Germany and Luxembourg. 2024

[Gerontious]

So, its that time again where I risk life and limb and reputation by taking a group to this region. And once again we have spaces available for anyone who wants to join up and join in. as little or as much as you want.

 

So, what's involved. firstly the dates - which are now set in stone.

 

Crossing to France on Sunday 1st September and returning the following Saturday 7th 

 

We do it this way and at this time because the kids are back in school, the holiday season is effectively over and the region we are going to is much quieter. very quiet. We have 5 days "There" during what is a normal working week. But despite that places are still open. it doesnt close down completely until much later in the year during the build up to the winter season.

You can compare this region to Mid Wales perhaps - only on a much vaster scale. Low mountains, winding river valleys. Bordered to the south by the Mighty Mosel. and to the East by the Rhine. we are apt to cross both. (probably)

 

We stay in a very nice and affordable hotel. Half board. and you get your own room with en suite. Breakfast is huge and typically German. Evening meals are 'home style' and very filling. you will not go hungry.  Half board - own room. all-in is €59 per night.

As with everything prices have gone up.. but, it still represents great value for money. just over £50 per night. Bed. Breakfast. Evening meal. Single occupancy.

 

Our days out are usually about 200 miles. more or less. Lunch stop is completely random about 'lunch time'. other stops and pauses as it goes. Fuel as an when its needed. there's never a problem with that.  And we are usually back at the hotel by 6pm. sitting down to eat at 7. Then availing ourselves of the bar afterwards. as you do.

 

We'll be crossing using the Tunnel arriving in France at about 10:30 local time. Because most of us need to cover a fair distance to get to Folkestone. (for me that's 200 miles) we ride down the night before and stay at either a Premier Inn or Travelodge that is about 12 miles from the tunnel and usually have an evening meal at the adjacent Beefeater.

 

The ride from the tunnel to the hotel is also very relaxed, in both directions. no-one is under any pressure to ride outside their comfort zone. And I couldn't care less if you have a small fuel tank, you won't  ever be stressed about fuel.

 

Times for the crossing and return are yet to be confirmed. I get these first then tell the guys the timings.. though they are usually the same every year. We ride from the Premier inn between 8-9 in the morning and then are back in the UK about 5pm.

 

There is no deposit to pay for the Hotel in Germany. so the only up front costs are the Tunnel return and overnight.. if you need that. Probably getting those in July.

 

As per usual this is 'not for profit' - we all pay exactly the same. I don't do this for money, its just something I like to do. this will be the 12th time. And I must be doing something right as there are guys who come every time, year after year.

 

The maximum I want is 8 and there are already 4 and possibly 5 so.. another 2 would be great. Male or Female. Women will get no grief on my trips. 

 

All you need is a bike that is capable of motorway speeds. that has been serviced up. And a passport. There will be other things but these are easily sorted in the coming months. Theres no rush.

If you have never been abroad before. Then this is I think the ideal opportunity to dip your toe into European touring. Thats how it started all those years ago and since then many who have come away with me have gone on to tour on their own or with friends.

 

This isn't really a tour though. think of it more as a riding holiday. a week doing what most of us cannot. ride every day for a week, for pleasure and through a really nice landscape thats very different to the UK. Roads that are sublime. And all very easy going. We're not there to race. Though if you want to try that then we can very easily call in at the Nurburgring one of the days and you can have a lap.

 

Anyway, best to send me a private message if you have any questions or are at all nervous about anything.

 

150 days to go.. 21 weeks. tick tock.

[Bungleaio]

I went on my first trip on the bike with @Gerontious back in 2018, I’d been riding for less than a year. I had an incredible time and have returned several times since. 
 

It’s a great introduction to riding on the continent with a decent group of lads. The hotel is spot on and super cheap too. 
 

I’ve done a couple of trip reports but likewise I’m happy to answer any questions. 

[Pie man]

After reading many of the ride reports, it reads like you do have a good time. Its a great area that I have been many times, either staying in Klotten or Kyllburg and more recently in Dasburg. 

Its a good area to play and especially for newbies, not too crowded and great roads. 

 

[Gerontious]

Just a quick follow up, we’re now up to my self imposed limit of 8. So if you’ve been prevaricating, sitting on the fence. Times up.

 

maybe try again next year.

[Pie man]

I hope they all enjoy it. Its a great biking area, 

[Nelson]

Hi guys

I take it the final destination is the Schloss Neuerberg? I've had some email correspondence with Herbert, who seems a nice chap. Idea was to make my own way there and have a beer or too with you guys in the evenings. I may now not be able to make early September, October looking more likely, so I'll probably miss you. I'm still hopeful though. Have a great trip anyway. 

[Gerontious]

Yes. We stay at the Schlosshotel. I’ve never been there later than the second week in September. I don’t think I would bother as late as October, mostly because the weather is much less settled. And though you might be lucky. It’s a miserable place in the rain. We’ve been very lucky with the weather over the years. But we have seen rain a few times. Northern Europe - so there’s always that risk. At least it’s a bit early for the trees to be losing their leaves to any great extent.

[Simon Davey]

Anyone else like Tim Rodie?

He speaks my language.

 

I haven't watched this yet, but I will later, when I've poured myself a whisky.

 

 

[bonio]

Wow. He can't half talk a lot.

[Simon Davey]

40 minutes ago, bonio said:

Wow. He can't half talk a lot.

 

He can indeed, but his bike reviews are excellent.

There's no fluffy bunny cotton wool, if he thinks a bike isn't great, he doesn't just tell us, he tells us why, and with comparison. . 

[bonio]

That's useful. In all the reviews I've read in Ride, you have to work out what the bike's weaknesses are by noticing the things they chose not to write about. The best ones are the ones where they compare three or four different bikes in the same class, and then they're more clear about where one outshines another.

[Pie man]

On 28/04/2024 at 15:07, Nelson said:

Hi guys

I take it the final destination is the Schloss Neuerberg? I've had some email correspondence with Herbert, who seems a nice chap. Idea was to make my own way there and have a beer or too with you guys in the evenings. I may now not be able to make early September, October looking more likely, so I'll probably miss you. I'm still hopeful though. Have a great trip anyway. 

If your after staying in the area and unable to stay at the Schloss, you could try HOTEL DAYTONA DASBURG - hotel I stayed here last year, quirky to say the least but great hosts, Jan & Hilly are Dutch, the bar has a pool table, darts, pinball, TV area amongst other things, there is a small bar serving good beer. Good  breakfast and evening meals. Cheap as chips too. 

[Gerontious]

4 hours ago, Pie man said:

If your after staying in the area and unable to stay at the Schloss, you could try HOTEL DAYTONA DASBURG - hotel I stayed here last year, quirky to say the least but great hosts, Jan & Hilly are Dutch, the bar has a pool table, darts, pinball, TV area amongst other things, there is a small bar serving good beer. Good  breakfast and evening meals. Cheap as chips too. 

I did wonder how you got on there. What you thought of the place.

[bonio]

It was rammed with bikers when we rode passed a few Saturdays ago.

[Gerontious]

I'm pretty sure there would be a rebellion if I were to suggest a different hotel. to be honest the Schloss has so much in its favour, being on the edge of what is effectively a small town with all the amenities you might need virtually on the doorstep. but still tucked out of the way. so there are no concerns about security or noise. Aside for what passes as a morning rush hour its very quiet. And the guest house we stay in is hidden away behind the main hotel. just about visible in this street view image - between the buildings, on the left.

 

Anyway, its strange to think that this thread was started 21 weeks in advance and here we are, just 9 weeks to go, on Saturday. for the ride south to Ashford. Almost everything is now done and we're counting down the days. My bike was serviced on Monday - just an annual and thankfully with no nasty surprises turning up. its good to go.

So payday this week and that leaves two more before the off to put some money aside, mostly so I can pay off all or most of the credit card bill when I get home. Also buy some euros so I have some cash to hand for minor purchases where a card isn't appropriate.

 

Time to get busy sorting out the daily routes/rides. including our traditional full day in Northern Luxembourg.

 

its just non-stop.

[Bungleaio]

I am yet to do the day in Luxembourg, this year is the year!

[Gerontious]

5 weeks today, so its coming up quite quickly. never ceases to amaze me how quickly the time goes by. I started this up 21 weeks in advance and it seemed quite remote back then at the start of April. Though to be honest the chat about it started in the bleak mid winter. its always good to have something to look forward to when the weather is cold and miserable.

 

we are effectively all ready to go. I just have two tasks yet to complete. get some euros for spending, when using the card isn't appropriate. Germany is now a transformed country and credit cards are welcome everywhere, one of the more unlikely side effects of the pandemic. When we first went our hotel was cash or debit card only. Credit cards were strictly a no-no. but that's changed now. The other task is travel insurance - which is mostly for the medical side of things and quite simple and fairly minimal. Oh.. and book a table for our traditional sit down dinner the night before at the Beefeater.

 

Just a case now of sorting out the possible daily rides. mostly staying within the Eifel itself. one of the guys wants to have a go round the Nurburgring so a visit there will be factored in. Its open to the public every evening from the Tuesday so its going to be an 'end of the day' thing where we arrive towards the end of a day out, the guys do their lap and then its a fairly straightforward 50 mile dash back to the hotel for dinner.

 

As mentioned previously we always have a full day in Luxembourg as we really do like riding in that lovely little country. it may be small but its very varied and during a normal weekday remarkably quiet. Obviously we avoid the capital completely. as well as the more built up and industrial south. All being well we will add another country to the quite short list and pop up to the Dutch border, which isn't a great distance from the Eifel National Park. Theres a great place to eat near there called Biker Ranch. which we haven't visited for years. Lets just hope the weather is as glorious as it was when the streeview photo was taken.

 

Im going to try my hardest not to get a speeding ticket like I did the last time we were there. (sigh)

 

 

So thats basically it. 8 rooms booked at our hotel and all filled. nobody has been forced to drop out and the guys are busily finishing off their preparations.

 

Four regulars and Four new riders.. new to riding in Europe I mean.

 

Not long now and we'll be waiting in the bike lane for the barriers to lift so we can board the train at eurotunnel. and then 45 minutes later riding out of the complex at Coquelles and following the signs for Lille and then into Belgium. We use the motorway to get the dull part over as quickly as possible before getting onto more normal roads for the final part crossing into and across Luxembourg and looking forward to seeing the first sign for Neuerburg at the border.

 

Hopefully the weather will be kind and we won't have the excessive heat of last year.

 

35 days. Tick Tock.

[Simon Davey]

Just got to say.... Huge thank you for the invite Tony, and of course, the effort you put in to it doesn't go unnoticed.

[Yorky]

16 hours ago, Gerontious said:

5 weeks today,

 

35 days. Tick Tock.

I'm going to beat you there this year

Only 8 days before I leave for 4 days in the Black Forest and then 4 days at the Schloss.

But it's thanks to you that I know of the Schloss

[Gerontious]

5 hours ago, Yorky said:

I'm going to beat you there this year

Only 8 days before I leave for 4 days in the Black Forest and then 4 days at the Schloss.

But it's thanks to you that I know of the Schloss

you can go right off some people!

im sure the guys who have never been before will be interested to know what you think of the place and the region when you get back.

[Simon Davey]

51 minutes ago, Gerontious said:

you can go right off some people!

im sure the guys who have never been before will be interested to know what you think of the place and the region when you get back.

Yes please, but no more food pictures. I'm gaining wait by proxy. That could be the kebabs though... 

 

[Gerontious]

and BANG.. its August Bank Holiday weekend. and that can only mean one thing. (aside from the first signs of Christmas appearing in the shops - look out for the big tins of chocolates!!)

 

Such an exciting time of the year.

 

Just one more weekend... albeit a long one before we set off next Saturday!!

 

Weather is looking promising. though we need to curb our excitement about that until next Wednesday/Thursday. mid to high 20s seem assured, we'll just have to see if we need to dodge any summer rainstorms. it can and does occasionally happen. its still Northern Europe after all. Im not too worried,  in fact Im not worried at all.

 

Routes are loaded onto an SD card in the Zumo and all that remains is to jot down some explanatory notes so I know what's what. though Luxembourg Grand Tour is self explanatory. As are the routes from the Tunnel to our hotel. (and back again) Also a ride up to the Dutch border. And a visit to the Nurburgring. and the rather nice Coffee and Cake shop in Adenau.

 

Should be fun if a little fattening.

 

Actually coffee and cake is on the cards for the run across.. we will be stopping off at Esche Sur Sure, where there's a rather lovely cafe next to the river.

 

 

So another week to plough through... tick tock.

[Yorky]

Lucky you !!

As said in an earlier post I was there a couple of weeks ago, and the weather was the same as I think you had last year, ridiculously hot, 36c one day. Better than rain, no doubt, but very draining. Low 20s is my ideal.

We had 4 nights in the Black Forest area to start with but wouldn't bother doing that additional mileage next time, the roads in the Eifell are equally as good and probably better flowing, as you already know.

Hope you all have a great trip

[Gerontious]

56 minutes ago, Yorky said:

Lucky you !!

As said in an earlier post I was there a couple of weeks ago, and the weather was the same as I think you had last year, ridiculously hot, 36c one day. Better than rain, no doubt, but very draining. Low 20s is my ideal.

We had 4 nights in the Black Forest area to start with but wouldn't bother doing that additional mileage next time, the roads in the Eifell are equally as good and probably better flowing, as you already know.

Hope you all have a great trip

 

Its effectively deserted once you are away from the tourist traps along the Mosel river and the immediate area around the Nurburgring. September, Kids are back in school and its a normal working week. The very few tourists we see are like us. having a quiet week away. Obviously its all change at the weekend when its once again a major magnet - especially for the Dutch. But Monday to Friday. - empty. Its always great to go back.

[Yorky]

I'm jealous, and I've only been back just over a week