Help me plan 4-6 day Germany trip/ride

[John Harden]

I'll be travelling to Germany from the U.S. in early to mid September for business and plan on taking 4-6 days off at the end and renting a bike for some touring (all street). I've got a line on a BMW RT or GT through ADMo tours, but am willing to listen to views on where to get a BMW for rent. I'd prefer the RT but would settle for the GT, or a GS. I have a 1200 GS Adventure, so I'm familiar with them. I'm considering the RT as my next bike, thus the preference.

I'll be in the Karlsruhe area, but could travel to Heidelberg or Frankfurt to pick up the bike if necessary.

I'm REALLY looking for advice on what to see and do during the trip. My interests are touring through mountain regions, architecture (castles, etc.) and history. Ideally, I'd prefer areas that aren't terribly choked with tourists and have lots of scenery and local charm.

Over on ADV, someone mentioned going to the Alsace and Vosgas mountain areas of France. I'm open to going wherever the great rides are. Maybe the Black Forest and/or the Swiss Alps?

BTW, I'll probably stay in hotels, so I don't have to lug camping equipment across the pond.

Any advice?

Regards,

John

[djorob]

There's a few of us will be there 1st-2nd week in Sept.
Firsltly in the Alsace and then Germany-Austria.
If you like castles and history try Rothenburg ob der Tauber (about 2 hours SE of Frankfurt) and some of King Ludwigs Castles (Neuschwanstein Castle) and then point the bike in the direction of the mountains for more ace roads than you can shake a stick at.
Check this out for roads BestBikingRoads.com Motorcycle Travel, Motorcycle Touring, Motorcycle Routes, Motorcycle Roads, Motorcycle GPS, GPS Motorcycle Rides, Motorbike Roads
You camping or going posh?
Dave.

[Beej]

Hi John,

I'm not long back from 15 days in Germany with my husband. We had a great time!

I would definately recommend a visit to Schwangau where you will find the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. The village, although having a lot of accomodation, wasn't crowded and there were some nice resturants, one in particular... will try to remember its name!, and bars. The castle is crammed with tourists but is definately worth a visit. Go early as tours have to be booked and the tour buses start arriving around 9:30am! It is walkable from the village as it's only 2km or there is parking nearby but even bikes have to pay! We also took the cabel car up to the top of the Tegelberg where you got amazing views around Germany and into Austria.

The Black Forrest has lovelly roads, again you will see lots of bikes! For castles then you want to follow the River Rhine and Mossell. They meet in Koblenz although watch your speed as they set speed traps... Very friendly policemen though! You are also close to the Nurburgring if that takes your fancy!?!

Do remember to bring your waterproofs... boy does it rain! and when we stayed in Schwangau we popped over to Austria in the evening for a run (only 10km away), and got caught in a storm which went from glourious sunshine to a huge storm in 10 minutes which included a huge hail storm. Meanwhile our waterproofs were snuggly tucked up in our hotel room!

Tried to attach some photo's but the only one which would work is the one of our bikes during the hail storm while we hid under a bus shelter!

Lt me know what you end up doing... have a great time,

Beej

[John Harden]

Thanks to the both of you for the information. It's now looking like the after work part of my trip will start on Saturday, 9/13, and ending on Thursday, 9/18 for a total of 5 nights. Should be fun, and I'll probably be renting the bike out of Frankfurt.

I'm leaning towards renting a helmet, riding jacket and rain pants, versus carting my stuff with me.

Visiting at least one castle seems like a must-do and I'm hoping the crowds will be smaller in mid September.

Any other ideas or specific roads I should consider?

Regards,

John

[Joe C90]

We are just off for a 2.5week blat aound germany and the alps, setting off tomorrow. we are pretty much covering your suggested areas. hope you are wrong about the weather tho.

riding down the alongside mosel and rhine is a really nice relaxing way to spend time. Although keep an eye for the police as already mentioned.
Enjoy, the Germans are a hospitable bunch.

[Tourider]

Berg Eltz on the Mosselle Valley between Koblenz and Cochem is the most perfect German Castle and well worth a visit.

[Redboots]

If you think you will get time for the Alps, get a copy of John Hermann's "Motorcycle Journeys through the Alps and Beyond" NOW and plan one of the rides. Available at Whitehose Press and other places.

You will find it a great reference. ISBN 978-1-884313-70-7

Cheers,
John

[John Harden]

You're about the 3rd or 4th person who has recommended that book to me. I bought it online at Barnes and Noble last night and it should be here within a week, giving me time to take a close look at it. I have never heard of it before, so thanks for the recommendation.

My trip dates have changed a bit and my riding will now be from 9/19 through 9/25.

What will the weather be like during this time? My thinking is to bring my Rallye 2 Pro jacket with liner and some Olympia overpants with rain liner from them too. Underneath, I'll wear either shorts if it is hot (unlikely), or some full length UnderArmor "pants". If it is cold out, the two layers on my lower body should be dry. I'll have plenty of layer options for the top to stay comfortable. I just don't want to lug the heavy RP2 pants across the pond. The jacket is enough and my Olympia pants allow more flexibility.

Regards,

John

[Redboots]

Originally Posted by John Harden

My trip dates have changed a bit and my riding will now be from 9/19 through 9/25. What will the weather be like during this time?

It can be cold in the higher places. Odd passes can be closed due to snow - usually a temporary measure at that time of year.

The weather is so screwed up for the last few years there is no telling what it will be like.

John

[John Harden]

Well, I have a few things firmed up. After talking to lots of people, it seems the thing to do is leave Frankfurt on the 19th, head South to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, stay overnight, then go to Arraba or Cortina in the Dolomites for 2 nights.

On day 4, head to Arrabata in the Swiss Alps for 2 more days of riding before heading back to Frankfurt to turn in the bike.

Thanks to everyone who has offered suggestions. I've got a full 7 days and 6 nights of riding to enjoy and really looking forward to it.

Regards,

John