A gastronomic feast of a dinner the night before promised a reasonable night's sleep but temperature and humidity played against this.  We set off early through sleepy villages - including Soire-le-Chateau - where the church seemed to have been inspired by a a gothic halllucination.



Today the sat nav let us down - taking us through many dreary towns. For a while we were racing the rain showers (and winning) but as we crossed back from Belgium to France we were ambushed and forced to put on our matching Harley Davidson rain gear.

We had made good time and decided to skip the prospect of a rainy night in Dunkirk and instead see if we could get a Ferry crossing a day early.  This was successful and we boarded the 2 pm sailing.

Au Revoir France !

Hello Again Blighty !

We left the ship and headed up the M20, stopping for a final refuelling.  We continued around the M25 in all its late afternoon traffic frenzy.  I left at the A3 for Guildford; Dave continued onto Watford.  A toot of the horn and a wave and we parted company after 1,930 miles since setting off.

A great trip.  Fantastic company of old and new friends, great scenery and fantastic roads.

A huge thanks to Carl and Anne-Marie, Chris & Jens and Tati and Heinz for having us to stay and to Anke for arranging the Willingen gathering.

A Bientot !

Distance Travelled today: 217 miles

Total Distance Travelled on Tour: 1930 miles or 3090 km

Last night we treated ourselves to the 'gourmet meal for 2' package at the hotel restaurant.  Unanimously agreed that it was a welcome change from burgers.

We left town early to make some distance before the afternoon heat and humidity built up.  Great views of Heudicort sous les cotes as we climbed what seemed like a long ridge west of the town.

We were then into densely wooded country with straight but seemingly forgotten roads.  Saw a fox and a young deer (Bambi) cross the road. Our route took us through national parks and farmland along the French and Belgian border - the front line of the First World War.  Many Cemetries and signs marking battlefields.

As the morning progressed thunder clouds glowered to the west and at last, inevitably, we were hit by large drops of rain.  Pulled over to put on our waterproofs - and the rain stopped. Arrived at our lodgingd for the night and checked in.

We unloaded the bikes and went in search of sustenance annd found a lovely bistrot just down the road.

Other rural buildings & views:

Do you really think we could resist this sign ?

Distance Travelled: 140 miles

Set off from Tatti and Heinz's with fond farewells after a relaxing stay. Our route took us up densely wooded valleys – classic Black Forest country.  Beautiful old villages and farmsteads.  Sporting curvy roads and great views.  The scent of pine, grass and flowers was delightful.

We were roused from our reverie by a) a large Buzzard. Startled by our approach flapping about 2 metres from our faces and b) a ‘road closed’ sign across our route.  Descending by another valley we crossed the Rhine near Mullheim and entered France.

For several miles we were on the flat fertile floodplain with the temperature rising.  Our route then took us up into the Vosges mountain range – very similar topography to the Black Forest – though these would be the ‘Foret Noir'.

We stopped at the top and had coffee and then followed the winding road as it followed the crest of the range for several miles.

Route (National) 66 - but not as we know it !

Dropping down we passed through a hole bored through a hard rock shoulder (roche de diablo) and then into undulating open countryside.

Found a lovely small village restaurant for lunch and journeyed on through temperatures in the low 30’s – stopping for a coke about 40 minutes from our destination.

Finally checked into our lodgings for the night in Heudicourt sous les cotes – rather hot and tired.  Decided to push out the ‘bateau’ and have a beer from the minibar.

Distance Travelled: 207 miles

A day off for the motorbikes.  A short walk from the house took us to an ancient ruined fort with a good view over the Rhine.

We drove over the border into Switzerland to see the Rhine waterfall.  Took a boat trip to get closer and to land on the rock pinnacle in the middle.

We then journeyed on to the Black Forest region and visited a giant cuckoo clock. 

Fortunately it was attached to a large shop and so I achieved my ambition of owning a cuckoo clock which will be posted to the UK.

In Triberg we had a coffee and (unsurprisingly) Black Forest Gateau – delicious. 





Walked up a trail to see a series of waterfalls in a woody gorge.   Spotted a red squirrel with a black tail.  

Back home after a fabulous day for a beer and off to a steak house for dinner.

Leaving Willingen today - but first some photos from last night.

Rock band on stage.

Jim Beam gave away free sunglasses:

Well organised concern - no litter on ground !!

A fond farewell on Sunday morning.  Anke, Chris, Jens, Olly, Sylvie & Hanni heading back to Hamburg.  Carl and Anne-Marie heading back to Brussels.  Dave and I heading for the 'deep south' of Germany with Heinz and Tatti.

It was a 300 mile journey so mostly on the autobahn, much of which had no speed limit.  Mainly we did a steady 75 - 80 mph with the ocassional naughty 90.

Arrived at Heinz & Tatti's place next to the Rhine river on the border with Switzerland.  Cold beer much anticipated and appreciated.

Went for a meal at a Greek restaurant and then for a walk around the German part of Laufenburg and then across the bridge to the Swiss part.

Selfie by the Rhine.

Distance travelled: 300 miles