. No bikes fell over. As we were new, we rode up the front of the group. But upon arrival to the club, fell to the back. We were greeted at the gate by a hairy biker with a smile, handshake and a shot. Scott asked if it were obligatory, I advised not to offend, he partook. Then we set up tents, and went to the party.
As were a group, the prospects were sent to get the Bons and were responsible for keeping us supplied with beer. There was also food and live band, AC/DC cover band from Berlin. It was a great night.
Next day we packed up & rode home to Schwaförden.
Before we left for the Abominogs MC party, Scott managed to drop his bike at the petrol station, I eventually wanted to teach him how to pick up the bike but this was neither the place nor time for lessons. Jonah and I righted the bike, the engine bars had already paid for themselves.
4th June: late start, breakfast together, then off to Bremen. We visited both polo & Louis, Scott needed a tank bag, rain suit, kidney belt and gel pad for his seat. I got a new visor for my helmet which had a couple of scratches. We also ordered our cooking gas. In the evening we had dinner together, spaghetti Bol. In the evening I spoke with Øssur in Denmark about popping in for a visit on the way to the ferry, this way we get to sample danish hospitality and break up the ride to the ferry
5th June: late start again, after fruhstuck we fitted the usb charging points to the bikes, a power switch to my gps, the cable fitted was direct to the battery, fit the seat cushions, and grip puppies. Later that day, we rode with Mucke to inspect an R1100RT, unfortunately the ABS was malfunctioning. So, no bike for Mucke, then a beer at Dümmersee. Was a lovely, all be it shallow, lake.
6th June: after fruhstuck we headed to Samhain MC and practiced picking up the bike if/when dropped. Both sides. Also a bit of slow riding around the field, tested hard breaking with ABS, without ABS and rear. We then finalised all the paperwork for the bikes. In the afternoon Scott & I headed out to pick up a part for my bike and did a bit of sightseeing, checked out the massive wind generators which stand all around this area.
Tomorrow, more of the same
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