In May of last year, a trip to the Nuremberg ring was hastily planned. "Let's shoot over, via Luxembourg and get a day on the 'ring ". Great idea we thought, but then the usual mid European weather took over, and although the scenery was great, cruising down mountain highways on bald Metzler Z1s was an interesting experience, and not one I am in any hurry to repeat.

At the bottom of one of the passes, standing by the banks of the Mosel River, and "yes, we *are* having fun"

It may have been a little damp and cold, but the views as you cruise alongside the river are still pretty staggering. Could do without the odd aquaplane though.

Of course, no long journey would be complete without Jim giving us a demonstration of how to crash a bike...

.... and get away with it. I don't know which of his 9 lives this one was, but I don't think there's many left. He found the *only* break in the trees that didn't lead to a sheer drop. Just a Hawthorn bush instead.

We relaxed a little, and got to the campsite where the other bike club members had already gotten settled in. It seems that during the night the large array of big boys toys had been rather friendly with each other, and we're wondering whether the R1 is about to give birth to an R6 or not. Danny is curious, as he's heard about the "birds and bees", but never seen a real motorbike give birth. Philip's seen it all before, and Don's cradling the tyre in hands trying to ease the swingarm through. The girls are just trying to work out what it is that makes grown men behave like school kids. Give them a few years, and they'll get a better understanding.

Later that night, beer was drunk, food was eaten, and Philip tried to get Don to play some games with him. He succeeded in this game. "Trust me" it appeared fairly innocuous, so there seemed no reason to worry. But to the best of my knowledge, Don backed out of *this* game ... .... but if anyone knows any better, I'm sure a blackmail deal could be struck.