Exotentreffen 2018

We could write our own report but what is better than a report from someone who attended? Thanks Carlo! And you can also find all the photos Carlo took under this link: https://www.kjmv.nl/ph-26220-3-36965/foto/2018_exotentreffen.html

On Saturday September 8, 2018, the exotic ride was held for the 26th time. The organization was in the hands of Johan Kole, Michiel, Marloes and Marco. This time we unfortunately could not enjoy the tropical weather and that was a good thing. Now no one could say that they did not want to come because of the rain.

The meeting place was as usual at Het Zonnehuis in Doorn. The terrace was transformed into a parking lot for special motorcycles. The exotics. This year there were among others the Suzuki RE5, XN85 Turbo, CX650 Turbo but also Peet's RE5 sidecar. Two-stroke was less well represented. Only Cok had brought his GT750. Pa Mascini and I rode a GT380 and an A1SS.

After the prize-giving ceremony introduced this year, everyone put on their clothes to start the tour. It was agreed in advance that we would ride according to the 'point to signpost system'. In this case, it worked as follows:

The front riders, the 3 sidecars drove the route. Behind them sat one of the exotic meeting Crew. The first one who drove behind him was assigned to stay at a crossroads, to point the rest of the drivers in the right direction. As soon as the man at the back would pass - who was also from the exotic meeting Crew - the pointer could join again. So he did that at the back, and the one who was at the front would do the same at the next crossroads. That means that those who rode along in the tour would always ride between two members of the Crew. And eventually everyone got a turn at a crossroads. And so we didn't lose anyone.

However... We took a break in between in a place called Naarden Vesting. Because the group was so large this year (so more than the 17 motorcycles that were visible last year) everyone could find a café themselves to have a drink and possibly something to eat.

The ride continued after about an hour and a half. All in all, we rode through the most beautiful part of Utrecht, including a large section along the Vecht, Nieuwersluis and Breukelen.

Somewhere halfway I lost the gear of the drive shaft. With a quick-fix it was put back on, but we told the rear crew member that he could continue. We knew the address for the barbecue and we knew the region. The website briefly described which places the ride would pass and luckily we came across the rest again - We had cut off a part of the route.

Shortly afterwards another breakdown occurred, this time with the XS650. No more electricity, wouldn't start anymore. By fiddling with the fuses and replacing the spark plugs, the twin gave its beautiful heavy bangs again when kicking. We sailed to the barbecue address, where we could join in for the barbecue. The Englishman had disappeared for a while with his Hercules/DKW W2000, but came back with a real Van Veen. Beautiful Dutch machine to admire... Well, sometimes you have to admire non-Japanese motorcycles too.

Around 8-9 o'clock everyone drove home on their exotics. I think we can say that the day was a success. Nice weather, nice exotics and a nice route.

Although I do call on everyone with a two-stroke to come next year!!!

Kind regards, Carlo