Gerontious

I agree. in fact its something ive assumed from the outset.

Work has begun!!

For the past 6 weeks.. my only real worry was my 'ideal' route would have to be reversed.. I want to end the trip riding the full length of the Black Forests B500 from the Swiss border north. Which is something we, as a group, didnt manage the last time we were there and so its really a 'must do'. Also.. im assured that the best direction to ride the German Alpine road is west to east.. so thats important too. There has been something of a risk that this ideal route might have to be reversed... That we would start by riding the B500 south.. and ride the Alpine road east to west. but thats not really an issue now. There is just one remaining hurdle.. and thats the reopening of Hotels in the French green zone.. and Germany/Austria. That is now set to happen on May 29th in Austria.. and I reckon Germany will be a few weeks later. France... probably end of June or beginning of july.. And once the Hotels open then so will the few campsites I've already bookmarked. To be honest.. the only worry now is that the virus decides this is a good time to mutate into something even more horrible and theres a new.. and quite massive outbreak across the continent. and everything is closed down tight. unlikely.

Just announced... The Austrian Authorities have given permission for the Grossglockner road clearance. preparation for opening to begin. with a date set at 28th May at the latest for the unlock. So.. now we're cooking with gas. (as they say) Great news.. because if this road is opening then so will all the others ive earmarked for this years jaunt. The Nockalm. and Silvretta.. and a few others. 114 days to go and now just waiting and seeing.

think ahead.. is an easy connection for the charger all you are likely to need. or might you want to connect something else in future. perhaps have your phone on charge.. or in use on the bike. or even a tyre inflator. a lot of modern bikes come with a power socket.. and this is perhaps worth considering.

That reminds me.. I need to pop to the garden centre when it reopens for some petunias. dear god. kill me now. all the best. hagrid.

time to check the drains. be prepared.. dib dib dib.

yes.

Buy jaffa cakes. reward yourself with a lie-in. and a nice warm beverage. avoid adverts for life insurance for a week. live a little.

Another small step in the right direction. Glad about this.. as it means we can stick with the preferred plan of a ride across France to the Vosges, across the Rhine and into the Southern Black Forest.

A great Morecambe and Wise impression.

For the purposes of blackmail, extortion and the occasional bank robbery. I've found that careful use of a pinhole can lead to significant financial advantages.

Pastel de nata. And no worries about drinking fermented Yak milk as there is an ongoing shortage of Yaks in Portugal.

Bacalhau

News from Austria. The strict lockdown restrictions will end on Thursday 30th April. Until the end of June it will be possible to have gatherings of up to 10 people and 30 at funerals. There will be no requirement to wear masks outside but minimum 1m distancing must be maintained. Masks will be required in shops, shopping centres indoor tourist attractions etc. Shops and shopping centres will still be opening from May 1st. Cafes and restaurants were already scheduled to open on May 15th but they have now announced regulations. Maximum of 4 adults and their children per table, distancing from others of minimum of 1m and staff must wear masks. Hours of opening 06 - 2300 Hotels and accommodation establishments can open from May 29th with regulations to follow. Tourist attractions will also be able to open. The government has stated that the situation will be under constant review and if need be stricter restrictions will be reintroduced.

My bike has a lockable brake... On the rear wheel. Purely mechanical - no hydraulics.

Rearrange your furniture and bring the bike into your lounge. You can practice by riding round the sofa. Clockwise and anti-clockwise dib dib dib. For added thrills... Have Ozrics on loud and do these circumnavigations to the tune of velmwend. That's on the Afterswish album if you're not sure.

Just leaving this here.. a bike on the B99 Obertauern road. one of the roads we should be using.. though don't expect the mountains to be so snow capped in September. you're welcome.

Keyworker and at a different project today.. So... A great excuse.

300 with an indicated 10 miles to spare. That was with the bike in tour mode. In sport mode it drops (somewhat) I tend to mostly use S1 in town. S2 out if town. S3 is far too mental... Maybe for track. Though the idea of an Africa twin as a track bike is hilarious.

Look at their other items.

In theory.. we'll be passing through the outskirts.

so far this thread has been so bloody DREARY. heres a cure.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXMgLKVLqgk you're welcome.

this thread has had a rhubarb error. Thank you for noticing my input, your noticing has been noticed