July 7 - Antwerp to Berlin

This morning we got the bikes out of the garage and this shows how we had to park - and it becomes very strategic and you always hope your bike is not parked in the back!  Thankfully mine was one of the first ones out. 

Today was a pre-ride day and all highways!  I did not take my GoPro with me as it was off and on raining and this was the first time I was really riding the bike!  

Well I can tell you that I am very impressed with the Sport Glide.  It has some pep and rides very nice on the highways others than you don’t have any shelter from the wind or the rain.  

Rain gear came in handy today as it rained off and on all day.  I did not get wet inside my rain gear which means it is doing its thing.  However for the first half hour I thought I was going to be chocked to death as my hood was filling up with air and pulling so hard I thought - this is it folks - dead of affixation by a rain coat on a bike doing 120 km/hr.  Well I was able to tuck it in and thankfully I am here to tell the tale.  LOL

I believe the ride itself was around 730 km from start to finish so it was a long day.  We had to pack a small overnight bag and take it with us - so just the necessities - nothing extra as they were not giving us access to the luggage truck as it just takes too much time at night and in the morning!  Well to say that I was expecting street glide with bigger saddle bags is very true so I had no room on my bike for my extra bag - so stupid me I packed it in with a very kind new rider and his daughter but they happen to be on the other group!  I arrived and just made the best of it - thankfully I was completely dry but took a shower to warm up and then met Connie and Eric at the bikes when they arrived.  It does not appear that they had as smooth a ride as we did but that is their story to tell and not mine.  

Tonight a buffet supper was included and it was delicious.  We meet in the garage at 8:00 am for a briefing and then off to Warsaw in the morning and the official start of the EPR!  First night will be a party so I am heading to bed somewhat early!