[white_duc89]

So, I just had plans to go to the Isle of man with a buddy fall through and now I have 2 weeks to roadtrip around Europe. I'm in southern Spain and after riding to Bilbao will be taking a ferry to southern UK, after that I'm not too sure what'll come my way. I've got a stellar tank and tail bag to roll with. Anyone have any input on some good stops? Edinburgh is up there and somewhere in Italy is also there, aside from that I'm free. Gear and places to see input is greatly appreciated, or any travelling trips; this is my first time travelling solo in Europe (except a train to Madrid once, haha). Thanks guys!

 

[vfrman]

For "somewhere in Italy" I would vote Bologna...and a factory tour.

 

[micheal]

Take a couple days to ride through the hill country in Germany. Rheinland Pfalz has some of my favorite country roads and several miles of open autobahn to ride. A nice leisurely ride along the Mosel or Rhein River and maybe a couple hour ferry cruise for lunch.

Or if the Ocean is more your thing, Sankt Peter Ording is another favorite when I want to get away and just relax, but there is still lots of great places to sight see while there and they have some of the best crepes in Germany at numerous venders near the harbor.

 

[vfrman]

Man, I miss Europe.

 

[micheal]

Houses are cheap in Germany right now.

 

[vfrman]

And while in Germany...might as well do a couple laps on the ring.

 

[white_duc89]

Good call vfrman! It would be cool to take my dear Bianca to the motherland. Germany seems to be the place to go as well. From what I know a lot of Germany speaks English and communication is my biggest worry, so that's one less thing to fret over. Standby for some great pics!

 

[W17]

Did a touring holiday through Germany last year and included a lap of the Nurburgring was excellent .

 

[PThomas]

Good call vfrman! It would be cool to take my dear Bianca to the motherland. Germany seems to be the place to go as well. From what I know a lot of Germany speaks English and communication is my biggest worry, so that's one less thing to fret over. Standby for some great pics!

White_duc89 - I wouldn't worry too much about communication during your trip.

I am an Australian guy living in Switzerland and all though I now speak German, initially I had no second language and was heavily reliant on English.

I still find now when I travel to other countries in Europe, it is fairly common for most people to at least have a basic level of English. Especially throughout most hotels & bed n' breakfast venues etc.

Looking forward to seeing the pic's! Have a great trip.

 

[rubbish]

Did a touring holiday through Germany last year and included a lap of the Nurburgring was excellent .

What did you lap the ring on?

 

[white_duc89]

PThomas-That's reassuring, thank you. Here in southern Spain it seems most people get somewhat offended if you don't speak Spanish and it's difficult to communicate. I've learned the basics though (I can ask for a beer and a bathroom, all I need) and am surviving. Switzerland is actually one of my original stops. Can't decide if I want to go through Zurich or Geneva though, which would you do?

 

[vfrman]

When I lived in Italy, I found that if I tried to speak Italian first most people were more willing to try and talk to me. Once they found my Italian was limited, they switched to English for me.

 

[PThomas]

PThomas-That's reassuring, thank you. Here in southern Spain it seems most people get somewhat offended if you don't speak Spanish and it's difficult to communicate. I've learned the basics though (I can ask for a beer and a bathroom, all I need) and am surviving. Switzerland is actually one of my original stops. Can't decide if I want to go through Zurich or Geneva though, which would you do?

It's amazing how many different languages we can all order a beer in when we need too

For Switzerland, the Susten - Furka - Grimsel Pass routes are all very popular (and can be combined). For this you would enter on the south west through the French part of the Valies, and plan a route continuing through the alps and up towards Zurich & into Germany.

This site may provide you with some useful information: European Alps pass roads for travelers and guided tours

The main problem at the moment is that majority of the passes are all still closed due to snow coverage. I believe they will mostly open up again in mid June, but it is all very much weather dependent. Definitely worth considering though if it matches your schedule.

 

[white_duc89]

When I lived in Italy, I found that if I tried to speak Italian first most people were more willing to try and talk to me. Once they found my Italian was limited, they switched to English for me.

Precisely! I've had so much more luck when I start out with my broken Spanish. haha.

 

[white_duc89]

It's amazing how many different languages we can all order a beer in when we need too

For Switzerland, the Susten - Furka - Grimsel Pass routes are all very popular (and can be combined). For this you would enter on the south west through the French part of the Valies, and plan a route continuing through the alps and up towards Zurich & into Germany.

This site may provide you with some useful information: European Alps pass roads for travelers and guided tours

The main problem at the moment is that majority of the passes are all still closed due to snow coverage. I believe they will mostly open up again in mid June, but it is all very much weather dependent. Definitely worth considering though if it matches your schedule.

Thanks for the advice! I'll be coming down from Germany, so I can just take what you said but in reverse. Thanks for the input everyone! I'm a bit more at ease and excited for the trip now. It'll be from May 31-June 10th.

 

[W17]

What did you lap the ring on?

This. I also did a lap in the BMW Ring Taxi it scared me .

 

[rubbish]

This. I also did a lap in the BMW Ring Taxi it scared me .

Did they have cars on the track at the same time too? I've seen videos of people lapping there and they put cars and bikes out at the same time! Wtf is up with that?? :wtf::ahhh:

 

[W17]

Sure did it's insane . Just pay your money and go through the boom gate and your off .
There is nothing to sign just need to keep a eye out for some exotic car going flat out and move to the right .

 

[freighttrain]

Loved going through Germany myself.. Prague, Slovenia, and Austria were pretty darn cool as well.
+1 to attempting a little bit of communication in the foreign tongues.. I found a simple attempt was rewarded with a conversation in English there after.
Enjoy the trip, and take lots of pics...

 

[white_duc89]

A lap on the Nurburgring would be pretty friggin epic! I've never been on a track before, so if I survive that'd be a helluva story for the kids someday!