Ducati Trip - Netherlands, Germany, Italy
Hull to Gloucestershire
30/07/07 15:46
We were off the ferry in Hull by 08:30. Karl, Chiara and Veleno were going north towards Harrogate and I was going south to tranquility base in Gloucestershire.
Karl and Chiara about to embark in Hull.
Karl, Chiara and Veleno about to leave Hull.
Karl and Chiara about to embark in Hull.
Karl, Chiara and Veleno about to leave Hull.
Dusseldorf to Hull
29/07/07 17:21
We arrived in Dusseldorf on time at 09:00. It was cloudy and overcast.
Looks like rain...
Now it is raining and we're off.
Chiara and Veleno were going to travel with us to Breda where Kijn's parents had invited us for brunch. By the time we set off it was raining very heavily and continued to do so all the way to Breda where we arrived a couple of hours later.
In Breda five very wet motorcyclists were treated to a lovely brunch complete with home made bread. We were able to dry out and made very welcome.
How do you dry wet gloves very quickly?...
....in the microwave!
A few hours later, well fed and much drier we continued on our way to Rotterdam minus Kijn and without the rain.
We got to Rotterdam around 14:30.
Karl, Chiara and Veleno checking in for the ferry to hull
We later had dinner together on board and an early night.
Looks like rain...
Now it is raining and we're off.
Chiara and Veleno were going to travel with us to Breda where Kijn's parents had invited us for brunch. By the time we set off it was raining very heavily and continued to do so all the way to Breda where we arrived a couple of hours later.
In Breda five very wet motorcyclists were treated to a lovely brunch complete with home made bread. We were able to dry out and made very welcome.
How do you dry wet gloves very quickly?...
....in the microwave!
A few hours later, well fed and much drier we continued on our way to Rotterdam minus Kijn and without the rain.
We got to Rotterdam around 14:30.
Karl, Chiara and Veleno checking in for the ferry to hull
We later had dinner together on board and an early night.
Levico Therme to Verona
28/07/07 14:02
Our last day in Italy and it was very hot. We set off fairly early for the motorway drive south to Verona.
Karl and Kijn in the shady car park at our hotel in Levico Therme
The drive south was uneventful apart from the fact that I was left behind again by Karl & Kijn who took off at high speed. Strangely, I got to the station at Verona before them.
Karl and Kijn again at the Autozug terminal in Verona.
Kijn, on Verona station, displaying her keen sense of fashion.
Our train left on time at 15:06 and we got into the restaurant car fairly early before the rush. We didn't really leave it until very late in the evening when it closed. Chiara and Veleno joined us for part of the evening. They were leaving sunny Italy on their motorcycle for a touring holiday in Scotland.
Karl and Kijn in the shady car park at our hotel in Levico Therme
The drive south was uneventful apart from the fact that I was left behind again by Karl & Kijn who took off at high speed. Strangely, I got to the station at Verona before them.
Karl and Kijn again at the Autozug terminal in Verona.
Kijn, on Verona station, displaying her keen sense of fashion.
Our train left on time at 15:06 and we got into the restaurant car fairly early before the rush. We didn't really leave it until very late in the evening when it closed. Chiara and Veleno joined us for part of the evening. They were leaving sunny Italy on their motorcycle for a touring holiday in Scotland.
Alleghe to Levico Therme
27/07/07 17:11
We got a reasonably early start and took the same road as yesterday over Passo Giau to Cortina D'Ampezzo. Another welcome chance to ride my favourite road.
From Cortina we rode north along a valley road to Cimbanche and Dobbiaco where we joined the busier S49 heading west to Villabosa and San Lorenzo where we turned south back nto the mountains towards Saalen.
Self and Kijn near Saalen.
.
We ended up on a narrow mountain road and quite by chance came across the Gasthof-Albergo Maria Saalen (established in the year 892.) It was a lovely spot with views over a mountain valley and we stopped for lunch.
Gasthof-Albergo Maria Saalen, view from the terrace restaurant.
Gasthof-Albergo Maria Saalen another view from the restaurant.
Gasthof-Albergo Maria Saalen, Karl & Kijn.
Having ordered a bottle of mineral water we discovered that everyone else was filling a jug from the mountain spring just behind our table.
After lunch we proceeded south through Zwichenwassen, Stern, Passo Gardena , Ortisec, Chiusa and then back onto the motorway where we got separated. I knew we were going to a lake near Trento but I ended up at Lago di Sei which was the wrong one.
We linked up again and went to Levico Therme, a small spa town where we had another nice meal on, sadly, our last night in Italy.
From Cortina we rode north along a valley road to Cimbanche and Dobbiaco where we joined the busier S49 heading west to Villabosa and San Lorenzo where we turned south back nto the mountains towards Saalen.
Self and Kijn near Saalen.
.
We ended up on a narrow mountain road and quite by chance came across the Gasthof-Albergo Maria Saalen (established in the year 892.) It was a lovely spot with views over a mountain valley and we stopped for lunch.
Gasthof-Albergo Maria Saalen, view from the terrace restaurant.
Gasthof-Albergo Maria Saalen another view from the restaurant.
Gasthof-Albergo Maria Saalen, Karl & Kijn.
Having ordered a bottle of mineral water we discovered that everyone else was filling a jug from the mountain spring just behind our table.
After lunch we proceeded south through Zwichenwassen, Stern, Passo Gardena , Ortisec, Chiusa and then back onto the motorway where we got separated. I knew we were going to a lake near Trento but I ended up at Lago di Sei which was the wrong one.
We linked up again and went to Levico Therme, a small spa town where we had another nice meal on, sadly, our last night in Italy.
Day ride to Passo di Falgarezzo
26/07/07 15:52
We decided to stay over at Alleghe and take a day ride without luggage.
Leaving Alleghe we took my favourite ride up the mountain road to Passo Giau at 2233 metres
The winding road leading up to Passo Giau with mountains behind.
Karl arriving at Passo Giau.
Followed by Kijn.
Riders at Passo Giau with spectacular mountains.
We then rode down the mountain to Cortina D'Ampezzo where we had a light lunch.
The road from Passo Giau just outside Cortina.
After Cortina we took the S48 to Passo Falgarezzo at 2117m.
Then it was back down to Alleghe. A lovely ride with perfect weather which was followed by another excellent meal in our hotel.
Leaving Alleghe we took my favourite ride up the mountain road to Passo Giau at 2233 metres
The winding road leading up to Passo Giau with mountains behind.
Karl arriving at Passo Giau.
Followed by Kijn.
Riders at Passo Giau with spectacular mountains.
We then rode down the mountain to Cortina D'Ampezzo where we had a light lunch.
The road from Passo Giau just outside Cortina.
After Cortina we took the S48 to Passo Falgarezzo at 2117m.
Then it was back down to Alleghe. A lovely ride with perfect weather which was followed by another excellent meal in our hotel.
Moena to Alleghe
25/07/07 15:51
The rain had completely cleared and the roads were dry when we set off for the 30 mile run to Alleghe.
The roads were very crowded on the ride up to Passo Pordoi via Canazei.
Karl & Kijn at Passo Pordoi
On the way down the roads were much clearer and we had a good ride to Alleghe via Arraba and Pieve and finally along the S563.
At Alleghe we checked in to the Sport Hotel Europa where Karl & I had stayed a few years ago. It is a lovely spot. The hotel is situated on a lake shore and the town is surrounded almost entirely by mountains.
After lunch at the hotel we took a ride via two cable cars to the top of a ridge overlooking Alleghe. The views were spectacular.
Karl & Kijn
Mountains above Alleghe
Self and Kijn
More Mountains
The food at this hotel is very good so we ate there again in the evening.
The roads were very crowded on the ride up to Passo Pordoi via Canazei.
Karl & Kijn at Passo Pordoi
On the way down the roads were much clearer and we had a good ride to Alleghe via Arraba and Pieve and finally along the S563.
At Alleghe we checked in to the Sport Hotel Europa where Karl & I had stayed a few years ago. It is a lovely spot. The hotel is situated on a lake shore and the town is surrounded almost entirely by mountains.
After lunch at the hotel we took a ride via two cable cars to the top of a ridge overlooking Alleghe. The views were spectacular.
Karl & Kijn
Mountains above Alleghe
Self and Kijn
More Mountains
The food at this hotel is very good so we ate there again in the evening.
Salo to Moena
24/07/07 15:36
A lovely day and cooler due to a strong southerly breeze whipping up a chop on Lake Garda.
The plan today was to drive north along the western edge of Lake Garda then up into the mountains to somewhere nice.
We passed Riva del Garda, Arco and Drena before stopping for a coffee at Trento. Then we took the motorway north to Ora where we turned onto the S48 and entered the Dolomites.
Passing through Gastello Molina it started to rain and by the time we reached Moena it was raining heavily.
Time to stop for the day and check into the Hotel De Ville under whose balcony we had conveniently sheltered.
Later the rain stopped and we were able to have a look around.
Alpine river passing through Moena.
The Restaurant Tirol was recommended for dinner and very nice it was too. KIjn, as usual, chose excellent wine.
Karl & Kijn in the Restaurant Tirol
Odometer 4325
The plan today was to drive north along the western edge of Lake Garda then up into the mountains to somewhere nice.
We passed Riva del Garda, Arco and Drena before stopping for a coffee at Trento. Then we took the motorway north to Ora where we turned onto the S48 and entered the Dolomites.
Passing through Gastello Molina it started to rain and by the time we reached Moena it was raining heavily.
Time to stop for the day and check into the Hotel De Ville under whose balcony we had conveniently sheltered.
Later the rain stopped and we were able to have a look around.
Alpine river passing through Moena.
The Restaurant Tirol was recommended for dinner and very nice it was too. KIjn, as usual, chose excellent wine.
Karl & Kijn in the Restaurant Tirol
Odometer 4325
Verona to Salo
23/07/07 17:44
We arrived in Verona on time at around 09:00. Then there was the usual wait of about 45 minutes for the vehicle train to be shunted round to the unloading siding where we could collect our bikes. It was becoming very hot.
Autozug Railcars
Bikes ready to go.
The ride round to Salo took about an hour. We stayed at the Hotel Laurin. A lovely place and very relaxing.
Hotel Pool
Hotel Laurin.
We had a pizza dinner in town. Over the years we had visited Salo several times. It was interesting that some menus are now available in Russian.
Odometer 4182
Autozug Railcars
Bikes ready to go.
The ride round to Salo took about an hour. We stayed at the Hotel Laurin. A lovely place and very relaxing.
Hotel Pool
Hotel Laurin.
We had a pizza dinner in town. Over the years we had visited Salo several times. It was interesting that some menus are now available in Russian.
Odometer 4182
Den Bosch to Dusseldorf
22/07/07 04:44
We were up early for a boat trip on the Binnendieze, the historic town river of Den Bosch. Kijn didn't make it. The history of this river and Den Bosch is complex.
The river Dommel originates in Belgium. It is called the Binnendieze within the city limits of Den Bosch. For defensive reasons building outside the city walls was prohibited in the middle ages. The only way to meet housing need was to build over the river delta within the city walls. This activity began in the early 1500's and over time city was raised about 10ft.
Starting point of the Binnendieze tour. The boats are propelled by battery powered outboards.
Uncovered section. The draught is around 5 ft.
Outside the city walls.
Passing under road and foot bridges.
Our boatman, Hans.
Passing under private houses.
The tour over we returned to the hotel and packed ready for departure. When we had first met Kijn in Italy 2 years ago she was carrying everything but the kitchen sink. She arrived with a small shoulder bag carrying her luggage for the week.
We left Den Bosch at 13:30 and drove to Dusseldorf. Firstly towards Eindhoven then to Venlo and on to Dusseldorf station.
At checkin for the AutoZug we explained that due to a ticket whereabouts malfunction we did not have our tickets. The Bahn staff sorted things out quickly and the bikes were loaded. We went for a drink on the station concourse.
Departure was on time at 17:54. The train was full so we went to the dining car soon after.
Karl & Kijn in the dining car.
The river Dommel originates in Belgium. It is called the Binnendieze within the city limits of Den Bosch. For defensive reasons building outside the city walls was prohibited in the middle ages. The only way to meet housing need was to build over the river delta within the city walls. This activity began in the early 1500's and over time city was raised about 10ft.
Starting point of the Binnendieze tour. The boats are propelled by battery powered outboards.
Uncovered section. The draught is around 5 ft.
Outside the city walls.
Passing under road and foot bridges.
Our boatman, Hans.
Passing under private houses.
The tour over we returned to the hotel and packed ready for departure. When we had first met Kijn in Italy 2 years ago she was carrying everything but the kitchen sink. She arrived with a small shoulder bag carrying her luggage for the week.
We left Den Bosch at 13:30 and drove to Dusseldorf. Firstly towards Eindhoven then to Venlo and on to Dusseldorf station.
At checkin for the AutoZug we explained that due to a ticket whereabouts malfunction we did not have our tickets. The Bahn staff sorted things out quickly and the bikes were loaded. We went for a drink on the station concourse.
Departure was on time at 17:54. The train was full so we went to the dining car soon after.
Karl & Kijn in the dining car.
Europort to Den Bosch
21/07/07 15:12
The ferry was on time and the weather was good. We stopped for a coffee on route to Den Bosch and arrived at lunchtime.
A hotel had been reserved for us which we had been told was on the main square. Den Bosch was a maze of one way streets and we were unable to make our way to, or even find, our hotel. By abandoning the Monster and walking through town I eventually found the Golden Tulip Hotel Central. Back to the bike and we made our way to the hotel and checked in.
Our sommelier for the trip, Kijn, lives and works in Den Bosch. We met for a coffee before Karl and I wandered off for a look around this very attractive town.
We had dinner at a new restaurant, Coquille, where Kijn works. Coquille was one of 5 Dutch restaurants appearing in the reality TV show Mijn Tent is Top where the audience vote for their favourite of the 5. Coquille won.
It was a lovely dinner. We sat down at 19:00 and left at about 00:30 having been well looked after by Kijn and her colleagues.
Self and Karl at Coquille
Coquille Interior
A hotel had been reserved for us which we had been told was on the main square. Den Bosch was a maze of one way streets and we were unable to make our way to, or even find, our hotel. By abandoning the Monster and walking through town I eventually found the Golden Tulip Hotel Central. Back to the bike and we made our way to the hotel and checked in.
Our sommelier for the trip, Kijn, lives and works in Den Bosch. We met for a coffee before Karl and I wandered off for a look around this very attractive town.
We had dinner at a new restaurant, Coquille, where Kijn works. Coquille was one of 5 Dutch restaurants appearing in the reality TV show Mijn Tent is Top where the audience vote for their favourite of the 5. Coquille won.
It was a lovely dinner. We sat down at 19:00 and left at about 00:30 having been well looked after by Kijn and her colleagues.
Self and Karl at Coquille
Coquille Interior
Yorkshire
20/07/07 04:43
Up early with a few things to sort out before we leave.
My first call is to Vision Express who complete an eye test and make me two pairs of reading glasses within an hour of the test. Not cheap but by avoiding designer frames I kept the cost down.
I also want to replace the mobile phone I lost in Villagarcia. I want a Sony Ericsson and while some of the networks have it on contract only Carphone warehouse have it available without contract and usable with any Sim card.
A visit to Boots for a few holiday items and I was ready to go.
The bikes were packed and we set off at around 16:30 (mileage 3950) having donned rainsuits. There was a heavy rainstorm moving north towards us. We almost made it to Hull but the storm caught us 20 minutes out.
We arrived at the P&O terminal in Hull at 19:30 and boarded almost immediately. After getting changed we had a nice but relatively expensive meal on board and a few drinks in the bar where I managed to delete all my Lisbon photos from the camera.
My first call is to Vision Express who complete an eye test and make me two pairs of reading glasses within an hour of the test. Not cheap but by avoiding designer frames I kept the cost down.
I also want to replace the mobile phone I lost in Villagarcia. I want a Sony Ericsson and while some of the networks have it on contract only Carphone warehouse have it available without contract and usable with any Sim card.
A visit to Boots for a few holiday items and I was ready to go.
The bikes were packed and we set off at around 16:30 (mileage 3950) having donned rainsuits. There was a heavy rainstorm moving north towards us. We almost made it to Hull but the storm caught us 20 minutes out.
We arrived at the P&O terminal in Hull at 19:30 and boarded almost immediately. After getting changed we had a nice but relatively expensive meal on board and a few drinks in the bar where I managed to delete all my Lisbon photos from the camera.