Man, that is going to be an awesome trip. I lived in Germany from 81-86, and again 90-93. I loved it. I would like to go back one day. I have never been to Norway, but I have been about everywhere else. Enjoy the trip!!!

 

SBM, did you carry your own straps for securing the bike? Someone else recommended I take my own. If you did, did you need special straps or will any cargo strap work?

Thanks.

 

Will hit Kristiansand on the 23rd. Are you nearby?

 

Can anyone recommend a good hotel in Frankfurt and Berlin? Preferably a place with a garage for my bike. Thanks.

 

Lord A -
Looked at your itinerary and had a few thoughts I can share with you...
If you're a seasoned euro traveller - then my apologies.

You mention a GPS and cell phones. Make sure you have the Europe and Scandinavian maps loaded in memory - these maps can be pretty expensive so you might want to consider buying a euro-unit in the arrival airport duty free shops. Make sure your cell phone is a quad-band (world phone). The frequencies here are different from the US. Also make sure your carrier (AT&T, Verizon, etc) has enabled international roaming for your account.

If you have never used your ATM card internationally, make sure your bank knows you will be using it on a regular basis outside of the US. Use the card for most of your purchases and to get the best rates on cash in local currencies. Bring at least 2 if you can. Sometimes one will not process for reasons unknown...

Don't plan on buying a lot of clothing as you go - it's extremely expensive in Europe and Scandinavia. Your best bet is a few outfits in synthetic fabrics. You can wash in the sink in the evening and they will be dry in the morning. Cotton stuff is the worst to deal with.

A half cover for your ride will be plenty.

The weather where you'll be riding can be unpredictable. Last summer was cold and wet in the Netherlands and parts of Germany. It wasn't too bad in Norway but the summer of 2007 was the coldest and wettest in 100 years. Just be prepared with good rain gear and something warm underneath. On the positive side - you'll be riding in June in Scandinavia so be prepared for sunrises around 3:00 am and sunsets around 11:00 pm.

Be aware the traffic laws are different here... I don't have a bike here but all cars in Norway are required to have a safety vest and triangle in the passenger compartment. There are plenty of members here who live and ride in the countries you are visiting that can fill you in on the details. DUI regulations are very strict. One beer will put you over the limit in Norway for example. The police regularly conduct traffic stops on weekends.

Bring 2 ratchet straps for the ferries. Queue up to load with the other bikers if you can. Don't waste your money on the first class ferry tickets. I would recommend that you book online in advance to get a guaranteed spot on a particular boat. The ferries beween Kristiansand and Hirtshals are very busy in the summer. And here's a tip - the aft (back) third of the ferry is usually where the ride is the smoothest - and also where the bar is... Just don't over do it (remembr the DUI stuff).

Good luck and have a great time!

 

Oh yeah - forgot to mention the traffic cameras - Watch your speed!!!
And keep a sharp eye out for moose in Sweden and Norway... they can really ruin your day!

 

Hi again :-) I live approx 50 km from Kristiansand. Is it the 23rd of June you are coming?

 

Don't forget the small air pump for the air shocks. Also a kit to plug a tire in case of a flat.

 

Not saying you can count on this but I've made four ferry crossings over there and the boat's crew always supplied the straps. Been on numerous ferries in an auto and seen other bikes and the crew had straps for them. These are the two inch nylon cargo straps like we use in the military. Ferries can get a little bouncy so they straped them down good.

Be very careful while driving on the decks (above or below), lots of oil from leaking cars mixed with a little water from spray or being hosed off.

Bikes are usually taken care of as a group to themselves for loading on the ferries. Normally bikes are loaded first since they can move out on their way more quickly than the autos and trucks and don't slow others down.

Keep your passport with you at all times, and some cash.

Like the thief said in Casablanca, "Vultures, vultures everywhere"!

Sport bikes and BMW'ers are dime a dozen in Europe, if your on a Hog you'll draw attention and in some places a small crowd.

The larger cities you'll see in Germany can be very fast paced, no your right-of-ways and your road signs well.

I didn't read if you were riding with anyone from there, if not; speaking for Germany, they (on the autobahn) have fuel stations/rest stops every 30-50 miles or so. Mainly just one brand per reststop, normally split up by truckers serviced on one side and autos/bikes on the other. And normally at these stops they'll have a small diner or "Imbiss"-(These are standup hotdog fast food type joints) and a actual restroom. The restroom is normally cleaned by an older woman who sits outside the door at a little table and it is expected that you put a few coins on her plate. She maintains it so pretty much that's how she gets paid.

There are numerous more reststops along the autobahns with no services, NONE! If you have to take a leak you do it near a bush, but don't walk to far because many people will have dropped a deuce and you may find it with your boot

Food/Beer:

Weizen is the beer of choice in Bavaria and is highly regarded all over. The further north you go you will find Pils in plenty. You can find both everywhere but there is a shift in quantities like I said. Take advantage of your regions where you can, swill all the Weizen you can down south, normally served with a little slice of lemon. Hefeweizen is often thick and murky (ummm good, I've had it I swear with pieces the size of hay floating throughout it, hard to beat Kristalweizen is clear, excellent too, but if I was there I'd gorge on the Hefe like an Israelite on manna

Pils can be mild to in your face herbal. Most are great to greater, have no fear and drink like a drowning man

Jager schnitzel means brown gravy with mushrooms. Pannes schnitzel means just a fried in a skillet piece of pork, same meat, just fried often in just butter. Umm, butter

You should really eat as many "Doner's-Gyro's_Kebobs" as you can. No matter what they call it, most of them (often run by Turks) are the best in the world!!! Ummmm, Gyro's !!!!!

Lots to say about traveling there, hope you have a good safe time and hope you report back on this trip.

You are gonna have a Ball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

P.S. They run the cargo strap right across the seat to the deck. One strap was all it ever took. It's not like little cargo straps to any other point on your bike.

These guys are there for speed, in and out and turn the ship around.