CGX2501 Sweepers heaven
Today's day not only starts off with a summery heat, but is also full of little surprises. After a pleasant get-together, the motorcycles are handed over, although the usual time spent playing with the electronics and the obligatory test-seat in the summer heat is a bit shorter than usual. Off we go through the beautiful spa gardens to dinner, and then we set off early.
We started our 1st daily tour from Bad Kreuznach to Rott in France, traveling through the scenic Palatinate Forest. Our first stop was the Ludwigsturm, where we enjoyed an amazing view over the treetops. After a short coffee break at a traditional café, we continued on to the famous Hambach Castle. We had our lunch break right below the castle, then took a short walk up to explore it and capture some beautiful photos. Our last stop was in the shade of the trees at Fleckenstein Castle. Afterwards, we took a shortcut via the freeway to reach our hotel in Rott more quickly. The afternoon was very hot, but everyone enjoyed the winding roads through the forest. The group really liked the bikes, and after 256 kilometers of riding, we finally reached our hotel just outside Rott. We ended the day with a lovely dinner on the terrace, overlooking the stunning vineyards.
The day begins with a surprise as the guests discover what lies beneath the beautiful panorama we were able to enjoy from the lovely hotel. We first visit some Maginot Line bunkers and drive along them for a while. Then we slowly climb into the mountains and, almost dizzy from all the curves, arrive at the Col du Donon, where another surprise of the day awaits us. Laszlo has conjured up a picnic for us right at the top of the pass. Well fortified, we inhale curve after curve as we navigate along the Vogueses ridge towards Nancy. After afternoon coffee, it's time for a rest, and we take the motorway for the final stretch into the city. Again it was a great day, culminating in a light show at Place Stanislas.
Leaving our hotel in the morning and saying goodbye to the charming city of Nancy was a lovely start to the day – especially knowing that something special awaited us in Luxembourg. We rode through the picturesque French countryside and made our first photo stop at the Butte de Montsec – a historically significant strategic point during World War I, and today a stunning memorial honoring the American soldiers who lost their lives there. After a short coffee break, we enjoyed a peaceful picnic in the woods near Verdun, surrounded by nature. We then continued our journey to Verdun, where we visited our highlight of the day, the Memorial du Verdun Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the weapons and military technology used during the First World War. Following a coffee stop in Saint- Mihiel, and after about two more hours on the road, we finally arrived in beautiful Luxembourg – where we ended our eventful day with a well-deserved and delicious dinner in the Hotel Restaurant.
Today is a time for regeneration, as the routes and impressions of the last few days, combined with the above-average summer heat, have taken their toll. While half of the group seeks relaxation with a visit to this extraordinary city, the other half circumnavigates the entire country on motorcycles. First, we head to the beautiful Müllerthal region, where spectacular photo opportunities await, such as the Schiesstentümpel (Shooting Ponds) and the Predigtstuhl (Preaching Chair). Of course, a visit to Vianden Castle, currently under reconstruction, is a must. We are fascinated and enjoy a delicious lunch before hopping back on our motorcycles to continue exploring the country. In the evening, we all explore the city together, and over dinner, a local surprises us with an introduction to the secrets of Luxembourg.
Our first highlight of the day was the Abbey of Orval, which we reached after about an hour’s ride from our modern and stylish hotel in Luxembourg. During our tour of the museum and the souvenir shop, it started to rain, so we decided to stay in Orval for lunch. After a brief photo stop at the Maginot Line, we continued our journey through the picturesque French countryside and eventually reached our second highlight of the day: the Beer Museum in Stenay. This fascinating museum showcases around 50,000 beer-related items, from bottles to brewing kettles all dedicated to the world of beer. In the late afternoon, we arrived at our hotel in Bouillon, Belgium, a charming, traditional hotel located in the heart of the city, right on the banks of the Semois River. Everyone was glad to get out of their wet riding gear, take in the beautiful surroundings, and enjoy a refreshing Belgian beer.
The day begins with a few remaining clouds, and the last wisps of fog drift around the church tower of the small town. A picturesque start to a drive along the Semois Valley and visit one of the magnificent castles. Well, contrary to the weather forecast, the humidity manifests itself in the occasional small shower, but what the heck. That seems to be normal in Belgium, and it's beautiful despite it, or perhaps even because of it. We continue with racing and automotive history at the Stavelot Abbey, where we also sample various variations of original Belgian fries at the best little restaurant in the area. After this eventful day, we've truly earned dinner at a fine restaurant near the hotel and are joined by another tour participant. Videographer Sophie will accompany us for the next few days and take beautiful pictures of us. We're already excited. A short walk to Aachen Cathedral and the Elisenbrunnen fountain later, we arrive tired at the hotel and go to bed full of anticipation for tomorrow.
After the breakfast and our daily briefing, we began our tour through the beautiful Eifel National Park. After about an hour of riding, we enjoyed a special coffee stop at the Biker Ranch. We stopped for a group photo with a nice background whit the lake, sailboats and the mountain surrounding. For lunch, we stopped in the charming town of Bad Münstereifel and ate at the Airstream, where we had typical German food along with delicious French crêpes. We continued our ride along scenic forest roads and made a photo stop at the impressive Effelsberg Radio Telescope, which has 100 meters diameter. Before we got to our next accommodation, we visited the Nordschleife Pflanzgarten section before heading straight to the hotel for a well-deserved Belgian boot beer. Tonight, we’re staying at the Nürburgring, with a perfect view of the racetrack.
The day begins with summer temperatures, and we begin the morning briefing with the sounds of racing at the Nürburgring. After a brief glimpse of the old town in Cochem, we continue along the romantic Moselle Valley to Koblenz, where the river flows into the Rhine. At the mouth, the so-called German Corner, we seek out a typical beer garden for lunch. Almost immediately before the end of the tour, we are once again captivated by the UNESCO World Heritage Middle Rhine Valley with all its castles and vineyards before arriving, exhausted but happy, at our starting hotel in Bad Kreuznach.