Coming to Germany Soon
 

First, let me apologize for writing in English. As yet I don't have the ability to write in German (I barely speak it) but I am hopeful that my interest in motorcycling will assist me in rectifying that situation...

My name is Joe, I'm an American and within the next few months I will be relocating to the Wiesbaden area of Germany. I will be associated with the military base there but have much greater interest in getting to know my new home, meeting locals and becoming a part of rider scene in Germany. We are looking to locate in the Taunus area to enjoy the smaller village life and the riding opportunities.

I am the proud owner of a 2010 Triumph Thunderbird w/ big bore kit, aftermarket pipes and a few other mods. I realize that cruisers are a bit more of the odd man out in Europe but as a big guy (right at 2 meters tall) I'm a lot more comfortable on the big cruisers.

Here is a pic for those interested...

http://skeesick.com/files/tbird/tbird_hotel.jpg

I don't know much about the local laws yet, but will be bringing my bike and will be riding while I'm a guest in your country. Hopefully I can continue to watch the forms a bit and find a ride or two to go on.

I just thought I would introduce myself as I continue to lurk around the forum and learn what I can.

AW: Coming to Germany Soon
 

Hi Thatch,

welcome to our nice Forum! I hope you'll enjoy it here and it helps to improve your German... ;)
You've got a very beautiful bike and I hope to see more pictures of it!
I don't know if you can drive your bike without any problems by our German police. But I guess that it shouldn't be a problem because you don't have a German license tag on it.

I regret that I don't live near Wiesbaden - it probably wouldn't be possible to make a trip together... But I hope to read more of you.

When will you come to Germany and how long will you stay here?

Greetings to the States... Claire:gruss:

AW: Coming to Germany Soon
 

Thanks for the welcome Claire.

I look forward to my time in your country. There looks to be some great riding opportunities. I don't believe I'll have any issues with riding legally as there is an agreement in place that allows me to use my US license and motorcycle endorsement during my stay (after I take a written test to ensure I know things like the meaning of signs and the like). I spent 3 years in England, and 2 in Italy. I figure if I can adapt to those two environments I should be alright there... though I will be taking it easy for a while.

My wife will be coming late June and I will follow with the kids in August. We will be there at least 3-5 years with the possibility of staying longer. The whole family is excited about this opportunity and we've started the kids on German lessons right away. I'm sure they'll end up passing my ability shortly.

Here is another shot of the bike and a video. The bike appears blue in the photo but is in fact black. (hopefully the video will work)

http://skeesick.com/files/tbird/schoolHDR.jpg

+ YouTube Video

AW: Coming to Germany Soon
 

Welcome Thatch :)
Nice to hear, that you will live here for a few years. I do my motorcycle license at the moment, and I don't know when I will buy me a bike but I think in 1 or 2 years. I live 2 hours away from Wiesbaden, but I think that we will ride one day in the future ;)

AW: Coming to Germany Soon
 

Hey, you are welcome!
Nice bike - have fun with us ;)

AW: Coming to Germany Soon
 

Me too...
I want also to say: Enjoy this place for talking!

Best Regards

P!T

AW: Coming to Germany Soon
 

You are welcomed Thatch!!!! Good luck for the joruney And hope to see you then solving your rounds here in germany!!!!

Greetz Jens

AW: Coming to Germany Soon
 

Thanks for the welcome. Things are still proceeding for our move. I don't have a date yet for my bike to be sent over so I don't know when I will be on the road there.

How formalized is the riding in Germany? Are there many organized riding groups that get together or does it tend to be more casual friends just getting together and riding? Are there any big 'can't miss it' events I should plan on?

I am anxious to get to my new home and experience riding there. I appreciate the warm welcome you have given me. I hope I meet some of you on the road while I'm there.

AW: Coming to Germany Soon
 

Hello Thatch,

welcome! :D I´m new here in the forum too.
Last week i made my motorcycle examination and failed. :mad:
We must do "Grundfahrübung" that means slowly slalom, strong brake, and so on. I was so nervous that i´m failed. :traurig:
In app. three weeks i have the new examination. And i hope i do it!

If you want you can write me Emails... so i must learn english in my job and your german will be better too. ;)

[email protected]

AW: Coming to Germany Soon
 

Sorella, I know how frustrating failing the test can be. I'm sure you'll do better next time since you know what to expect now. In the US we have very easy testing (back when I started riding there was none.) but since then I have had to take numerous tests that were much more difficult. It was always harder to do things I knew how to do during a test. Nerves are the most difficult thing to master. Good luck on your next try.

As for email. I can certainly do that. Though I assure you your English is much better than my German. Your post here alone proved that. I do wish to learn the language though, if for no other reason than to show respect to my soon to be new home. Besides, how well can you know a country if you don't speak it's language.

On that note, my wife flies out the 6th of July and I follow with the kids around the 21st of August. I should have my bike there by September (fingers crossed).

Thanks again for the well wishes.

btw, the bike has changed form again... here is what she looks like today.

http://skeesick.com/files/tbird/tbird-brick-010.jpg

AW: Coming to Germany Soon
 

How about writing in german for improving your german ?
Kannst du Deutsch lesen und Englisch antworten, wenn es für dich besser ist?!
Welcome aboard.

Lesson one
 

Herzlich willkommen in Deutschland und in unserem verrückten Forum.
Ich hoffe, du findest schnell ein paar Biker, die dir alles erklären, was du wissen willst.

AW: Coming to Germany Soon
 

Welcome to our forum!