Last minute trip to Germany

[Sijray21]

Hey Guys,

It was kind of a last minute fiasco to go to Germany since I was notified by work on the previous Thursday to report in Walldorf on Monday at 9am. What made it even more difficult was the fact that I was ÔÇ£on vacationÔÇØ preparing and traveling for the Cornerspeed Motorcycle Rider School that Friday. Fortunately I was able to book all the accommodations and still able to prepare for the school.

First Impressions:
I arrived in Frankfurt after the 8 hour flight a little dazed due to the lack of sleep. The airport reminded me of many of the James Bond movies that Ive seen in European settings with smaller doors, grim lighting, and other miscellaneous architectural features. As I arrived I asked my works travel agent to book a rental car, hotel, and I specified the flight. I had no idea what rental car s/he booked for me, but it had to cohere to the travel policy and I was under the impression that it would likely be small car that was low on power. Much to my surprise I went to pick it up and it was a 6-speed manual transmission, 4cyl, BMW 320. I was astounded and asked the class of the vehicle (intermediate) so it was ok with the travel policy. I get to work and nearly pass out due to fatigue. After the first day is done I find my hotel about 20 minutes away. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to open the door to my room that did not have a door handle Once I found out how to get in, I drop my bags and pass out.

Rental Car


Driving in Germany:
I love it. People drive appropriately and considerately here, despite the high speeds. People only pass on the left and always drive on the right side ÔÇô I LOVE this. One misconception that was cleared up quickly was the speed limits and the autobahn. I was under the impression that the Autobahn was a dedicated stretch of road where there was no speed limit. ÔÇÿAutobahnÔÇÖ essentially means ÔÇÿhighwayÔÇÖ in Germany. There are sometimes speed limits on the autobahn and certain sections with none, designated by a white, circular sign with a number or no number having 3 grey diagonal lines. Each time I saw this sign, it was like a green light as far as I was concernedÔǪpedal to the metal. So far IÔÇÖve gotten the little bimmer up to about 240km/h going down hill when it started to shake, a little scary actually. ItÔÇÖs not the quickest little car, but not bad for a 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder BMW engine and its still RWD! I also noticed that in a lot of the construction zones, where there are lower speed limits, the lanes are VERY tight in width. I really thought I was either going to graze the barrier or the car next to me (if passing or being passed). Aside from the narrow lanes, parking is tight in Germany (as you can imagine) and the car has little features that IÔÇÖve never seen, but I love: a button to fold the side mirrors when parked, rear fog lights, parking sensors on the bumpers, and a little a/c vent for drinks in the cup holder. IÔÇÖm not used to modern luxury, so this might be on some features in the cars in the US and I just might be ignorant to that fact.

The Hockenheim Ring:
What I wasnt aware of was that Walldorf, Germany was about 20km from the home of F1 in Germany for the last few years  the Hockenheim Ring. This an incredible arena that housed more seats for a race track than Ive ever seen. Grand stands strategically placed all around the course for the maximum seating around the track. I was able to explore the area and saw numerous Caterhams and modified race vehicles as well as modified street vehicles. The event occurring at the track appeared to be that similar to an HDPE, just less crowded. I also see 2 Audi R8s  one track-prepped and one sitting in the parking lot just outside the paddock, I had to take a few pictures. As I walk through the paddock I see plenty of sports cars when one catches my eye. The orange Porsche GT3 RS. It was georgeous, but they certainly werent rare in Germany. One night at my hotel I saw 6yes 6 Porshe GT3 RSs as well as a bunch of just regular Porshe GT3s as well :roll:. Apparently the Holiday Inn I was staying at was just like the Shoney Inn of Summit Point for the Hockenheim Ring. I saw white/red, green/black, and orange/black color schemes among the GT3 RSs. Anyway, the Hockenheim Ring was pretty nice and I was glad to visit it. They also had an all-pavement RC-car race track outside next to the Hockenheim Museum. I glanced in the museum to see some cool vintage race cars and race motorcycles. It was small, but really cool. After the quick trip to the Hockenheim Ring I was off to Munich.

Hockenheim Ring







Munich and the BMW HQ:
The reason I decided to head to Munich was because it was home to BMW. The drive was beautiful as I passed through the state of Bavaria (Bayan) with its breathtaking landscape. As the navigation system in the car brought me to the BMW Museum I saw the 4-pillar HQ building of BMW with the new BMW Welt (World) building under construction. Between both of them was the bowl-shaped BMW Museum.closed and under renovation. While I couldnt visit the main museum, they did have a smaller exhibit near the Olympic Center. All the buildings were made with incredible contemporary architecture that is clearly reflected on the new vehicles coming out of Bavarias signature automotive company. Inside the small museum were some of the original vehicles that kept BMW afloat during the hardship times that Germany endured: the R32 and R34 motorcyles, BMW 2000, 2002, 3.0s, and the company saving acquisition the Isetta (the Erkel car ). After seeing the museum and taking a few pictures of the BMW buildings I pondered what to do with the rest of my day.
Not knowing much German I decided to venture into Munich to see what there was to be seen. I stumbled upon a great pedestrian road that was filled with many shops, restaurants and caf├®s. I shopped around for souvenirs and gifts and took pictures along the way. Munich is a hodgepodge of international culture and I quickly noticed many languages flow in and out of my ears. It was good to be around other tourists in a foreign country. I wish I had more time to explore the city, but I had to leave after I ate dinner to make it back to the hotel at a decent time (it was a 3-hour drive). Oddly enough an employee from BMW who was working on some of the operations of the Formula 1 team sat next to me at the dinner table. I wish we couldÔÇÖve communicated more, but he didnÔÇÖt know a lot of the English language and I didnÔÇÖt know any of the German. On the way out I must have come across a very wealthy part of town as I saw many Ferraris, Lambos, and a beautifully modified GT3 RS (yep ÔÇô another one). Among the exotics I spied a very large Ferrari, it was the Scagglietti. The only other one IÔÇÖve seen was the one in the back of the Ferrari of Washington Dealership in Dulles on a previous MM trip. After the long drive back to the hotel I knew I was going to have a good sleepÔǪtomorrow was the Nurburgring.

BMW Buildings and Exibits




Munich







The Nurburgring:
This was the first place I knew I would be going when I found out that I could be going to Germany for work. I didnÔÇÖt know how far it would be, but I knew I would travel a great distance if it was close enough to drive. I know many of you would easily do the same. The only real goal I had was to simply drive one lap on ÔÇÿThe RingÔÇÖ. I did not do much research before going and simply used the navigation to go to city Nurburg and explore it for myself. I knew I was getting closer not by the navigation but by which cars started to pass me on the autobahn: a modified VW Gti MKII, MKIII, and MKIV in a caravan, a miata with a rollbar, a few modified Renault, Citroen, and Opel cars to be named later, Porshe Carrera RSs, Caterhams, plenty of sport bikes, and other exotic cars. As I get closer to the city I hear the high-pitch, loud gear shifts of what seem to be powerful cars. I can hear the quick shifts and feel the cylinders hit as I drive closer. I turn off the radio to listen to the cars and then find parking in a crowded lot and follow a few groups to the entry of a gate. As I approach it I notice the people handing tickets to the gate keepers and I try to ask in English, ÔÇ£What race is this?ÔÇØ In a rough German accent I hear, ÔÇ£itÔÇÖs the 18-hour of Le Mans.ÔÇØ I had no idea this was going to be at the Nurburgring and this was much to my delightful surprise! I pay the fee and watch the race for a while. I had a big smile on my face for a while as I took a lot of pictures and videos with my busted camera from different points at the track.
A while passes and I decide to try and find the toll to pay for my lap on The Ring. I head to the city of Nurburg and get lost for a while trying to find it. While searching for the Toll Entry I stumble on the most beautiful car that IÔÇÖve ever seen. A mint conditioned, modified Ferrari F40, simply parked in front of a local restaurant. I stop the car and take a few pictures ÔÇô incredible. After about an hour of searching (do your homework when you decide to visit The Ring), I found the round-about to lead me to the toll booth. When I first thought about driving The Ring I was highly recommended to take a ride in a Ring Taxi before driving the car I have. I try to find one and I approach the BMW Ring Taxi where M5 rides are the pleasure of those who schedule a seat in advance, maybe next time. I decide to take the rental car on the track anyway. As I make my way to the machine to buy my 1-lap ticket I get reminded about the risks of driving on the ring: I see a heavily modified E30 on a flat bed along with a totaled motorcycle exiting The Ring, looking like the motorcycle ran into the back of the BMW. I then decide to buy a ticket off a guy who couldnÔÇÖt use it (for his car was the one on the flatbed), I felt so bad for him ÔÇô he didnÔÇÖt get a single lap in and he wasnÔÇÖt sure what happened to his car. After getting it checked by the officials, I pay him the money and make my way to the car. I move all my belongings to the trunk and drive up to the Toll, I could hardly believe it. After passing through the toll I leave the traction control on, but get on the throttle and keep an eye on my mirriors. As I make it through the first set of turns I am suddenly reminded of the virtual course, and inaccurate portrayal, of The Nurburgring from GT4. I let a bunch of cars and motorcycles pass on my single lap and push the car when it is safe and when I am able to. The amount of turns that had blind entries was a little nervous, but very exciting. The elevation changes are VERY dramatic and can only really be described as diving and climbing through the racetrack. The carousels are not nearly as dramatic as I thought after having driven Summit PointÔÇÖs imitation at Shenandoah. It was fun to see the crowds cheer and ring bells if you were to honk and flash your head lights (I tried this after seeing John SÔÇÖs post a couple years back). As I approached the long straight I was hoping to floor it and see the top speed, but alas, it was the end of the lap and I headed back into the parking area. I wanted to take a few more laps, but I wasnÔÇÖt aware of the insurance coverage on the company rental car and feared the worst. One lap wasnÔÇÖt enough, but I achieved my initial goal. I left satisfied and decided to watch a few more laps of the Le Mans race to the south.

The Ring




Le Mans






Walldorf and the surrounding area:
Walldorf is basically a small town where my company has its headquarters. The large SAP campus is housed here along with the biggest development lab facility for my company in the world. The advanced buildings and tight security are a pleasure to be around as the working environment is surprisingly casual. The people are very down-to-earth and are really helpful when you need assistance. Being a consultant itÔÇÖs nice to talk to and communicate with some of the developers who create the software that I help clients implement.
The area is simply beautiful though. IÔÇÖm staying about 20 minutes south of Heidelberg, Germany that is considered one of the most historical and beautiful cities in the country. Once spared by an American General from destruction orders from the US military in WWII he convinced his superiors to not destroy the city for its incredible beauty. IÔÇÖll let the pictures do the talking to back this up ÔÇô the epitome of a beautiful classic European city.

Heidelberg at dusk


I was trying to post this sooner, but i have to manage my time on the internet since i don't have access back in the hotel room.

If you read the entire post i applaud you! I wish i could express how much i love the nurburgring and this country a little better, but that's the best i can do right now. Sorry for the crappy pics too - i dropped my camera at the hockenheim ring on the 1st day of pictures :roll: and it broke the flap holding the batteries in on the bottom. I've had to press hard on the case to ensure that i had enough power to take a picture each time and i didn't get to really get the shots i wanted because of it...i need to get a small point-n-shoot and a real camera.

Hope you guys enjoyed.

IÔÇÖll be here another week for work before I come back home next Friday, but this motor sport enthusiast country ÔÇô a must visit.

Tsch├╝s

[CaptainHenreh]

Just so you know, I pretty much hate you.

[Goodspeed]

Wow, great photos and looks like a great trip. Is it just me, or does MM have a lot of members (for a small club) that have been to Europe and the 'ring? Very cool

[CaptainHenreh]

Wow, great photos and looks like a great trip. Is it just me, or does MM have a lot of members (for a small club) that have been to Europe and the 'ring? Very cool

You too, goodspeed.

[Evan]

sounds great Jason! Im jealous

now I really wish I had gone when worked for Booz (ironically would have been for BMW in that '4 cylinder' building)

[BLINGMW]

Wow, great photos and looks like a great trip. Is it just me, or does MM have a lot of members (for a small club) that have been to Europe and the 'ring? Very cool

Yeah, I think pretty much everyone's been now except for that Rex guy

[HAULN-SS]

Heh..i love the sticker ont hat F40

[CaptainHenreh]

Yeah, I think pretty much everyone's been now except for that Rex guy

And you, also.

[John]

Awesome - glad you finally got to drive the 'Ring.

And your accounts of the Autobahn are spot on...

Enjoy the rest of your stay there - it's a nice time of year to be in Europe...

now I really wish I had gone when worked for Booz (ironically would have been for BMW in that '4 cylinder' building)

I really wanted to smack you when you said you turned down that gig.

[JackoliciousLegs]

Great writeup. I was smiling the whole time reading it. I'm jealous :-)

[ScottyB]

aaaaaaaaah you bastard! that is an awesome write-up dude, great pictures too. i really can't get over what killer experience that must be. all those nights flogging cars on the 'ring in GT4....paid off, eh?

i guess you can check a few big boxes off on the "to do in life" list :lol:

[Dave]

Rex said it best.

Awesome experience man!

[Feersty]

Great pictures and synopsis man. That rental car looks beautiful.

[WRXtranceformed]

Fun times! I'd love to go back to Germany someday so I could do the same thing. I was too busy training for soccer to get to travel much of the country and appreciate it.

[Sijray21]

Thanks for the comments! i wish i was here on pleasure instead of work, but i'll definitely take it. It's been an incredible experience so far and the only thing i'm concered about is filing my expenses for the rental car gas (cost me about :gasp: $100USD to fill up ONE tank hock: in the bimmer and i've gone though a few tanks).

aaaaaaaaah you bastard! that is an awesome write-up dude, great pictures too. i really can't get over what killer experience that must be. all those nights flogging cars on the 'ring in GT4....paid off, eh?

lol, believe it or not it actually helped with the blind left-hander with a decreasing radius followed by a right-hander before a long straight. I said to myself, "oh shit i remember this...braaaaakkeee" The little tires on the bimmer held up, but i definitely rolled them over quite a bit.

[Dragon]

Rex put it best but I'll say it again. I HATE YOU!

Hope you're having fun man.

[Apoc]

That looks way cooler than Denmark... and yes, I just wanted to say I was in Denmark.