An early 3am start (I thought it was supposed to be light this time of the year) and off down to Dover to catch the 740am ferry to Calais. Weather misty and very cool but at least not too much traffic. Met Steve on ferry and had a full English breakfast together (how romantic).

We met up with the other guys on the trip at Calais clock tower - to name our full group, Andy, Steve, Chris, John (chuck), Nick, Gary and Rob. We all know each other so no introductions required

We leave Calais at about 1pm, head through Belgium, Netherlands and finally end up at a place called Leven in Germany. Hotel Rave is our resting place for the night. Mondays is not a good day in Leven though as most things appear to be closed except a bar and takeaway. A few drinks with the locals in the bar followed by a curried sausage and chips.

Gary ,Steve and myself had a lengthy encounter with one of the locals called Ralf who could speak English. Several stories and schapps made for an entertaining evening.

For me I covered about 440 miles but this was mostly motorway riding. We shall start to get to the more interesting roads tomorrow as we head North. Sorry no photos as wifi non existent!