The Camera Ride Bavaria on 20hp a day

Last month I told you about my plans for a trip through France, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. Well, it happened and I came home with a big grin! But what happened along the way?

- David Champion

There are some things that people do, which, if you analysed them, don’t make much sense. They fall into the category of, ‘If you have to ask, there is probably no point in me trying to explain it.’ Here are three examples:

1) Motorcycling. It can be cold, wet and slightly uncomfortable.

2) Camping. It can be cold, wet and slightly uncomfortable.

3) Taking black and white photographs on film with a 70-year-old camera is another one, but the reasons are obviously slightly different.

People who understand, and don’t need to ask, should appreciate my ongoing tale of a European trip which features all three of these activities.

Planning for a trip is really important these days if you don’t want to have it ruined by a chance encounter with bureaucracy. I am willing to admit that I am not big on planning, but I did spend several evenings researching, to make sure that I had all the right bits of paper before I left (more about this in the final instalment).

My journey started with the 80-mile ride to Folkestone. I set off early on June 25 to catch the 10:45 Shuttle, which meant getting there by 09:45. Getting up early is not something that comes naturally to me but setting off early does mean the roads are enjoyably quiet. If only dawn could be a bit later in the day!

The Enfield and I soon settle down and enjoy the views over the Weald of Kent. The most complicated part of the journey was navigating the twists and turns of the Eurotunnel terminal, but I am soon through the automated check-in and leaning casually against the rail car wall, along with several other bikers who had arrived on a variety of bikes, all much larger than the Bullet.