After both of us bought our bikes, we needed to get some gravel experience. And even though he´ll deny it Stefan told me about the Trans European Trail – TET – which is a collection of legal dirt roads in Europe. So bikes are ready, they do need the first 10k service to be done before we ship out to South America, let´s hit the TET.

The last two weeks in March were the dedicated timeslot. For me the first day of riding was a lame one as I just hit the motorway (GERMAN Autobahn A8 – Munich to Stuttgart) to meet at Stefans place. So the second day was the first real travel day and the goal was to get to Besancon. We have been there the year before, while I was going to Fontainebleau for bouldering. Anyway back then we had to stay far away from the city center so this time we wanted to explore the city.

First day and before the day ended we did try the first gravel and mud, with a bit of a – well – suboptimal outcome ;-). While dry gravel was no problem at all for the both of us, wetter, muddier gravel very much was. So about 500m on the muddy road, Stefan parked his bike on the side. It was bound to happen sooner or later, it happened sooner and it was kind of a bummer. Anyway we were not yet in Besancon and on we rode. Honestly i cannot remember if the bikes were dropped more often on that day, what i do remember though was a couple of riders which were doing the stretches of TET on the same bike. And i was thinking i would not get on the back of a bike on a non asphalt road. But with this couple she did and i guess the rider was much much more experienced than we were/are. The second memory that is still with me is the last bike drop of the day, directly in front of the hotel, while parking. Obviously that was a bit of a downer.
Second day now. Even though the first day ended not with a highlight we were hellbent on getting more dirt road experience. The weather was dry but still muddy. We met a group of trial bikers and watched them a bit. They even offered a try, which we refused, being enough to scratch our own bikes. Luckily not on the second day.
On the third day however we again followed a stretch of the TET and the bikes fell over on numerous occasions. No issues with the bikes, but our confidence in our abilities got a serious dent, and the first thoughts whether or not we took too big a bite flashed in our minds. By then we realized that mud means business.
Later in our trip the realization came that dry gravel is not to be trifled with either, especially if there are big rocks on the “road”. This led us to stop the gravel for a while and enjoy the nice and windy roads in France, and nice and windy roads we did find and it was fun.
Right after the border – after about 6 days of riding – we needed a break so Portbou got us for about 2 nights. Nice relaxed quiet town and the local water hole served us well.

The second part of the trip was mostly spent on the spanish side of the Pyrenees and that was simply beautiful. Mountains that i have had only seen from airplanes and now riding there was just amazing. The roads there fairly empty and so many bends that at one point I even thought a straight might have been nice for a change … well those thoughts went away quite fast.

Much more should be written about this trip, but as i am not writing a diary – well not back then i seriously need to start – i cannot remember all the details any more.

Few things that i remember are the French demonstrations we observed from a far in Lyon, and it was at times hard to find a fuel station that actually sold fuel. The Pyrenees are a magnificent place, definitely with the motorcycle but as well for hiking and cycling, both of which i have put on my bucket list. Gravel roads are not be trifled with and we need to get a lot more practice, which most likely will be a learning while doing experience. And for the trip we need to find a proper pace between riding and staying someplace. It is not like we do not have the time. Oh yeah and the last day started with really heavy winds and even heavier rains and at least my equipment (shoes and trousers) were not up to the task. The jacket was, but wet feat are no fun at all.

The overall trip were about ~4000 km.

Till next time, happy hacking everyone …