Day 8: Saarbrucken, Germany to Bouillon, Belgium
An early start, we jump on the highway leaving Saarbrucken. We're in the slow lane doing 110km/h when a 5-series BMW flies by us at around 200... then it hits me... we're on the Autobahn! I get on the gas hard and get it up to about 160 when the bike really starts to rattle and kick back, thanks to the horrible aerodynamics of our setup. I bring the speed back down and can't get the big grin off my face - first time on the autobahn... and I thought I wouldn't get the chance this trip.
Getting lost somewhere in Germany... our original route was closed off so we were on a detour.
Still in Germany as we approach the border of Luxembourg.
Windmills along the roads.
After passing through the heart of Luxembourg, we're back in the country approaching Belgium and the Ardennes forest.
In the heart of the Ardennes, heading toward Bouillon, we spot an opening in the trees. We U-turn and loop around - it turned out to be the perfect view of the Semois river.
The road would continue down through the forest. Would have loved to explore, but short for time we'd have to get back on the main road.
Arriving in the small medieval town of Bouillon as the sun is setting.
Across the way.
Settling in to our hotel Panorama.
Enjoying local Belgium beer on the patio out front (note the illustration on the beer glass)...
...and the great view across the way. The medieval castle was built in the 10th century - we'd be sure to visit it the next morning before leaving this incredible spot tucked away in the Ardennes.
Taking a walk through the village we cross the Semois, looking back towards our hotel.
We'd grab dinner soon after, having another great local beer. Back at our own hotel later that night, we'd spend some time in the main lobby area, trip planning using the hotel wifi alongside a group of 10 or so (now drunk) cyclists from Canada.
Day 8 riding video:
Starting off on the Autobahn in Germany and riding through Luxembourg to Belgium.
[video=vimeo;62114773]http://vimeo.com/62114773[/video]
An early start, we jump on the highway leaving Saarbrucken. We're in the slow lane doing 110km/h when a 5-series BMW flies by us at around 200... then it hits me... we're on the Autobahn! I get on the gas hard and get it up to about 160 when the bike really starts to rattle and kick back, thanks to the horrible aerodynamics of our setup. I bring the speed back down and can't get the big grin off my face - first time on the autobahn... and I thought I wouldn't get the chance this trip.
Getting lost somewhere in Germany... our original route was closed off so we were on a detour.
Still in Germany as we approach the border of Luxembourg.
Windmills along the roads.
After passing through the heart of Luxembourg, we're back in the country approaching Belgium and the Ardennes forest.
In the heart of the Ardennes, heading toward Bouillon, we spot an opening in the trees. We U-turn and loop around - it turned out to be the perfect view of the Semois river.
The road would continue down through the forest. Would have loved to explore, but short for time we'd have to get back on the main road.
Arriving in the small medieval town of Bouillon as the sun is setting.
Across the way.
Settling in to our hotel Panorama.
Enjoying local Belgium beer on the patio out front (note the illustration on the beer glass)...
...and the great view across the way. The medieval castle was built in the 10th century - we'd be sure to visit it the next morning before leaving this incredible spot tucked away in the Ardennes.
Taking a walk through the village we cross the Semois, looking back towards our hotel.
We'd grab dinner soon after, having another great local beer. Back at our own hotel later that night, we'd spend some time in the main lobby area, trip planning using the hotel wifi alongside a group of 10 or so (now drunk) cyclists from Canada.
Day 8 riding video:
Starting off on the Autobahn in Germany and riding through Luxembourg to Belgium.
[video=vimeo;62114773]http://vimeo.com/62114773[/video]
