Corsica

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Je voudrais bien dédicacer cette page à deux personnes corses fantastiques, qui s'appellent Marcel et Pauline Moriconi et qui ont fait notre séjour pendant la première semaine très très agréable. (with thanks to Lisanne Jansen for this translation)

I would like to dedicate this page to two great Corsican persons, namely Marcel and Pauline Moriconi, who made our stay during the first week so very enjoyable.

The start

For the third time in a row we, that is Jan, Ilke and I went on a motorbike tour. This time to Corsica. I had 18 days off, so there was enough time (I thought) to tour this French island. We had planned to ride to Marseille and take the night boat to Bastia (Corsica) on Saturday evening.

Friday, April 29th 2005 - After Jan had arrived yesterday evening and had spent the night with us we started off ..... in the rain. Not much, but enough to settle the question whether to bring our raingear with us or not. The first part went through Germany to Trier and from thereon to Luxemburg and France. The rain soon stopped and we stripped ourselves of our rainsuits. The rest of the day the weather was good (highest temperature 29,7°C). As the trip to Marseille was about 1200 km we had set today's target for Dijon, about halfway.

The trip was uneventful. A few traffic jams in Germany was all the "fun" we got, until ............ we reached Dijon. Just as we reached our turn off point, Jan, with a big smile, passed me and drove on ! Oops. I then used my GPS to locate the next "formule 1 hotel " or "gite d'etappe" or something similar. But going that way I remembered going through the "peage boot" was not an easy thing on a motorbike and as I saw a billboard announcing a hotel, located on the motorway, I decided to go there. And so we passed our next turn off point. This hotel checked out to be far too expensive and again I used the GPS to look for a place to stay. Obviously it found one and off we went again. We found this hotel alright , but it had not opened yet ! Luckily, there was one just opposite the road. Ooops, only two persons room available. But our luck stayed on, there was another one nearby. A bit hard to find, but rooms aplenty. We settled in and went for a bite nearby. Now this way we had extended our ride by about 100 km (to Chalôns sur Saône) and 1 and a half hour (7.30 pm) ! Something we certainly wouldn't have done if asked at Dijon.

back to the start

Saturday, April 30th 2005 - As we had about 400 km to go, we didn't have to get up that early. We enjoyed the "luxurious" :) breakfast and went on. Now today was hot (maximum 31,7°C ), but again uneventful. However one thing is worth mentioning. Now in all countries (as far as I know so far) it is customary for bikers to greet one another. For instance in the Netherlands we put up our hand and in Great Britain it's a twist of the head. In France, when you're overtaken, the over taker sticks out his or her right foot. So when Ilke was overtaken she did the same ! (Okay, think about it for a moment). Another thing was, when we crossed the mountains near to Marseille, the temperature dropped noticeably and the view was very nice.

After 1250 km and at 4.30 pm we reached Marseille port. We searched for the right place to check-in and decided to head for a nice terrace, because check-in time was 8.30 pm. And so we did. We ordered something to drink and something to eat and sat in the sun, while some street musicians tried to entertain us (some did, others not).

At about 7.00 pm we headed back to find some 20 bikes already waiting. 1 German, 2 Canadian, 3 Dutch (us) and the rest French. Honda (with 2 Transalps, 2 Africa Twins and a few other) and BMW were overly represented. The boat then (Danielle Casanova ) was brand new (although it looked that way). Beautiful arrangements for the bikes (similar to the seat in a rollercoaster) and beautiful for the people. A regular cruiser, although according to Jan, somewhat smaller. After we had settled in, we toured the decks, made some pictures of the citadel, listened to a singer in the "ballroom" (who was extremely bad) and then decided to go to bed.

Sunday, May 1st 2005 - What a wonderful night ! I've never been on a ship so quiet. Okay, unloading went very smooth and in no time we were sitting on a little terrace, having breakfast (08.00 am)! We had decided to take the Cap Corse tour before going to our apartment at Pietroso, because going there first and then take the tour would cost too much time. And this way it could be done. Ilke had already let the owners know that we would arrive in the afternoon.

This tour was quite interesting. The views were nice, but this time at certain points very spectacular, because of the very low hanging clouds over sea. As you can see on the pictures it was like flying in a plane and looking on the clouds. It was so strange that by times I got all dizzy.

Now if you've read the Asterix album, you might know that there are several towers around the coastline and indeed, there are. I haven't photographed them all during this holiday, but believe me when I tell there are.

We took a detour to the most northern tip of this Corsican "finger", but that wasn't worth it. On the main road you could already tell that the coast was covered in sea mist. So back on the main road it was all winding roads again. All turning and twisting we followed our way. The road surface was varying: from good to very bad. There was little or no protection on the shoulders and there was traffic on EVERY road, however narrow ! You had to stay focused, because there was very little margin for error. This is typical for the rest of Corsica as well.

Coming to Pietroso at about 4.00 pm we had to ask for the right directions, but as everyone knows everyone (and also are related to one another- read Asterix) we had not much trouble finding the house. The owners were there to greet us warmly and before anything we were invited into their part of the house, got a drink and things to eat and had a nice little chat about what we had done and what we were planning to do (they made some nice suggestions). Jan had sadly forgotten his map, but "worries": he could use theirs. Did we had something to eat ? Ehhh...no (not only was it a Sunday - which is no problem to the French, but also it was the first of May- which is labour-day, so almost everything was closed). Well, after we had seen our apartment, they came up with a plastic bag with something to eat (bread, sausage, cheese) and a bottle of whine ! Did we like mussels ? They would go out for us the next day and get some ! Really, a warmer welcome is not possible.

That evening we made our plans for the next day. I put it in the GPS and very satisfied we went to bed.

Today we had hot weather. Which was fortunate because it had rained the past two weeks ! So no wonder there were these low hanging clouds.

Monday, May 2nd 2005 - Well this morning it was an early wake-up. We had planned a trip of 285km. From Pietroso to Porto and the to Vargese and from there smaller roads back to the east and Pietroso.

So at 09.30am we mounted our bikes and left. Since this was our first exit, we turned the wrong way and Ilke had to turn on the road, which is not one of her favourite acts on the bike. Then the right way to Vivario where we did some shopping (something to eat and drink for on the road) and next the route as planned. The weather was nice, as was the road and quite regularly we met some fellow-bikers. Being early May we could not but wonder what the situation would be like during the high season. We stopped somewhere at a reservoir and had something that looked like a pasty (and tasted somewhat that way) and of course something to drink (instant coffee. We always take 2 ltr of "boiling" water with us.)

So, after a nice ride we came to the westcoast - Porto - and turned south to the famous . We sat there for a while and had an icecream. Further south to Carghese- Sagone - Vico - D4 - D193- Col de Vizavona and back to Pietroso.

Especially the part going east again was nice. Narrow roads and lots of curves. Dangerous though as well, because there's always the possibility of oncoming traffic.

When we arrived at "our apartment" (at about 08.00pm !) we were welcomed by Marcel. He had a big plastic bag with ........... mussels, onions, seasoning and .. a bottle of white wine ! We had all forgotten about it. But after the water had boiled we could enjoy a wonderful meal.

today's ride was 300km

Tuesday, May 3rd 2005 - Right, today Aleria was to be visited. Here the Romans had had a fort (as can be seen in Asterix) and from there a tour through the surroundings north-east of Pietroso.

The first part to Aleria was part fun, part not fun. The first leg was very winding, but then you get to the coast and the road is almost a straight line here.

having found the site, we rode all the way to the museum and parked our bikes there. In the meantime the temperature was already high. There was a short walk to the actual site and there you could see the remains of what once had been a Roman fortress. You know it's always hard to understand that some 2000 years ago people lived here, had a almost similar view on the surroundings. Impressive.

After a drink we went on with our tour. But not as far as we had planned. When we got more land inwards we saw a sign "route barrée" (road blocked). Being on our bikes we took the change and rode on. Not too far though. Again the road was blocked but this time literally. Again I moved on to find that after a couple of 100mtrs, there was no more road at all. A land (stone) slide had had the road disappear all together and they were busy cleaning up the mess. So, a small detour was in order. The remainder of the route was nice (winding as always) and we enjoyed it. This day however we found out that motorized traffic was not the only thing you can encounter, as the photographs show. At the end we took a stroll through Corte. A nice town (with university !!). We sat on a terrace and on the way back did some shopping at the "supermarchée" .

today's ride was 244km

Wednesday, May 4th 2005 - Two “gorges”on the menu today. These were the two routes that were recommended by Marcel and Pauline. Although not too far away, both were dead ends.

Well, after the usual breakfast, coffee making for today and all the other stuff, we again went underway. Again a very sunny day (28C ) but in the gorges there was a bit more wind. Yesterday we had found this new, shorter route from Corte and today we rode that again. At some place we had seen a beautiful river and here we made our first “picture stop”. It took us about 45 minutes, but it was worth it.

Gorge d’Asco was first on our list. The first part was easy riding. The road was broad and well surfaced, the second part was less. The second part is beyond Asco, where you can ride on for some 13km. Although the scenery is worth it, the end isn’t. So it’s arriving and back again. Part of this route goes through a forest with (at least at this moment in time) a wild little river is flowing. As we were there at noon, we rested there for a while and took some pictures as you can see. On the way back Jan and I switched bikes. For Jan a new experience, for me a “I know this” (having owned a Virago myself). After a little while I was accustomed again and had no trouble following Jan. Again I was amazed how well handled the Virago is.

After arriving on the main road we changed back and went for the “gorge Restonica”. This was a far more narrow road. It was very difficult for two cars to pass, so you can imagine how it would be like in summer. Not recommended !!! For us, now, it was nice because we could squeeze our way next to the cars. Getting further into this gorge the scenery changes to very beautiful and at the end there was even snow and a glacier. And there was a lot of wind, so it was “cold”. We took shelter from the wind as best as we could on a terrace, where we had something to eat and drink (hot chocolate, would you believe it). The owner was a beautiful character who gave us a small tray with snacks as well.

On the way back we encountered some goats, but nothing special further. So, at 5.30pm we were back.

today's ride was 208km

Thursday, May 5th 2005 – Yesterday evening we had long debated about what to do today. There was a little dilemma between going to the west coast , the road between as Jan would like to and not so far a route as Ilke would like. In the end the compromise was taking a long leg over the (one of the better roads) , which according a motor guide would be nice as well and going to as well.

Of course we had top get up earlier as we used to, but that was not very troublesome. We rode at 8.00 am ! There was more wind now and temperature was less than we were used to. The first leg of this route was indeed nice and coming towards the northern coastline there was a nice view. At we took the smaller roads southwards (after I had a small tour on the beach !). This was beautiful again. Riding through the mountains we had spectacular view at the valleys, the sea, villages and in the end Calvi.

Arriving at Calvi we decided to have a drink and something to eat (not very much though). The sun was out and the temperature was nice again.

Okay, from Calvi we took the coastal road to Galeria. Again very, very beautiful. BUT.......just after we left Calvi there was a road sign saying the Col de St. Croix was closed. We took no notice at that point, until we had a drink-stop and I took a look at my map (just in case). Well, no Col St. Croix on our route ! We then talked about it and looking on Jan’s map (Michelin) : Oops, there was a Col St. Croix on our route. And reasonably far from here. What to be done now ? Well, if it was really blocked we should see another notice not too far from here, because there was only one more side-route. So, we rode on. No, at the given point no signs. But a few km further down the road, yes, the road was blocked. Several motorists were already there and no-one could tell what the situation really was. However, there was a small restaurant and the man could tell us the entire road was out for over a month yet, because of a rockslide (again).

And believe it or not, this point was just halfway !!!!! We discussed what to do next, but there was little we could do, because there was no alternative than to go back !

Corsica can be crossed from east to west (or the other way around) at only three or four points, being : the north (where we came from) , the middle (what we had intended to do on the way back, and the south. But both last alternatives couldn’t be reached.

So, back we had to go. I plotted a different route on the map first and on the GPS second and on we went. And although part of it was the same as this morning, again it was a beautiful route. Even the part we rode this morning was nice because going the other way gives you different views. The part next to the N197 lead us through a kind of park where there was a lot of cattle, loose !

Just as we arrived at our apartment it started to rain a bit, the more, a thunderstorm and more rain and a heavier thunderstorm and of course – in rural “France” – the electricity fell out, came on, fell out and luckily came on again.

Today’s tour was long, but in the end not as strenuous as we had expected and very beautiful. Too bad for Jan for having missed his part.

today's ride was 339km

Friday, May 6th 2005 – Bad luck today. Before going to Corsica Jan had asked his dealer if his front tyre would last this vacation. The answer had been yes, but for some reason he now had almost slicks. He could not return home with this tyre and so he had to find a garage which could supply a new one. We checked the yellow pages and fortunately, not too far from us was a tyre specialist. So, after the morning rituals we rode to Ghisonaccia. At a local patrol station we asked the way (because it wasn’t in the GPS) and headed for this place. Alas, we couldn’t find it, although we knew we were close. We asked at a campingsite, but they hadn’t even heard of the place. Another try at a supermarchée. They knew the address, but as we arrived it turned out to be a residents area. So back again to the patrol station to ask whether they knew this tyre-dealer. Well, they hadn’t heard of it. And as they didn’t have the yellow pages I couldn’t convince them of it’s existence. What to do next ? Jan’s best changes lay in Porto Vecchio – about 50km from here. Ilke had no taste for that and decided to go to the beach and stay there until we returned. Jan told me he would go alone, but I’m no beach lover so I went with him.

As we arrived at PV we had the bad luck of arriving too early. The garage was closed, not to be opened before 3.00 pm (it now was 2.00pm). There was little to do but go to the city centre and look for a nice place to have a drink or so. On top of this misfortune it also started to rain. Not entirely unexpected, because on the ride to PV we saw that there were dark clouds forming inlands. As we found a nice terrace not only the rain came down, but a thunderstorm stepped in as well. Luckily, it blew over.

So, at 3.00pm we were the second one at the garage, there to find out that no tyre fitting the Virago was available (this due to the awkward inch size). We were directed to another place. Again we had to wait a little while and again : no luck. Again we were redirected. After a bit searching we found this place and already you can guess the results: no tyre. But this one had the decency to phone to Ajaccio and ask around. And you know what ? There was one (only one !).

BUT......Jan had to be there before noon tomorrow or after 3.00pm on Monday. Okay, tomorrow we had this nice route to Ajaccio planned, but reaching Ajaccio before noon ???? And Monday Jan was to return and had to check in at about 6.00 pm. (At that point I thought he had to go back to Bastia, but later it turned out he would go from Ajaccio).

Jan decided to go tomorrow on his own, so we could do the route as we had planned. We then rode back to Ghisonaccia, where we found Ilke : sunburned !!! This was the first time I had seen Ilke that way. Well, we returned home and packed our bags. We had planned a little going-away party for Marcel and Pauline but they insisted we would come to them for an “aperitif”. We drank almost a entire bottle of something “strong” and our French got better by the sip. We had a really nice evening and again were amazed by the hospitality of these two people.

today's ride was 219km

Saturday, May 7th 2005 – Last morning in Pietroso. Jan had to go early, but we could take our time. So after Jan had said goodbye to us and Marcel and Pauline, we packed, had a coffee, said goodbye and left.

The first leg was as always ............... beautiful. And again a new scene unfolded before our eyes. First great blocks of rock and a mountain stream. Then trees with light-green foliage and snow-capped mountains. And of course the never ending curves. But we were already used to that. At the col de ...... we stopped for awhile. Enjoyed the calm and had some drinks.

Then we rode on. We had the occasionally encounters with wild pigs, goats, chicken (you name it) and enjoyed the ride. The weather again was beautiful and so was the scenery. At about noon we saw a lovely restaurant and had a three course meal for €15 pp.

After a while we returned to our bikes and rode on. A couple of kms before we reached Ajaccio we saw a sign to Bastelicaccia. This was a very narrow road but nice of course. But coming from this side we had some trouble finding the “hotel”. But in the end obviously we found it. The owner asked for the confirmation papers, but Ilke told him she hadn’t received them. After some grumbling he took us to our apartment, where Jan had already unpacked (he had already sent us a sms saying he had a new tyre and now was touring on his own).

We enjoyed the afternoon in the sun. This really is a beautiful place as you might see from the pictures.

today's ride was 115km

Sunday, May 8th 2005 – We had a good night’s rest so we were late – about 11.30 am- when we left for today’s ride. Jan had brought fresh bread (croissants and a “pain”) and we took our time, enjoying the sun and the view (which is magnificent). Of course we had to feed the cats, who were in great abundance here and all – it seems – at our place.

We had plotted our tour today going south to Sartène. One of the nicest towns on Corsica. Tasking the coastal road again we had a beautiful scenery, but when you’ve read the others days you already know. In this area it seems, are several prehistoric sites (menhirs etc.) and we tried to find some, but we had no luck. It took us over a mountain road though, which was very nice. The site we did find, but was signposted, was at Filitosa. There, by chance, someone had found some real prehistoric stones with carvings and something that reminded of something like a settlement. Although it was very hot, and we had to walk some distance, it was worth it.

After that we continued towards Sartène. Indeed a nice town. We put our bikes aside, settled on the town’s square with a nice cup of coffee. Then we “hit the town”. Nice, but after 15 or so minutes we were back. We mounted up and went back to “our place”. Jan led the way, because a great part was over the road he rode yesterday. Although there was a funny moment. Ilke, who never took the point, now did. But she didn’t know what route we were supposed to take. And she probably was fed up with the way we rode, because she picked up a nice speed. So it took me a while before I could overtake her. At that moment she must have thought some strong words, but later she understood why I had done that.

Back at Bastelicaccia we were welcomed by 5 cats, who were already waiting. They got their reward . That evening Jan packed his things because the next day he was to return. We decided on two smaller tours. That way we could decide halfway if to take the second one or not.

today's ride was 181km

Monday, May 9th 2005 – Like I said, we had planned two smaller tours. I was up early and walked to the bakery. We so had an early breakfast. The first leg would take us northwest of Bastelicaccia. At Tolla it led along a barrage with magnificent views. Of course we sat on a nice terrace and drank a cold drink. Unfortunately they didn’t serve some food, but hey ...!

Back to Bastelicaccia. According to the GPS we could take a short cut, but in real life the road ended in a private place. We then had some trouble finding our way back. All in all there was too little time for the second leg and we went back.

At 5.45 pm we then rode to Ajaccio. Jan had already done some reconnaissance work and had told us that it might take an hour to do the last few kilometres because of the horrific traffic. And he was right. Even on a motorbike it took a lot of effort to reach the harbour. Imagine doing this in peak season !!! (Be warned).

After we had said goodbye to Jan, Ilke and I toured Ajaccio. But we found it somewhat disappointing and within no time we were back a the bike. We then had a little bite. As this was nearby the harbour I decided to walk to it to see if the boat had already sailed. It hadn’t. We paid the bill and went to the quay. And believe it or not, we saw Jan standing on the deck and he saw us ! Amazing, the odds !! So we waited for the boat to sail, which after a few minutes it did.

Back at the apartment the “catbunch” were already waiting. A good thing we had bought some cat food ! J That evening we also packed, because the next day we would move to Bonifacio.

today's ride was 146km

Tuesday, may 10th 2005 – As we gathered our stuff it started raining lightly. This was new to us. After we paid, we set off. We had planned the route to Sartène this time by the N196, but this time we would try to find the prehistoric site (Pagliaju).

The ride was part wet and part dry. We stopped for a coffeebreak at Propriano. There the rain had one final outburst and after that the sun took over.

Finding the site (Alignement de Pagliaju, south west of Sartène on the D482) wasn’t easy, even with the map. Funny thing was that according to the GPS the last kilometre was over unpaved road. And since it wasn’t, meant this road was paved “recently”. Also the reference in the guide mentioned a dirt road. Right, we found the parking site and parked the bikes. Unfortunately the weather had changed for the better and we had to walk quite a distance. Even with an off-road bike it would have been difficult, as some plastic parts showed. The walk was worth it. As we were alone out there, it gave the place a special feeling. We took a lot of pictures, but mine got lost (as was the rest of this day and part of tomorrow’s, unfortunately).

Having “lost” a lot of time we decided to leave the other sites for another time. We then continued the coastal road to Bonifacio.

Again finding the campingsite was a bit difficult. There were some roadworks ( and not before time) and the signs were difficult to detect. But in the end we managed and were given a “mobile” home to stay the rest of our holidays (€45 a night which was relatively expensive). We unpacked, had something to drink and went back to Bonifacio for some groceries. Unfortunately we had to go that same dreadful road again.

In the evening the wind got stronger but we were well sheltered. Even though the temperature still was 22 degrees .

today's ride was 170km

Wednesday, May 11th 2005 – We again have a cat and a lovely one as well. Even more, it turned out we had two cats (sisters, by the look of it). That and the fact that Ilke was rather sleepy, made us leave “late”. We had planned a – what looked on the map – beautiful route. And right we were. Just out of Bonifacio we witnessed the last part of rather a nasty accident, which wasn’t nice at the beginning of the day.

Just north of Porto Vecchio, we took the D368 to Zonza. Again the surroundings were different from what we had seen. Great rocks and fir trees. As this was part of a “Rukka” guide, it wasn’t a surprise there were more bikers on the road. The first one was riding an Alp ! A Belgian ! We also met a couple of German – one on a hired Transalp. We rode on to Zonza, where we had our lunch. There we decided to leave the original route and turn back to the coast. This because we could the other part one of the next days. Okay, this new route would lead us over the Col de Bavella (D268), but again, just after we left Zonza a road sign said the road was closed in 27km. Again we tried, as to the top was only about 9 kilometres. That way we could return easily if necessary. This part reminded us of the Dolomites. BEAUTIFUL. After reaching the top- which itself again was a bit of a disappointment- we stopped and had some conversations with other bikers. I asked whether the road was really closed, but I was told there would be no problem with a bike.

Going down we were accompanied by some “old timers” (cars). So even cars would probably have no problem going that way. But getting there I think the road workers weren’t very pleased with those cars. Even so, the road was so bad that the car drivers weren’t very pleased either. But that was their own choice.

The north side of the Col de Bavella to Solenzara (D268) was beautiful also but this was more forest territory.

At Solenzara we bought stamps and groceries (cat food :) ) and after straight back.

About 6 pm we were back and I made some arrangements for the return trip. Although this campsite is nice enough, it isn’t well located if you’re planning daytrips. More convenient are sites just north of Bonifacio or south or north of Port Vecchio. And there are plenty of those.

today's ride was 190km

Thursday, May 12th 2005 – Wind, strong wind, storm ! But what a blue skies ! We decided to do some sunbathing and visiting Bonifacio. So, after feeding the cats J Ilke sat in the sun, while sat in the half-shade. The last days I took up some reading and this was a fine opportunity to really

At about 2 pm we went (on one bike) to Bonifacio. We parked our bikes on a special parking place for bikers ( we had read that on Corsica it was not uncommon to see your bike disappear into a van parked alongside. So this place had poles to prevent vans coming in). Then we did the tour through the city. We liked it much better than Ajaccio, but maybe we haven’t given the latter a fair chance. The weather was nice, though there still was a lot of wind.

After touring the city we sat on a terrace in the harbour and enjoyed the scenery.

Back at 6pm at the camping site, where again we fed the cats. And in the evening we did some reading. I had bought “Asterix en Corse”, so I did some homework. J. Later we studied the map of Sardinia Ilke had bought. Sardinia is on our wishing list, but so are a lot of others places.

today's ride was 10km

Friday, May 13th 2005 - Today a route Ilke had sort of found with the help of one of our guides and was part of the route we had planned for Monday last. It would take us north and the into the hills/mountains. The first part towards Porto-Vecchio wasn't very interesting.

But then turning of the main road halfway Porto-Vecchio the landscape changed. We rode through a hilly area with a lot of cork oaks. Nice. Then again the landscape changed and we were in the mountains again. Again we had something to drink at Zonza and from here to the west. Very, very beautiful. Small roads and very winding. Even hairpins and quite a few ! Dangerous though, because on one occasion we found out that the "La Poste" car kept a rather high speed in these surroundings. So be aware always, when you ride here.

Another (dangerous) thing that happened: at some point we were overtaken by a car, just after we had taken some photographs. So it was just ahead of us, but due to the bends in the road not always visible. I knew that we made better speed, so it was a matter of time before we were to see it up close. AND WE DID ! Just around a bend the driver had stopped and was talking to another driver in another car. There we came, hardly space to manoeuvre. So, I braked hard not knowing whether Ilke had seen the situation and could react in time. Luckily, she had and nothing happened, but again we were warned not to take things for granted.

We ended this VERY BEAUTIFUL ROUTE at Porto-Vecchio and from there we rode to Bonifacio , where we had a Fraise Melba (ice coupe) on a terrace and from there back to the campsite.

today's ride was 186km

Saturday, May 14th 2005 -

today's ride was 115km

Sunday, May 15th 2005 - Well hardly very interesting obviously, because this was motorway all the way to Metz. From here we had to make a detour, because the motorway from here to Luxembourg was closed, because of repairs. I had planned a route through Germany with my GPS. It took us to Freyming, where we found a nice motel. Again we found a fellow motorist. A Frenchman this time a riding a Varadero. He also had had a Transalp, but after his wife joined him on the bike, the Varadero was a better choice. After we had enjoined the last rays of sunshine we went into town to find something to eat. We did. A pizza take-away. So we took the pizza away and ate it at our place. Then we talked somewhat, made some arrangements for tomorrow and went to bed.

today's ride was 789km

Monday, May 16th 2005 - A "funny" thing happened this morning. Both of us had to fill up the tank and I knew there was a station nearby. Arriving there we had to use a (credit) card, but ours were not accepted. Well, we had some kilometres left and we decided to ride on. On my GPS I had found some petrol stations on (or just off) the route, but neither was opened !!! There was nothing else to do at this point then turn around and go back to this first station. There we found someone willing to lent her card to us (after giving her the money in cash of course) so we could fill up. Again we started, this time to find out that at least one of the stations we had visited earlier now had opened ! So we lost a lot of time with this.

Anyway, the route took us to Saarbrücken along the river Saar. This route is very nice, because it takes you through the Saar valley. The only drawback here was that the sun hadn't warmed up just enough to get rid of the morning mist and without the sun on our backs the temperature dropped very sharply.

For the rest of the journey is not much to be said (we had done this on an earlier trip already) and so we were glad to arrive at home safe and sound, after having had a most beautiful holiday !

today's ride was 452km

this holiday we rode 5155km !

An overall view of out tours. We've covered almost 90% I guess. Try to remember that a great part of the middle is mountainous and there are hardly any roads going over the mountains.