16 -21 June 2008

Well if there was going to be any negative comment about the organisation of this very first
Classic Tour then it certainly wouldn't have been justified being based upon the weather.
Because we had plenty of rain the first evening at the Base Camp I
near to the Rhine falls in Flaach - Switzerland.
The organisers spirits were certainly not dampened!
And speaking from personal experience, "no one can organise the weather!"

 
The Organisers Camille - Martine & Vic

 Some 100 participants from Portugal, Poland, Denmark, United Kingdom,
Germany, Holland, Belgium,  Luxembourg and Switzerland, and their machines,
some over 30 years old ranging from 1000's, 1100's & 1200,
trikes & combinations and trailers got off to a wet start.


 The Swiss Owner of this invalid carriage didn't get signed in but it was a close call....
See the name of this vehicle!


Base Camp II in Germany's Black forest
 
300+ Kms on day one through the cloudy and rain swept Black Forest
in Germany put us down at base camp II.
Our host Ralph laid on a super spread his hospitality was exceptional.
At 2 Euro a half litre bottle of beer one certainly was well chuffed.


The main colour theme which followed us throughout the tour
was orange and as there were plenty of Dutch participating
each evening saw them don their colours to celebrate the football Euro matches.


Antonio from Portugal on his 1100 interstate clocked in a cool 2300 kms
 to be the furthest travelled from Porto to base camp I.


Camille-one of the organisers...it always happens to the best of us...!
was one of the first to hit technical problems.
His rear break flex hose got scuffed out by the back tyre after coming loose from its housing.
Thank goodness it didn't let go when coming down the pass!

Other riders problems ranging from final differential breakdown,
drive shaft problem, puncture, and snapped clutch cable made for a good start.
Most of these problems were repaired by the start of day three.

Day two 250 kms took us into French Alsace and to base camp III


En-route in France - Mickey Mouse riders Jed & Gino!
 
The weather by day three had took a change for the best riding conditions
since leaving Switzerland. By the time we reached the French base camp
the cold 1664 and Kronenbourg was flowing freely.
We were also treated to some medieval French music at a roast chicken dinner.


Relaxing in the cool evening

Day three saw us head off up north on a 250 kms+ skirmish to invade
Luxembourg where we were once again greeted to some over-night rain
 and see Portugal get beaten by the Germans!

 
Uwe and I gave Antonio a little moral support after the match!


Luxembourg speciality -  fox-burgers!!
 
Day IV saw us on our way on another 300 + Kms day and into Belgium.
A sweltering hot day and great riding through the south Ardennes.

 
Lunch in Durbuy and Pastis Apéro on base camp got right up our noses,
but the Duvel was to reign by closing time.


 
Which caused a late start for day V into Holland and a reasonable 250+ kms
ride through the North Ardennes and up to Eindhoven in fine riding weather.

 
There are some incredible and moving cemetery's and war memorials
in this particular region and lots of signs from the Battle of the Bulge to be seen on this day.
Of course Holland wouldn't be Holland without Windmills and Dutch girls in national Dress...
although this young lady didn't have her clog's on.


Almost had my name up on this banner!

 
At the Final Base camp just out side Eindhoven the Classics struck base camp for the final time.
The group I was riding with Gino, Ivan and Alex from Belgium, celebrated in style...
Alex even got his pitch wrapped up to celebrate his birthday.

    
And we all had our just deserts.......especially Alex!

The Dutch lost that evening to Russia

  
Antonio was well chuffed with his awards.
Presentations made by Vic, Camille, Martine and Alex.
The participants feasted well at the last dinner.
Unluckiest Participant was Jean (moped) Pierre who blew a cylinder gasket 50 kms from the finish...
He and his bike were brought into the final base camp in the back of a horse box :) !


Most of the Classic group

All in all the Classic Tour 2008 was well organised for the very first attempt.
The tour route info was excellent as were the tour routes.
Although maybe you would like to consider finishing in Luxembourg next time Camille and Vic.
The base camps were of a good standard.
The breakfasts were 90% good and all evening meals which a few had a slant on chicken were excellent...
Especially the finishing buffet in Holland.
The atmosphere between all participants was really good.

I take this chance to thank Camille Martine and Vic for their efforts.

I am really looking forward to the next Classic Tour.

"Bravo"

Jed

PS: I left the final base camp in Holland at 5.30 am and was home
at 14.00 hrs. 8 and half hours 905 kms door to door.
Come to think of it,
I should have made some arrangements to organise an application to do a European Butt attempt...
Aahhh well maybe next time!