So.... Back to the narration.
With changed plans and like Stefan said... weather was perfect in Heidelberg. But first the bike need to start and then to get gas. With the battery connected and me in my riding suit, helmet, gloves and boots - I opened the fuel peacocks, inserted the key, turned the ignition and pressed star button. The bike at first did not even cough. I tried again and yet nothing. Then again. And again. I pet the tank of the bike and asked her to start in the only silent communication we have ever had. I pressed the start again and she finally burped. I opened the choke, closed the chose, twisted the throttle and pressed the start.. Vilia kicked and snorted to life. I pet her with my left hand and rev'd her a slight bit so she would not sputter out. With less than liter of fuel and both fuel cocks open, I kicked her off the stand and took her down the drive way, waving to my new friends, I made a slow testing roll and out the gate, down the street and into Germany. My first ride ever in Europe began.
I slowly puttered down the lanes, got to a small road that ran along side a piece of farmed, kicked it into third gear. The bike purred and was a-grin. Me and my bike - we were doing it! I rode for 2 miles when I came across the first gas station I saw, pulled in along side the pumps to a stop, cut the ignition, got off the bike kicking the new tailback with my foot, catching myself & the bike and finally with my feet under me control to put her on the center stand down.
Since I never bought gas in Germany and don't speak any German... I studied the nossles for a few minutes to even figure out what was what. I notice the fueling. Diesel turns out to be the black ones and the gas was another color. I was stymied by the gas grades. I walked into the store to purchase the fuel and walked up to the counter. I said with a big smile 30 euros on 5. but instead a funny look from the Frau behind the counter... she laughed and gestured I must pump first. Oh, laughing at my new foolishness... I backed out door and went to the pump, stared at it making sure I got a passing gas for the bike and picked the non ethanol regular. (I have learned you have to be on the look out for high grade gas wherever you go). I pumped nearly a full tank - for a total of 38 euros. Went back inside and payed the lady out of the roll of euros I had. She asked in very broken English if I was British. I said "No, I am Californian!" Californians she said... no. American. I said yes, "Californian!" We both laughed and waved good bye as I left through the door and she back.
i walked over the the bike now properly ready and put my iPhone on Map mode and slid it into the ram holder. Popped in the charging cable. Typed in Basel, Switzerland and pressed go on the gps and then the bike. The bike started right up. I took it off the stand, hopped on noting my foot and started to follow the iPhone maps directions to the Autobahn and points south. (it was advised by Stefan that I move clear of the urbanness before going on to lane roads) I was on the fast highway I think in 2 minutes and rolling south at speed with traffic. All was good.
Here pictured below I made a brief stop along side the autobahn rest stop to adjust the mirrors which were whacked during shipping and were wiggling under speed. I needed to clear the bags to get to the tools under the seat. I was thrilled to be moving forward.
Took the autobahn for about 25 minutes then got off and hit the gem of a road 500 a narrow 2 lane path through the heart of the Black Forest. Some of the best roads for biking and driving. Actually one could spend a week here just driving or riding and never be disappointed in their choice.
I always brake in corners and think how I am going to get home if I really mess up. When I get home, I wished that I hadn't used my brakes and should have ridden a bit further.
