A review of 2023
2023, a year full of adventure!
At this moment, we are all in the final stretch of 2023. Everyone experiences this period of the year differently. Especially when it comes to motorcyclists. Some safely stow their faithful two-wheeelers in the shed, garage, or perhaps even in the living room. Other, however, continue to ride even in the winter.
It’s also a great moment to look back on 2023.
Last year was one big adventure for me. Lazuli emerged from his winter slumber as early as February. The first ride, however, was to MotorTotaal. Lazuli deserved some pampering in the form of a major service, including valve adjustments, etc., followed by some intensive care from Bas at Hyperpro, who handled the major maintenance of Lazuli’s suspension an shock absorber.
Riding my motorcycle became my primary outlet after the loss of my other great passion, my horse Fancy-Girl. With a heavy heart but realizing it was the best choice, I had to put her to rest. To this day, I miss her dearly.
However, after closing one chapter, another one opened. Motorcycling to my heart’s content.
I quickly found my way back to Luxembourg. A country I’ve fallen in love with over the past few years. That’s why I decided to get more involved in guiding tours in this beautiful country starting this year. Consequently, I was very frequently in Luxembourg this year.
Throughout the year, I was fortunate to take various motorcyclists on mini adventures. From leisurely touring riders to the more spirited enthusiasts (more sporty bikes), all joined me on mini adventures in Luxembourg. Each group was different, but every time it was incredibly enjoyable and, as a tour guide, very enlightening. Each time, there were new points where I thought I could do things more efficiently and better. A natural positive development expected as a guide of such mini adventures.
Maar buitenom Luxemburg had ik ook nog andere avonturen. Soms kleine, soms wat grotere.
Unfortunately, Lazuli couldn’t join me on one of those adventures. After all, Lazuli is a Honda and not a Yamaha Ténéré. What am I referring to? The Ténéré Travel Trophy organized for the first time this year. Maarten and Jessica from Winding Wheels asked me if I would be interested in being part of the crew during the event. It took some arranging, but I didn’t want to miss this opportunity. It was an absolute honor to be a part of it!
I immensely enjoyed that event. It was occasionally envy-inducing, but I wouldn’t have wanted to miss it for anything. We started in France, and through various stages, we eventually arrived in the Spanish Pyrenees via Andorra. What an incredibly cool adventure that was! I’m already looking forward to the next edition!
In between, I regularly went on simpler day trips with Lazuli. From visiting old forts to gracefully cruising along small dikes. It was all part of it and allowed me to find some peace of mind amid my very busy job.
Soon, the next adventure was on the agenda. Exploring various routes in France for a planned organized midweek next year. That meant packing Lazuli, putting a tent on the back, and quickly heading south on a Friday afternoon.
Lazuli and I were warmly welcomed by Rita and Luc from Domaine Barreaux in the Central Massif of France. Getting to know each other, exploring possibilities, brainstorming together, and intensively exploring the routes I had planned. All this during a big heatwave, which made it challenging bot no less enjoyable.
It was fantastic! Together with Domaine Barreaux we believe we can organize a fantastic midweek for enthusiasts. That adventure is certainly not finished yet!
The return journey from France was a mini adventure in itself. Instead of heading towards the coast, I decided to ride towards Switzerland. Amidst heavy thunderstorms and lots of rain, Lazuli and I tried to find beautiful spots. However, it ended in fleeing Switzerland due to numerous mudslides, landslides, closed mountain passes, and numerous weather warnings. However, the little piece of Switzerland that Lazuli and I were able to explore has ensured that this beautiful country has risen high on my list to return to.
Via the Vosges, Luxembourg, and the Ardennes, I concluded that adventure with Lazuli. Another one in the books with fantastic memories.
Other adventures included training at Adventure Shield with the small DRZ and volunteering again during the event Discover Overland where I met various acquaintances, but also heroes like Henriette from For the love of Wheels..
With Lazuli, I joined Move On Motortrainingen to shoot and edit various film material for JP’s theory lessons, among others. I quickly put together part of it, and the rest will be a project during the upcoming cold, wet months. In addition, I hope to be able to go out on the lighter off-road motorcycles for training on the nicer days.
The year, for me, has truly flown by. I am really looking forward to 2024. A year where many things are already starting to fill up the agenda. From organizing various events for the Africa Twin Group, hopefully going along with the Ténéré Travel Trophy , to visiting the ABR Festival in the UK. But also a year where I hope to take like-minded individuals on adventures in Luxembourg on regularly basis, and hopefully a beautiful adventure in France.
On to the next adventures!
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