Day 4 V-S

Anther day marred by Umleitungs and ultimately Sunday drivers.
It took until stage late in the day to experience levels of tarmac/asphalt down to British levels.  Arrival at VS was met by the normal amount of madness from our friends and a gorgeous apartment in which to spend the night.
A portion of the evening was spent planning routes for tomorrow in the forecast downpours, taking into account altitudes and temperature probabilities (yes, really)

Day 3 Baden Baden - Baden Baden

After several rounds of schnapps last night we were inducted into the local Harley Davidson, Baden-Baden, chapter prior to departure.
The roads were nice if not particularly challenging. The same could not be said for today's umleitungs.  There were many confused bikers going round in circles and much pointing at signs.
That said there was a song in the tail, a slight detour off the B500 gave us roads and challenges that were nothing short of exceptional.  The only problem was, I wasn't sure if I would rather meet a car or a bike coming the other way.  There are some very quick local riders.
Meanwhile, trouble back at the hotel, there were a couple of tourists drinking in the beer garden/our bike park !

Day 2 Baden Baden

As the Germans say, 'Umleitung means Umleitung'.  They are so keen on the subject that today's 30 mile detour even had its own 10 mile detour.  We ended up in France !
The final umleitung of the day involved us completing 3 complete leaves of a clover leaf junction.
We also learned not to believe tom tom when it says fuel is available.  The first 'station' had a sign but no pump, the second was agricultural diesel only, the third featured a picnic table instead of fuel.  Fuel economy mode engaged (freewheeling when possible), we found fuel with 15 miles to spare.
Also 1 degree C is too cold to stay the day without a 'thermal layer' hence the first stop after 5 miles.

Day 1 hotel

Day 0 pic

Day 1

Day 1
Arrival in the Netherlands watching the sun glinting through the smoke from factories through the graceful rotating arms of the mega wind genies !  Weird contrast.
First 200 miles were transitioning through the Netherlands avoiding having to fill up with v expensive fuel, the last 40 miles featured great tarmac and some very good bends spoiled by reductions speed limits and traffic.
Highlights of the day, John being used for target practice with cigarette buts by Mercedes Coupe drivers and Graeme admiring the sculptural blue pole (Germany) which turned out (not) to be a speed camera.

Barbietours XIV -Day 0

A quick 2.5 hour jaunt to the ferry at Newcastle.  Weather forecast consulted, what I didn't check was the wind. I must have added an extra mile being blown all over the road, especially exciting on bends !
Dinner booked time for our first beer.