Visiting Europe June 2017!

This post is both an announcement and a invitation for input.  

I will be starting my first trip out of the USA on June 2, 2017 as I fly out of Dallas Milan, Italy and I am so excited!

Received my first passport

My trip will be divided into three distinct stages.  Each stage has its own purpose, atmosphere and flavor.  The stages have been moderately planned, but I welcome input concerning sites, restaurants, roads, tips, suggestions...

Mugello Circuit - photo from MotoGP.com

Stage 1 - solo - June 3-5:
MotoGP race at  Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello (Mugello Circuit)
I will arrive in Milan on the 3rd and ride a train to Florence where I will stay two nights and attend the races on Sunday the 4th.  Early Monday the 5th I will fly to London for second stage of the trip.

Valentino Rossi's bike at Circuit of the Americas - April 2015

Stage 2 - meeting four friends - June 5-16: World War II tour 
We will spend two days and nights in London visiting numerous sites including the Imperial War Museums. On Wednesday the 7th the Chunnel will take us to Paris for one night and a visit to the Eiffel Tower.

The Texas version of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas

Thursday we will rent a vehicle and visit the Palace of Versailles on our way to the Normandy area where we will stay three nights and visit the beaches, museums, memorials and the Normandy American Cemetery.

Normandy beach - photo by Leland Giles co-owner of Moto Oz

On Sunday June 11th we will drive to Bastogne in Belgium and spend one night.  This is an area where my dad, Pfc Wendell A. Osburn, marched with his platoon during the war on their way to Germany.  His platoon replace men loss during the Battle of the Bulge.  It was later in the forests of Germany he was shot.

US Army PFC Wendell A Osburn - 2010

We will travel to Luxenburg for a night before return the vehicle to Paris on Tuesday the 13th and flying out to Munich.  We will spend three nights in Germany and visit Dachau, Eagle's Nest, Neuschwanstein Castle and other sites.

Road to Eagle's Nest - photo by dangerousroad.org

The Alps in Germany - photo by wikimedia.org

Stage 2 - meeting a friend from the USA in Milan - June 16 - 25: Riding the Alps
Brian and I will meet in Milan and rent motorcycles to ride in the Alps for a week.  We will ride Stelvio Pass, Susten Pass and more.

Stelvio Pass - photo from Pintrest

My research has found so many awesome roads in the Alps.  Probably can not get to them all, but looking forward to riding all I can.   

The flight home will be Sunday June 25 from Milan to Dallas, Texas.

As plans are being finalized any suggestions or comments are welcomed.

 

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International Motorcycle Show

The Progressive International Motorcycle Show kicked off in Dallas, TX this past weekend (Nov. 12-14, 2010).  The show featured most major manufacturers; however, I was disappointed that Triumph, BMW, and Victory did not have booths.  Victory was represented by two local shops (Family PowerSports & Rick Farless' Strokers Dallas).  The IMS website states that Triumph, BMW, Ducati, and Victory will be at selected shows.  I am glad Ducati was at the Dallas show.

I forgot my camera, but my son took some photos with his phone. I am going to only a few photos, but if you would like to see some great pics go to Torch's Midlife Motorcycle Madness Blog. He posted a lot of great pictures using 5 different posts.   IMS 1     IMS 2       IMS  3     IMS 4     IMS  5

My son and I enjoyed the show.  We took in the Team No Limit Stunt Show with Jason Britton and his TV co-star, Eric Hoenshell.  My son actually watched it twice and took a lot of pictures, but that phone camera is not that good.

Team No Limit Stunt Show

I am impressed with what they can do.

There were several other special show features including Women Ride, Custom Bike Show, Demo rides,... - Link for all the show features and manufacturers.

The highlight for me was found at the Ducati booth.  I have been impressed with European bikes for a long time although I have never owned one.  I have also started developing a desire to purchase a dual sport and do some riding on the mountain roads in Colorado.  I spent some time talking to "Elvis Jr." of European Cycle Sport in Plano about the Ducati Multistrada 1200.  The technology on that bike is awesome.   I think that is the dual sport bike for me.  Just don't know when that will happen. 

Ducati also gave North America it's first look at the Diavel.  The Diavel really caught my eye.  It is a nice looking bike with quality finishing.  I think I will have to make a trip down to European Cycle Sport and do a test ride.  

The Diavel looks fast!

The International Motorcycle Show is worth attending.  There are vendors for gear, accessories, etc., the big manufacturers booths, and several special features.  You can touch and sit on a lot of bikes and see the new models.  The difficult part is going home without so many things that I wish I could have.  Oh well, it sure is fun to look.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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