Hi, Just thought I would share a few pictures from the latest trip from Zurich to Amsterdam. I split the journey up with a stopover in Luxembourg. When I usually ride across France I like to use the least amount of motorway possible and concentrate on the smaller national roads. Generally I find little traffic on the roads and you can make some progress if you wish. The bike had just had its 12,000km service about a week before and I was ready to leave early on 01[SUP]st[/SUP] August. My route is Zurich to Basel via the motorway and then I used some of the free section of motorway that runs from Basel to Strasbourg (A35). I cut through Mulhouse to pick up the D430 that runs through the Vosges mountain range. the start of the D430 - nice stretch of road from here to the top. Follow this road to the top and you get a great view of the surrounding area Continue along this road until it joins with the D417 and make your way down to Gérardmer. the lake in Gérardmer There are a lot of camp sites around this town, so could be a potential stopping off point if you’re travelling near to this area. In winter it becomes a ski area (no idea how good it is). From here I went north west on the D423 towards Bruyères. Next up was the D48 to Rambervillers, D414/D914 to Lunéville. Then it was the D70/D21A towards Delme. I then followed the road towards Metz but bypassed the middle of the city and onwards to Thionville. Then it was then the A31 straight into Luxembourg. somewhere in France...... Had a walk around Luxembourg which I would recommend as a stopover city. Hotel manager where I stayed also gave me his own parking space for the bike – nice when you get some goodwill gestures like that. The one important thing to do if you travel to Luxembourg is make sure you fill up before you leave the country as the fuel is about €1.30 ish and much cheaper than in Belgium! Somewhere in Belgium. I did go by the Spa Francorchamps circuit and was able to get a glimpse through the trees but didn’t think it was worth a photo. Once I crossed into Holland it was motorway all the way to Amsterdam. Not much to report on there. I did the return to Zurich in 1 day, 800km of motorway and some varied cruising in Germany to make sure I got home in good time! I was trying to balance economy and speed. Problems/Complaints :wink: Distance covered: c. 1,600km Sport Mode + Me + rural French roads is not a good recipe for long term wellbeing. I am still shocked how quick this bike can cover ground even after all these months. No problems with the Angel GTs, will post an update in a couple of weeks just to keep the other thread alive and up to date. Got some rain, probably the only rain in Germany, on the return leg and had no slips or slides. I’m putting too much mileage on this bike. 14,000km in nearly 12 months of ownership but you have to remember that the bike was not used for 6 months due to weather/winter. If anyone wants info on the route through France just get in touch. Other than that, no issues with the bike, I was happy with the fuel consumption for the whole trip. Thanks for reading. Gio
Hi Gio! I'm from Luxembourg Ducati Club, next time you want to ride through Luxembourg just give us a call and we will arrange a nice trip through our small country! :wink: Oli.
Lovely write up. I passed through Gerardmer on my way to Colmar in June this year. You cant go wrong for decent roads in that part of the country.
thanks for the post but I don't think your mileage is too high. I've put 6,500 miles (10km+) on mine in under four months. It's a bike that demands to be ridden. Not kept in a garage to be admired and brought out for posing in the sunshine, as so many Ducatis seem to be (how else can you explain the incredibly low mileages of some models offered for sale?).
Gio great write up and pics and how nice of Oli to offer to arrange something for you next time you are there. This is what motorcycling is all about the friendship. Regards Steve
It may not be too high but considering the average Swiss rider only does about 3,000km per year I know that I'm going to take a hit when I want to sell/upgrade. Selling privately won't be too easy either! I remember my first bike and I put 8,000 miles on that in the first year of ownership (when I was in the UK) and got the usual dealer statement that it's too high mileage etc.... Fully agree with you that this is a bike to be ridden and not left in a garage. Was in the Black Forest on Saturday, great roads and good weather.
