Amsterdam, North Holland, NetherlandsHi Everyone,
The other day, while checking my blog site, I noticed that I have a number of new readers. As I only recognised a few names, I think I should take this opportunity to welcome them and provide a short introduction for the benefit of those who don’t know me.
My name and details are on the starting page. I live In the south-eastern part of Brisbane, in an area called “The Redlands.” with my partner Paula and my "steppie" Amy. A great place to live with Australia’s best sub-tropical climate, which means on average 300 sunny days a year and never too hot or too cold.
Our city is surrounded by mountains. The are not very high (up to 500 meters) but close by and a pleasure to ride.
I have a motorcycle at home and another one permanently parked in The Netherlands, which I try to use every year.
I started this blog in 2013 when I undertook the longest trip ever. (Singapore to Amsterdam without flying) I wanted to share my experiences with family and close friends, thereby avoiding having to write multiple emails. I now have several hundred readers, the majority I don’t know.
I only
write blogs when I classify a journey as “Adventure travel”. Last Sept for example,
Paula, Amy, my grandson Lucas and I travelled to Florida-USA, for two weeks and
enjoyed Disney World. We didn’t travel around much, so I didn’t do a blog. I also
wanted to spend time with my family and not sitting behind a laptop. (besides
that it would not be interesting reading material.)
My love for motorcycles started over 50 years ago at the age of 17 and 9 months when I purchased my first motorcycle, which was a 600 cc BMW with a sidecar. Looking back, I think I have never been without a motorcycle since.
Riding is in my blood, so to speak. I know that many people are at a loss why anyone would ride a bike, especially long distances, often subject ever-changing weather conditions and temperatures.
For most motorcycle riders their motivation comes from the thrill of the ride and not the destination. That is why they choose twisting roads and cross high mountain passes in preference to freeways and tunnels.
Riding activated all of your senses. You can smell the countryside and feel the change in temperature when you change from open fields to forest areas; you are more aware of your surroundings, the weather, wind and road conditions.
I think for a non-rider the closest you could come to a motorcycle experience is driving an open sports car and just go for drive during the weekend.
Writing a blog has another advantage as you notice more of your surroundings. Often I think “That would be interesting to write about” (for example, in my last blog, I photographed and wrote about those large anthills we passed.)
The next journey.... I can't tell you yet where I will be going.
I always have several plans. Usually, a day before I ride off I check the weather patterns and then decide which plan to follow.
For this trip, I have planned and booked the first 6 days (Germany), and from there, I head east, but that can easily change.
Meanwhile, I have decided to update my bike. The old BMW has done well and is mechanically (133.000 km) still very good. These bikes are almost indestructible. However, at the age of 25 years, it is the electrical wiring and components I don’t trust so much anymore.
So out with the old and welcome to a not so old (2008, 52.000 km) BMW replacement.
I like to share my journey with you and hope that you get some enjoyment out of reading the pages.
Please feel free to leave comments, I read them all, but the webpage does provide me with the opportunity to direct a reply to an individual message.
Written from Brisbane airport and on my way the Europe
Regards Richard
Anneke Plevier
2019-05-21
Goeie reis morgen! Zal je volgen hoor op travelark
Robert van Leeuwen
2019-05-21
Goede reis maat, tot straks
Harry
2019-05-21
Happy travels and enjoy Germany. My home country for the last ten years now.
Cobie
2019-05-21
Hoi Richard, veel plezier op deze trip. Wellicht zien we je nog voor een kop koffie. Goeie reis!
Christiane from Austra
2019-05-21
Hi Richard, we are off to Portugal the 26th, will we see us in July? Hello to Ami Christiane
Shane G
2019-05-21
Enjoy your trip Richard
Craig Wilson
2019-05-21
Always great reading mate enjoy your trip stay safe
Paula Spicer
2019-05-21
Enjoy your trip Richard, the housework can wait until you get backxxxx
Hans van der Drift
2019-05-22
HI MATE HAVE A GREAT TRIP AND STAY SAVE I LOOK FORWARD HAVING THAT COFFE WHEN YOUR BACK
Brad
2019-05-22
Hi Richard, Thanks for leaving the note and card with the details of your blog. Have a good trip see you when you get home.
Arno
2019-05-27
Hi Richard An interesting encounter on a highway with people on a highway? No way! On winding small roads there are many.. Keep you and her rolling..