 May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29
Loquacious
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29 |
Too late ... You guessed it ... I'm off! We are on our way to the Euro Rally in Sweden. As of 4 hours ago we (GF Kathy and I) are on a vessel called the 'Blue Horizon' and are currently in the middle of the Adriatic Sea between Greece and Italy. I am in the ship's lounge area writing this on my laptop (with a wireless modem - very useful these ... gadgets) so consider this more or less 'live'. We did the Athens to Patras Run this afternoon and our next destination is Bari in Italy. Leaving Patras (below): .jpg) We raced with this ship from Patras for a while. .jpg) The route from Bari (commencing tomorrow morning) will be across Italy to Sorrento (south of Naples) -> Naples -> Rome -> Florence -> Bolzano -> Innsbruck (Austria) -> Munich -> Nurenburg -> Berlin -> Rostock -> Ferry across to Gedser in Denmark -> Copenhagen -> Malmo (Sweden) -> Gothenburg -> Bankeryd. Sorrento, Naples, Rome and Florence were my additions as they are not a direct route but I just thought I would wave the BA.COM flag in those cities too. This ship passed us on it's way back to Patras (below): .jpg) The route back as currently planned is Bankeryd to Karskrona for ferry across to Gdynia (Poland) -> down through Poland to Prague (Czech Republic) - Vienna (Austria) -> Budapest (Hungary) -> Bucharest (Romania) -> Sophia (Bulgaria ) -> Thessaloniki (Greece) and finally back home to Athens. The bike is running beautifully. We just left a heat wave behind us and I am anticipating all sorts of weather ahead ... let's see. I look forward to seeing all my friends again in Bankeryd when we eventually get there - I wish you all a good and safe journey. The same applies to the friends on the Lake Superior Tour which should be running at the same time as the Euro Rally, if memory serves me correctly. This is the Bedouin signing out. 
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Have a great time, and give my best to all our european friends over there, Thanassis.  (and Kathy...tell that big lug to watch the road!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
I'm envious. Have a safe trip and I'll look foward to your "Tales from the Road" post.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1 |
Thanassis, Have a blast, ride safe and watchout for all those blondes. 
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,254
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,254 |
helluva ride your doing there ,sounds incredible .i also will look forward to your postings and pics on "tales from the road".best of luck on your journeys bedouin
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541 |
Safe journey Thanassis. I want regular updates please, and take photos please. 
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Thanassis, say "Grüß Gott and HI!" to all of my buddy at the Cafe Tombosi (or pretty much any Biergarten in Münich right now) on your way through Munich. It won't be hard to recognize him, he's got blonde hair, and has a half-liter of Erdinger or Schneiders Weiße in front of him, and is probably riding a white Vespa or an old black R75... OH, and his name is Jürgen! Yeah, that should narrow it down to about 500,000 people in Munich, so get moving... 
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 919
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 919 |
Have a safe journey to sweden Thanassis, im going to squeeze in one more rallie here in the UK next weekend before we leave for Bankryd...  Dave
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416 |
Godspeed Thanassis! Let's see... Last year you took two days to north Germany. Now you need two weeks to get to Sweden??? Hmm... I guess you're doing a little sightseeing on the way, right? And maybe even some sleep this time. Drive carefully my friend and we'll meet in a fortnight! 
"Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something."
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
That's quite the trip. Here's a little visual aid, based on Bedouin's description of the route: Greece-Sweden 4045km Sweden-Greece 4052km (I *heart* Google Maps)
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Yeah, that's only 8100 km, which means he's ONLY riding about 580km (400miles) or so miles a day!! Will the engine even get warmed up in under 600? 
|
|
|
 Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Ahh...the world's deepest well of blue-eyed blondes. Enjoy.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
|
|
Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
I would love to be riding shotgun with you my friend. We await your always wonderful photographs/write-up!!
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 36
Greenhorn
|
|
Greenhorn
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 36 |
Yeah, you're certainly waving the ba.com flag throughout a lot of Europe for us, good on ya! We're all cheering for you (well, some of us are anyway). C'mon! Where are the updates?   Have a safe journey, my friend, and take special care in the south of Italy and in some of those ex-eastern bloc countries, the roads are murder, even in a cage (but my guess is you already know that ).
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 788
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 788 |
have a safe and exciting trip... I'm soo jealous
Trev
07 TBA Pacific Blue and White.. stock for now!
A bike has half the wheels my cage does.. but 3x the fun factor
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690 |
Thanks for sharing...great pics...
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29
Loquacious
|
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29 |
Thanks Guys, I appreciate it! Just a quick update ... Route to date: Athens -> Patras Ferry Patras -> Bari Bari -> Sorrento Sorrento Ferry -> Capri Capri Ferry -> Naples -> Pompei Pompei -> Naples Naples -> Rome. I added both Capri (no I'm not the jet-setting type) and Pompei to the original route as the opportunity was too good to pass up. We are off to Florence tomorrow ... Currently sitting at a cafe (with laptop and wireless internet gadgetry) at the Tiber river on the Vatican City side. Any messages for the Pope while I'm still here (just kidding ... let's not make this a religious thread). Just a map for reference purposes. 
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,012
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,012 |
Great to here that you have a laptop with you, i was hoping on getting updates and pictures of your trip along the way!  Johann
Gooseman
Bonneville America 904 Black/Silver
Triumph Tiger 1050 Black
Ducati Multistrada 1200s
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 390
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 390 |
Bedouin...this is cool on so many levels it just cannot be put into words. I really look forward to the pics and detailed commentary on your adventure!! 
Ezcue
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Thanassis, yes, I have a message for the Pope, if you'd care to deliver it. He should have chosen Pope Gregory, not Benedict, as his name. But some might say I'm biased... Otherwise, like the rest here, jealous as ******!!!
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29
Loquacious
|
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29 |
Quote:
... Let's see... Last year you took two days to north Germany. Now you need two weeks to get to Sweden??? Hmm... I guess you're doing a little sightseeing on the way, right? And maybe even some sleep this time.
Bengt,
Sorry I didn't respond to this the last time I posted but ... Yes, you are right on both counts!
Quote:
Great to here that you have a laptop with you, i was hoping on getting updates and pictures of your trip along the way!
Johann
Johann,
I have accumulated 2500 pictures in the last week of which I have selected approximately 220 (and I am only a third of the way on the trip) that I would very much like you guys to see as they each have something special about them. I am unable to write much given the time I finish each night (it's after 04:30am here in Florence right now).
So, I'll save the write-up until later.
Anyhow, we are on our second night in Florence and are on our way to Innsbruck in Austria or Munich tomorrow (depending on Kathy's endurance levels).
What follows below is NOT a ride report, but some pictures of the Speedy in very unique places (the latter few especially).
A few years back someone posted (I think it was on the old forum) a picture of the new 1000cc (Paul Smart replicas???) Sport Ducatis overlooking Florence.
Well, now we have our very own ...
Note: The pictures will take a short while to load as they are quite large (I have tried to preserve as much quality as possible).
Coming off the ship in BARI:
Bike on ship to Capri from Sorrento (the interest here is the Fiat 500 next to bike ... sorry for bad quality):
Coming off ship in Naples, from Capri (another bad one):
I think this one's self-explanatory :
This one is in Rome again just off the Piazza Venezia:
This one was taken at noon today in Florence:
After lunch (in Florence), we decided it was worth an almost 200km trip, just to take this picture (amongst many others):
... and last but not least a night shot after we returned to Florence from Pisa:
That's it for now, I am hoping that you like them.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,254
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,254 |
incredible pics bedouin ,thanks for the update . ride safe man
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,012
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,012 |
/Johann
Gooseman
Bonneville America 904 Black/Silver
Triumph Tiger 1050 Black
Ducati Multistrada 1200s
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 166
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 166 |
The pictures look great. Looks like you two are have a great time. I have two questions for you. 1. How is the touring seat holding up for both you and the passenger? Is it comfortable for those long days in the saddle? 2. What brand of tank bag is that. I've been looking for one that will fit the America and am having a hard time finding one. Ride safe and have a great trip.
Doesn't everybody's life revolve around food?
"Remember,
People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than motorcycle gangs."
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 760
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 760 |
Thanassis, you lucky, lucky guy and to have a GF along to enjoy it with. I would just love to do what you are doing. However, I will just have to live through your wonderful pictures. Thanks a million and have a safe trip Pard. Dave
04 SpeedMaster, Windvest Screen, Leatherworks Bags.
F&AM, WM 3 times
Rifle & Pistol Competitor
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Just got a PM from our intrepid traveler, and he was sitting (well he was several hours ago I imagine!) at the Cafe Tombosi in Munich drinking an Espresso and snapping some photos. Lucky dog!! This is a VERY cool place to people watch in Munich and catch some sun while drinking a 1/2 liter of Hefeweizen or an Espresso (i stick to the liquid bread, although their coffee is excellent!) OK, I'm going to go see if I can bleach out some of the Envious as HE## Green now...
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 919
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 919 |
Glad Thanassis has not run into any of the bad weather we are getting here at the moment... 
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
I'll bet he's having the time of his life!
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29
Loquacious
|
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29 |
Quote:
OK, I'm going to go see if I can bleach out some of the Envious as HE## Green now...
Well Greg, it was YOUR recommendation a month or so ago (I have it in writing on the 'A Greek Tragedy' thread) so I just thought I would PM you from there (Tambosi's) to ... thank you!
By the way, you were absolutely right both about Tambosi's and Odeonplatz.
Not to rub it in even more but here are some pictures ...
The front side of Luigi Tambosi's Cafe:
The rear side (garden):
The menu (nothing really special but what was there was great!):
Like I said previously, this is not the ride report but here are some pictures of the bike in different locations.
This is on the highway just after the Brenner pass nearing Innsbruck in Austria.
The next two are in Munich:
This is a beauty I thought I would include:
Quote:
Glad Thanassis has not run into any of the bad weather we are getting here at the moment...
Dave, just as I left the centre (Munich) for the hotel an hour or so ago it started pouring down and I got soaked. I hope this doesn't continue tomorrow ...
Simmer + Oldroadie,
Yes I am having a great time with good company. I have done numerous long trips in my time
but this one so far is one of the best.
It's also several little things that have cropped up that have contributed immensely (some are hilarious - wait for ride report).
In this sense I consider myself both lucky and blessed.
Spiderfox,
I cant really comment on the touring seat as mine has 0.5cm extra padding (foam) added prior to it being covered in leather.
It does bring the driver about an inch forward as opposed to the standard Speedy seat.
I do however, get small complaints about the footpeg location (a little too high and too far back I think - I'll check again tomorrow as Kathy's sleeping right now - it's nearly 03:00 am here).
The tank-bag is a Clover - Wagon 06 and has 4 magnets which bearly attach properly because of the fuelcap console etc. I have attached velcro strips just for extra security and have had no problems.
Finally, I am hoping to visit the BMW headquarters and museum in the morning to take as many pictures as possible (if the museum is open as it was supposedly closed until recently for rennovations - hopefully it is now operational).
I suspect they have a history of all models displayed etc., which of course I intend to photograph.
What do you guys say, any interest to put them on here?
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
I consider myself blessed every time I get to camp out there, Summer or Winter (the place is a great escape from a cold rainy German evening as well, very warm and inviting), just a neat place. Glad you liked it, now I just have to win the lotto so I can make it over there with my bike and we can meet up there for a ride south through the Lakes and into Innsbruck (drove through that back in December, but from the Italian side, and WOW!
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Keeping tabs on this tread is a real treat, T-man.(of course as Greg said, the green-eyed monster on this side of these reports is a bit hard to take)
I hope you and Kathy can get inside the BMW museum. Judie and I some 15 years ago visited Munich, and we toured that museum. It's quite something to see. As I recall, all of the vehicles exhibited (including one of the most beautiful cars ever...the BMW 507) are suspended up against the circular wall of it's dome as you walk past them on an inclined path.
Keep these reports coming, and may you and Kathy have a safe(and dry) ride.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Keeping tabs on this tread is a real treat, T-man
You got that right.
I look forward to checking in on this vicarious ride through Europe.
(Time for that procrastinator's theme song: "Someday, Maybe")
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Ditto on the 507 Dwight. And dagnabit, next time I'm there in Germany, I'm going to find, no MAKE, the time and the funds to rent a Triumph. There's a Triumph dealer in Munich that I've visited called Rock und Ride, that rents Bonnies, Americas and so on for around 66 Euro a day or 169 Euro for a weekend. That works out to about $100 for a day to rent the bike from 11am to 11pm (for a day), and includes 180miles free. That would be plenty for a short jaunt down to Chiemsee or some place like that, or even just to tour around Munich on. The insurance might be a trick though, so I'd have to plan ahead, as they put a Security Deposit retainer of 2000 Euro on your credit card (about $2600) Still, it would be a blast. I have a buddy with an old R25 who is always planning to go riding with me, so I need to make this happen. I had another buddy who had a buddy who owned a dealership in Eisenach before i left Bosch, and we planned on doing a group ride to the Czech Republic (his buddy would basically cover the security deposit so it would just be rental and gas for me!), but I never made that happen and now will probably never get back that way. Man I need a lucky Lotto ticket...
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29
Loquacious
|
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29 |
In Nuremburg right now after leaving very much later than planned from Munich. We had rain all the way (including hail) to Nuremburg and I am told that the next few days will be the same.  We visited the Olympic Park and the BMW HQ and Museum and I will be starting a new thread on the BMW museum shortly. In the meantime, below are a few more pictures of the bike in Munich:  At the Olympic Tower (Olympic Park - Munich):  ... and another one jus to give you an idea of size:  Tomorrow's menu includes Berlin if all goes well.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541 |
Excellent pictures. Looks like you are having a great time. I am green with envy.  Quote:
Finally, I am hoping to visit the BMW headquarters and museum in the morning. I suspect they have a history of all models displayed etc., which of course I intend to photograph.
What do you guys say, any interest to put them on here?
I would love to see pictures of the BMW museum. So my vote is YES, please print them here.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Mark, IF I had my druthers, I'd fly right over there now and hunt him down and beat him... To a nice cold glass of bier...
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29
Loquacious
|
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,516 Likes: 29 |
Just a quick update ... We finally got to Berlin from Nuremberg at dawn this morning (Tuesday) after a pretty hectic night ride. Route to date: Athens -> Patras Ferry Patras -> Bari Bari -> Sorrento Sorrento Ferry -> Capri Capri Ferry -> Naples -> Pompei Pompei -> Naples Naples -> Rome Rome -> Firenze (Florence) Firenze -> Pisa (new addition) -> Firenze Firenze -> Innsbruck (Austria) - Munich Munich -> Nuremberg Nuremberg -> Berlin.  Just a few more pictures of the bike ... ... from Nuremberg yesterday:    and from Berlin today:       We leave Berlin tomorrow and head for the port of Rostock (approx. 230 km north of Berlin) for ferry across to Gedser (Denmark) and then onwards to Copenhagen. 
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 432
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 432 |
WOW! I have never seen such as this on any other blog! absolutely wonderful!
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
Please keep up the GREAT photo and text report.
I'm sure everyone is enjoying it as much as I am!
Those last nightime pics from Berlin are brilliant!
Uncle Charlie
|
|
|
Re: May I go now???
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 111
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 111 |
hey really great pics and story love the tasteful mods to the bike ie handlebars and tank badge etc etc safe riding and hope it is all sunshine for you
|
|
|
|
|
