The blast up the Autobahn was great fun. Those Euros definitely know how to drive. I tucked in behind a flash Mercedes and sat on 170 most of the way. If we came up on a slower car they quickly moved across to the right. Wouldn't happen in Australia
Upon arrival in Gronigen (near Assen) we met up with Bill again who had come across to cheer on his mate Cal Crutchlow. I tried to tell him it was a lost cause but he wouldn't listen.
We checked into our very cool Air BnB and went exploring around Gronigen.
This place was awesome. Lots of happy people (mosty pretty young girls) happily( Might be the easy access to drugs) riding around on their old school push bikes. . All looking extremely fit and with a smile on their face. ( I'm sure its the drugs). Loved the canals and the bridges that opened up to let the boats through. And the bicycles? So many Bicycles.
Even the older ones are in good shape.
I had been very fortunate to score a couple of paddock passes compliments of Sidi racing. ( Thanks Andrew)
Bill and I were like a couple of teenage girls at a Justin Beiber Concert and we mixed with the elite of the Moto GP world.
Many of them were very keen to have their pic taken with us?
Had a nice chat to Yak.
Randy is always happy
This bloke was too busy to stop for a chat. I think Uccio was waiting for him naked in the trailer.
Zarco getting a reach around
Dovi is always happy to have a pic
This is one of my favourite pics. Although I suck at selfies.Was a privelige to meet Senor Simmoncelli
This is Jonas Fucking Folger in case your wondering
The pedbot let me take his scooter for a spin
Zarko didnt seem to enjoy his previous reach around.
Whilst most of the riders were happy to stop for a pic Others not so much and I actually got in argument with Bills boyfriend after he heard me call him an asshole for not looking up for a pic.
However I ended up with a great pic and he ended up in the Kitty litter which was pretty cool. (Im glad he wasnt hurt though. He's an asshole but I dont wish that on anyone)
Eat shit wanker. hahahahaaaa
The promo girls were all very keen to get a pic with me as well.
The dutch women are so tall.... I felt like a dwarf.
Check out the look on this deviants face.
Was a brilliant 2 days despite the showers and an awesome race. We had the best time pretending to be VIPs. I love that shit !
The Marquez and Rossi motorhomes are impressive and bigger than my house
Here you can see Rossi assuming the position. (Obviously waiting for Uccuio)
Those crazy dutch sure know how to party
Another Item ticked off the bucket list.
On the Monday Bill and I had a great ride around Northern Holland before he headed off the catch the ferry back to the UK. Was great to spend those few days with ya mate.
I loved the Opening bridges everywhere.
I had a couple of days before I needed to head back, so I made my way down the coast, just checkin the place out.
By chance I came across the historic race track Zaandtfort Literally in the Dunes behind the beach. Was keen to do a couple of Laps, but there was a track day going on and no casual laps allowed.
I continued my tour south and checked the pretty village of Harleem
I spent 3 days in Amsterdam in 1985 on first trip to Europe. Cant remember a thing (Think it was the drugs) so thought a revisit was in order. On the advice of a friend, my first stop was the Old Sailor bar.
Was a lot more than Old sailors there. What a freak show.
This guy had the biggest scoob I have ever seen.
I tried to have a bit of a look around but the traffic was horrendous so I quickly made my escape and found accidentally found an inexpensive hotel.
Next morning I discovered that the hotel was in fact the worlds most expensive hotel. Fuck you Corondal hotel with all your add on bullshit. I stuffed my jacket with enough food from the breakfast buffet to last 2 days and set of.
I loved the way the houses have moats around them to keep invaders out
The scenery was still very nice.
The boats are very impressive in these parts.
I called in at this cafe. Sort of seemed appropriate.
Checked out the world heritage listed windmills at Kinderjink, which was kinda cool.
Bill had mentioned that the Ardienne region in Belgium was particularly nice. Its also home to the famous Spa Francorchamps circuit. I still had a couple of days to spare, so thats where I went.
Bill was correct about the Ardiennes. Beautiful region with awesome roads
I arrived in Spa and checked into a very nice hotel that was surprisingly cheap.
Came across this awesome restaurant.
The seafood Penne was spectacular as was the atmosphere.Didnt get to twist any Titties though.
Had an early Brekky with Pat Malone and headed for the track.
There were some flash cars in the carpark.
The Grand Prix circuit was closed but I was still able to do lap of the old circuit and despite a shower or two was great fun.
Bill had also mentioned that Brugges was a nice place to visit so asked Karen to lead the way. She took me through some fairy tale scenery.
Came across some Lycra clad vermin. Damn pests are everywhere.
By this stage my ass was nearly broken and Burnin.
Cant say I agree with Bill About Brugges. Was a bit like Disneyland, but with more tourists.
I did enjoy creating havoc by riding through the pedestrian only town centre though. Oh how I laughed watching the tourists scatter.
It was time to head back to Rotterdam to catch the ferry. Got hopelessly lost on the freeway system but had time for a snack and a beer before once again boarding the Britannia.
Was an overnight crossing this time so had a nice cabin and had a great nights sleep.
Dunno why that pic came out so small its much bigger than that.
Awoke Just as we came into Port in Harwich. I stall had a couple of days before I had to get the bike back to Bills, so decided to take the scenic route.
Promptly Rode off the ferry and completed frightened fuck out of a poor Taxi driver cause I was on the wrong side of the road. Whoops sorry bout that Abdul.
Thought I had caught the wrong ferry at first.
Had a great time just wandering around and checking out the sights of Norwich.
I felt guilty about the 4 Quid the Oomplaoopahs wanted to charge me for doing a brilliant job on cleaning the bike, so I chucked em a tenner.
Big mistake ! I thought they were going to take me home and marry me off to their daughters. ( Or cut my kidneys out. Not sure)
And then it was time to go home. Bill and Elaine dropped me back at Heathrow and I boarded the big bird for the excruciating flight home.
Singapore looked cool as we flew over. (but was actually stinkin hot)
Finally I Need to say a massive thanks to My mate Bill for once again lending me his bike without hesitation and allowing me to flog the shit out of it.
There's no way I would lend me a bike, but he has done so twice now. Thanks mate I really appreciate it. These trips would not have been possible without your help.
Hope you all enjoyed coming along for the ride.Its been an epic trip. 8000klms of some brilliant scenery, Great roads and fun people. And of course I got to finish quite a few unfinished business items and ticked off a couple more bucket Items.
Still a lot to do though, so stay tuned.
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