from Rotterdam

Arrived in Rotterdam at 0900hrs and got off boat to drizzle, typical. Pulled up next to all the other bikes to don my waterproof jacket and start the GPS. All set and start off.

Stop again after 100yds.....forgot to fasten crash helmet, dork, gloves off, helmet fastened and gloves back on, off I go again

After 200yds, stop again, try to change instruction on GPS from statute to metric....fail, forgot how to do it, oh well, off again. 1/2 a mile this time, stop again, gloves off and fasten waterproof jkt at the neck to stop it flapping, what is up with me, can hear Jed tutting! At least this time I manage to sort the GPS, now reading metric, at last something is right,

Off I go and this time keep going. Believe it or not after 65 miles bum starts to ache a bit and I have to stop after 80 miles..needed fuel anyhow.I do have a plan B however. Over the winter I purchased a Airhawk seat, which is an inflatable segmented seat cover as used by Charlie Boorman, I have never used it so decide to give it a try......what a difference, rode the next 105 miles with no problems at all, then after a 5 minute break for a can of red bull, I rode a further 110 miles, brilliant, what a revelation.

Have come off autobaun, after finding the bike is rock steady at 145mph even with luggage, and I could still hear the music from my ipod through the Autocom, I feel this trip is going to work.

Anyhow, walked into a hotel in a small village and asked if anywhere had Wi-Fi and they said no problem, showed me into a back room and gave me a passwork, she even, the staff even offered a drink, bringing back a pot of tea and some biscuits, what could be better.

Just need to find a campsite for tonight now, will ask at reception, they may even do me a deal on a room for the night.

Today was always going to be a slog up the auto baun but tomorrow I should be through Germany and across Denmark and into Sweden, and off the Motorways, hurrah.

As you can see Jed is not a night owl...would rather go to bed with a nice cup of tea, such a toughie.