Force Ten Rally

Because Jürgen Krechel and I were a well-rehearsed team at the 2004 Elephant meeting in Thurmansbang-Solla and 2005 at the “Old Elephant Meeting” at the Nürburgring, we decided to take part in a winter rally in England in 2006.

As I am a member of the Mayflower MCC, the Force Ten Rally was chosen.

On Friday morning, January 6th, 2006 I picked up Jürgen Krechel with my BMW R90S with Dnepr sidecar at home and we drove our usual route over the motorway to Calais. From here the ferry crossing to Dover.

During the crossing there was delicious fish and chips for lunch.

Once in England, we continued our journey on the motorway towards Warwickshire.

There we reached the pub 'The Blue Boar Inn' in Temple Grafton in the late afternoon. With the last light of day we set up our tent. Then we enjoyed the open fireplace in the beautiful pub.

On Saturday we took a tour of Stratford upon Avon.

Both evenings we were provided with good food and plenty of beer.

On Saturday evening we received a trophy from Chairman Graham Butler for the longest journey from the continent.

Sunday morning before the pub opened, we took down our tent and loaded our team. If I remember correctly, we were one of the first to enjoy a delicious full English breakfast.

The journey home went off like the outward journey without complications. At our next motorcycle regular table we told our motorcycle friends about this tour. Jürgen and I agreed, that it was a great weekend in very pleasant company.

- Hans Mondorf