Driving motorbike around Europe in 2008

EUROPE 2008

Motorcycle: Ducati ST3

Where: Remshart, Germany to Sagres, Portugal and then to Orkney, Scotland and back to Remshart

When, how long and how far: June to August 2008, approx. six weeks with a three week break in the middle and 9,200km total distance.

Comments: Made a big decision and brought a new ST3 from Stuttgart at a bargain price in the name of my old German mate Georg, who also registered and insured it in his name. Had initial electrical trouble, which led to partial replacement of some components under warranty in Annecy, France, which took a few days. This has been the only maintenance issue with the ST3 since, apart from replacing tires, the chain, the battery, and the steering shaft bearings. Stayed with or met various Ducati owner’s club members in Spain and Portugal following emails sent earlier. Had three weeks break leaving ST3 with a friend in London to do a TTMS job in Mozambique. Continued on, and met up with my wife in Tuscany near the end of trip. Left ST3 in Georg’s garage, and deregistered / insured it as per all following years. Accommodation ranged from camping, friend’s homes, B & B, hostels, and cheap hotels, as in all future trips.

Route map: Remshart / Annecy / Bilboa / Sagres / Lisbon / Paris / Amsterdam / London / Scarborough / Orkney / Birmingham / London / Alps / Greve in Chianti / Alps / Remshart