To often we use weather as an excuse as to why we can't ride. This trip wasn't one of those times! Albeit hell or high water the three Amigos were more than willing to brave mother nature and that's exactly what we did.

The morning started early at 0430 for me and Eric. Nothing like David, who was coimng from Gilienkirchen, who had to leave his house at 0230. Due to him not arriving by our predeterminded departure time of 0500, we had thought he decided to sleep in. When he arrived at 0520, he said he left on time but fog and rain slowed him down. After a brief bit of razzing the good sport and getting gassed up, we discussed our plans. T-Clocks was on the list of things to do with this long trek in front of us. Our great service station on base always ensures their equipment is tip top shape...not! We needed air for our tires, slightly low when we first gauged them. However, not knowing the status of the air pump, Eric connected the hose to his front tire. To no avail, more air was coming out than was going in. So, my input was to suggest Herforst's friendly station. It has air we can use.

Air was needed, as Eric confirmed by his gauge showing only 20psi in his front tire. Not realizing my mistake prior to departing, that this is Germany and villages don't operate in the wee hours of the morning. Once we rounded the traffic light all was dark, realization sank in. Flexibility and sound decision making was crucial at this moment, not to mention risk management.

After a brief huddle, we decided to push to the first fuel station on the Autobahn. Slowly and carefully we pushed off in the direction of Augsburg via the L39 to the A1. The wet route took roughly 45mins to reach the fueling station. Once there we were faced yet again with a top notch piece of machinery! This was the opening scene of a bad dream, only it was very real. Again more air was escaping than was filling the tire. Bound in frustration I decided to take a nature break.

Upon my return I passed by another air station, tested it, holy ****..it works. I passed on the good news to the other two. Nearly an hour and a half later we were ride ready. Being this far behind our time schedule of trying to make the Augsburg HD store prior to 2pm, we decide to continue on the big slab. Boring doesn't discribe the feeling of riding the autobahn on two wheels. The only thing keeping it interesting was the 1/2" rain drops smashing against my face shield and knees. If you've ever watched paint dry you'll understand my sarcasm.

After a full tank on the slab and a constant 80mph ride, boredom took its toll. After a short gas and nature break, we hit the back roads. I really wish I could discribe this beautiful scene of lush green fields and awe inspiring vistas. However, due to the sheer amount of rain, fog and clouds, that's not possible. If that doesn't paint the picture, just imagine fog so thick you're lucky to see past your fender...on two wheels...much less four. Roads so wet that you have to avoid the ruts to prevent from hydroplaning. Am I thinking how fun is this? Yes!

Hours go by with this riding environment. To think I was the only one affected by this fatigue was in error. During one of our multiple stops, I mention my jaw was sore and how I'm gritting my teeth during the ride. To my surprise, I wasn't solo on that experience either. Not sure why I'm experiencing the "grit jaw" effect, but it sucked! Only a few more hours to go...

Pushing through the dreadful weather and cursing mother nature, we finally made our destination with 35 minutes to spare. The store was scheduled to close at 2pm, but due to the high traffic of just three customers, they stayed open. Now folks, that's customer service! AAFES take note! To top it off they provided an escort to a nearby ATM due to their system not taking debit cards...freaking awesome huh?

If I owned a business I'd do the same..."what's that, you need money to spend in my store but don't have it on you? I can take you to an ATM"...lmao! Back to the ride...

With receipt in hand and goodies in the saddle bags, we discuss our final destination...Garmisch. With only 60 Km to go, the euphoria sets in. It still amazes me as to the beauty this planet displays. We went from flat lands to mountainous terrain in minutes. It's like the mountain just jumps up from the ground without warning...BAM! The roads start to turn and twist...now we're talking...I'm up, I'm up! Wide awake for the next trek which seemed like seconds, we're at our final destination.

The village of Garmisch is quaint and surreal with its monumental surroundings. Words just don't do it justice. After taking in the view, we head to the apartment where we're staying to find no one home. We tried calling with no luck, so we decided to refill our energy with some awesome steaks...oh and beer...yeah, always beer. Once our guts were full, we returned to the apartment.

Greeted with open arms and a huge smile, Brigit was so cheerful and welcoming. All worries melted away, especially when she told us "My other booking didn't come so I gave you the bigger apartment for the same price."

 

ausgezeichnet! und jetz, alles gute. and glad you're safe. ride on.

 

Ahhhhh Yea...What he said!!

 

Vielen Dank! ja, alles wunderbar!

 

Great write-up, but where are the pics?

 

Cayers,

Man I feel like a third class heel, cause I didn't take many pics. It was a wet ride down and a straight ride back. I'll search up what I took and share. I feel the same way when I see a good story, I like pics! So bear with me, and I look forward to "WTFs" about my crappy photo skills...lol!

 

Here are a few pics of our trip...

 

More for ya pic thursty folks...

 

final one...

 

Nice write up, Lew.

Would like to invite you to join us next year:

Who's interested in joining the 2013 HDForums.com Euro M&G (2nd edition)?