motorcycle touring holiday Germany Europe classic Ducati Bimota Superbike experience
The Schottenring Grand Prix takes place in the small town of Schotten about 50km north east of Frankfurt, Germany each year and is now into its' 27th year.
All roads in the town centre are closed for the weekend as several classes of classic racers run, what are called 'parade laps' on the circuit.
They do however make a very good impression that they might be actual races.
Sidecars are always a highlight at Schotten, here Hans and Felix Bröskamp on their 1962 600 BMW R69S combination really get down to matters.
Back on the straight, things calm down a little
Jürgen Wilhelm and Cornelia Siemß on their 1969 Muthig Busch kneeler keeping ahead of the pack.
Lorenzo Puzo and Benjamin Herpel with their Busch F1 outfit on the main straight.
The same machine in the paddock showing its' intricate construction.
One more combination in the paddock, where visitors can see the unique technology of these advanced machines.
And. of course, one of many BMW boxer powered outfits.
Superb preparation and condition are just a bonus.
Ducati 175, moto morini and honda cb72 lining up before the next circuit session in the up to 250 class.
The spectacle on the main straight is adictive, riders giving their all just to keep a metre ahead of their rivals.
Dieter Sauer on his 1971 Kreidler Van Veen 50GP.
Thomas Feige on his 1974 Kreidler Moto Cup 50 keeping ahead of Karl Wilfried on his Klein Hercules.
Hans Lux with his 1960 Aermacchi Ala Doro 250.
A real favourite, Reinhard Müller with his 1964 125cc Bultaco TSS.
One of many ladies competing at Schotten, Renate Häpe with her 250cc 1962 Honda CB72.
You don't need a very special classic racer to take part at Schotten, almost anything fitting into the spirit will do. Wolfgang Saul with his Honda CB250RS single.
And a Suzuki X7 in the same class recieving some attention in the paddock.
More paddock attention for the 1960 BMW R50 of Thilo Wotzka.
Rudolf Seydewitzs' 1957 Norton 40 Manx 350.
Roger Webers' Harley Davidson WR 750 is unusual but very welcome at this classic race event.
Karl Frohnmayers' 1967 350 Seeley AJS is a perfect example of a current classic racer with just the right pedigree, level of performance and technical beauty.
One of the NSU racers to be seen at the weekend in the paddock.
One of Glens' favourites from the weekend was this Swiss 1927 Motosacoche 500SS entered by Dietmar Fecht.
Another early 20th century classic, this time from Belgium is a 1934 Sarolea 34B entered by Matthias Schmidt.
Beautiful picture by Kate Miller of the 1952 Gilera Saturno Piuma.
Another stunning Gilera single with full enclosure, dustbin style race faring.
More perfect pictures by Kate Miller of these Moto Morini frame details.
Traditionally the Münch owners club assemble at Schotten for a meeting each year as homage to Friedel Münch whos' workshop was located in the local area; and this year was no exception with five bikes on display.
Including one of the very rare 'year 2000' bikes of which less than 20 were finally built.
The classic Münchs are still incredibly impressive.
One of the V6 Horexs remaining from the sad second demise of Horex which were built in nearby Bad Homburg.
An interesting BMW boxer Cafe racer style bike on the camp ground.
Does anybody know what type of frame this is ?
The German Kawasaki importer is also part of the local industry and puts on a great show at Schotten each year.
Kork Ballington joinned the event this year which included a special Kawasaki track session.
Together with Jonathan Rea on the Kawasaki H2 Superbike.
The beautiful Bimota HB1 replica built by Walter Schwerz, which we also saw at the Spa Bikers Classics'.