Hot hot hot!! 🥵
The route
The route goes from Neuenburg am Rhein, right across the border via the Rein to France. From there, parallel along the border to Basel, into Switzerland. The furthest point of our vacation will be Aarou, Switzerland, after which we will drive back to Neuenburg am Rhein via the Black Forest in Germany. All in all about 235 kilometers.
The sun was already burning brightly as we revved up our motorcycles, ready for the adventure ahead. The six of us – helmets on, leather clothing – set off on our motorcycles, seeking the promise of winding roads and distant horizons.
Our first pit stop was a gas station. As I filled my tank, I noticed that the pump did not shut off automatically. Gasoline overflowed and I cursed my distraction. A lesson learned: never look at the pump, even when the road beckons.
The heat was relentless; over 33°C!. Our motorcycle suits were sticking to our skin and sweat was dripping from our foreheads. But the discomfort was a small price to pay for the thrill of the ride. We leaned into the turns, tires gripping the asphalt, adrenaline pumping. Curves, hairpins, climbs and descents – the road offered it all.
Confusion reigned in Basel, Switzerland. Unclear signs and intersecting overpasses separated our group. We regrouped and laughed at wrong turns and missed exits. The adventure lay not only in the destination, but also in the unexpected detours.
In Aarau – Our furthest point from home this vacation – we had to take a moment to put a sticker on the town sign and take a picture of it. 2 of our mates were taking part in a competition of their local motorcycle club, who is the furthest from home.
Neuenburg am Rhein welcomed us – a town on the border. We crossed the Rein into France, through the mountainous Vosges Mountains. Then across the Rein again back to Switzerland. This time over a small, narrow bridge. Three countries in one day.
At the end of the day, we had a lovely dinner on the terrace of a steakhouse. This one was on a square where a Ferris wheel was being built, so we had something to watch while we ate. Of course we had to get another ice cream after dinner. That goes with this hot weather, right?
Motorcycle tour to southern Germany and Luxembourg – Day 3