First day of the motorcycle trip to the HOG event in Medulin, Croatia, with some friends from Flanders Fields Chapter Belgium, or FFCB for short. We’ll cover a distance of 717 km from Tournai to Ravensburg, Germany, passing through Luxembourg and France. We’ll then spend the night at the Sennerbad Hotel.
[Music] [Music] After a long period of planning and preparation, the moment of departure has finally arrived. The day starts early, but today we have to cover 717 km. And that’s not just highway kilm. As often happens, the group meets at the Q8 gas station along the highway. They are all members of Flanders Fields Chapter Belgium, or FFCB for short. Philip couldn’t ride with us due to serious back problems, but he surprised us with a delicious breakfast for which we are eternally grateful. [Music] At 6:00 a.m. sharp, everyone is ready to leave. That’s how we like it. [Music] It always hurts when you have to leave someone in the group behind. The plan is to drive to the border between Luxembourg and France via motorways to gain as much time as possible. [Music] This small village seems like an excellent opportunity to stretch our legs. Coffee would be welcome, but finding a cafe is quite a challenge in some French regions. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Complete silence and tranquility can return to this lovely village. [Music] It started getting hotter and hotter, so standing still was starting to get a bit annoying. Fortunately, this region has calm and beautiful roads without many traffic lights. [Music] Each electricity pole is provided with a nest usually containing at least one young stalk. Falsburg is a fortified town in Moselle, France. The town has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Sites include the city gates and the NRAAM church. The famous architect Vobon also built the fortifications here, but we’ve gotten hungry in the meantime. Luckily, we find a spot on the pizzeria’s terrace. [Music] [Music] After a decent lunch at La Prima Casta, we are ready to go again. [Music] [Music] The first signs of the typical Alsatian architecture appear. This also means we’ve approached the German border. Near Offenburgg we enter Germany. The Rine forms the natural border between the two countries. The river is approximately 250 m wide there. Steinbrook Hexburg is an active quarry near Houseark. The rock extracted there is nice. A natural stone used for floors and patios. We stopped for a coffee break in Houseak a little earlier than planned. The heat is starting to take its toll, but Bakarai Widell delivers excellent products. [Music] The water. Beautiful water. Build the water. Here’s the [Music] [Music] After Hornberg, we continue on the B33 through the heart of the Black Forest. It’s a pleasant route with wide bends. In Bad Durheim, we then take the A864 to the Bowden Z. [Music] Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. [Music] The Bowden lies on the border of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. At 15 km wide and 74 km long, it is Germany’s largest lake. The surrounding area is considered one of Germany’s most attractive, particularly for its stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage. [Music] Typical for the Bowden are the spring blossoms and the fruit growing season. Orchards of apples, cherries, and plums are found everywhere. Besides fresh fruit, large quantities are also processed into juices and sparkling wine. The Bowden sparkling wine known as Baseco instead of Procco is very popular. [Music] We finally arrive at Hotel Zenabad in Ravensburg. It’s 7:00 p.m. and it’s been a very long day of driving, but afterward we can sit on the terrace overlooking Ravensburg’s beautiful town center and in the meantime enjoy a delicious meal and a drink. The minor aches and pains are quickly forgotten.