Eifel 2024

Our first real motorcycle trip together took place in July 2024 and brought us to the Eifel region in Germany. With five riders, all heading out on their very first motorcycle trip, this journey was meant as a test: could we ride multiple days, travel with luggage, and truly enjoy being on the road together?

We left from West Brabant, unsure of what to expect but curious and excited. What started with some doubts quickly turned into one of the most enjoyable experiences we had ever shared on motorcycles.

Staying at an older hotel initially felt like a gamble, but that feeling disappeared almost immediately. Long riding days, evenings full of laughter, cold beers, and the shared sense of adventure made this trip unforgettable. Riding your own motorcycle, carrying your own gear, and being fully responsible for the journey creates a kind of freedom that’s hard to describe and once you feel it, you want more.

This trip proved one thing very clearly: riding together, exploring new roads, and embracing the adventure is what it’s all about.

Date: July 2024

• Date: July 2024

• Duration: 3 nights

• Riders: 5 (first motorcycle trip for everyone)

• Starting point: West Brabant, The Netherlands

• Destination: Eifel region, Germany

• Overnight stay: Papelhof (3 nights)

This trip lasted three nights, which worked well as a first experience. That said, we would personally recommend staying four nights, allowing for two full riding days in the Eifel. This gives you more time to truly enjoy the roads without feeling rushed.

The Eifel is an ideal region for a first motorcycle trip. The area offers a great mix of flowing roads, tight corners, elevation changes, and quiet countryside all without becoming too technical or overwhelming.

For us, the Eifel was the perfect place to build confidence. The roads invite you to focus on your riding, find a smooth rhythm, and really enjoy being on the bike. At the same time, the distances are manageable, which makes it easy to combine riding with regular breaks and relaxed evenings.

Because the region is relatively close to the Netherlands, it’s also perfect for shorter trips. Whether you’re going for a long weekend or using it as a starting point for a bigger journey, the Eifel delivers exactly what most motorcyclists are looking for: fun roads, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed riding atmosphere.

This trip confirmed why the Eifel remains one of our favorite riding areas especially for riders who want to experience multi-day trips without immediately heading deep into the mountains.

You don’t need special gear for a trip like this. A rain jacket and rain pants are always smart to bring, and a small tool kit can be incredibly useful. We didn’t ride brand-new motorcycles or use special equipment — just well-prepared bikes and the basics.

If you don’t usually travel by motorcycle for multiple days, one important tip is to check your bike beforehand or have it serviced. Make sure your tires are in good condition, your chain and sprockets are properly maintained, and everything is ready before you leave.

Not everything went perfectly — and that’s part of the experience.

During this trip, two motorcycles suffered alternator failures. This was genuine bad luck and difficult to prevent, but it taught us valuable lessons. By rotating batteries every 2–3 hours, we managed to keep riding and continue the trip.

Key takeaways:

• Make sure all motorcycles are in good condition before departure

• A good set of tires is absolutely essential

• If you ride with older bikes, bring basic tools

• One of the most important items: a tire plug kit — small, cheap, and incredibly valuable on the road

Preparation doesn’t remove all risks, but it can make the difference between ending a trip early or turning a problem into part of the adventure.

One of the riders joined this trip on a Honda CBF125 (2011). With just 11 horsepower, this bike made one thing very clear: highways are simply not enjoyable on slower A1 motorcycles.

Our advice is simple:

• If everyone rides bikes that handle highway speeds comfortably, use the highway to cover distance quickly.

• Once you reach Germany, leave the highway and enjoy the backroads.

• Avoid riding inland through Belgium — the roads add little value and cost a lot of time.

On slower A1 bikes, avoiding highways altogether is often the better choice. Riding inland keeps the journey fun, relaxed, and far less exhausting for the rider on the smaller bike.