On Saturday I was invited on a ride out to Lower Austria. I didn’t realise it at first but it soon became apparent that what I embarked upon was more than a simple motorcycle ride. It was a journey of discovery. I would make new friends, discover new places and move a little closer to the dark side that is sidecar motorcycling.
I met a contact from the HUBB and he is based in Linz also. We set off at 10:30am and made our way to Ybbsitz. he was in his Yamaha rig and I was on my F800GS. The rig had the advantage due to the 3 wheel setup. I was being over cautious on the bends because the temperature was -2c and there was slush in places.
We had thought initially that as we climbed up into the hills I might have to leave my bike at the roadside and carry on in the sidecar. Ultimately this was not so and I carried on up out of Ybbsitz into the snowy wilderness. It was only when we arrived in Kleines Ybbstal did it become apparent that it was not a ride out but a meeting of fellow sidecar riders. There were was everything there from BMW’s, Urals and original Dnepr’s.
The mayor of the town was making a presentation to the founder member and legend of the winter meetings. There was a roaring fire and complimentary drinks to keep everyone warm. Camp had already been setup and the atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. Because I had come from the UK it created some interest and I found myself featured in the local paper as a result.
After a brief chat I left the 800 behind in the snow and geared up for the main event; the blast into the forest. I have never been in a sidecar before but I loved it. I’m used to controlling a motorbike and not being a passenger but this was exhilarating. The rush of air, the smell of oil. It was like flying. We attained speeds on the snow and ice that would not be possible on a 2 wheeled bike. certainly not without chains or spikes.
One of the other outfits decided to get the ski’s out and used the sidecar as an impromptu ski lift to the top of the hill. I was really in my element. Skiing and motorcycling at the same time. What fantastic fun. After 30 minutes of forest mayhem we stopped off at the local Gasthaus for some fine Austrian cuisine. I say it again and again but I really do love Austrian food. It is filling and delicious at the same time without being stodgy.
As we tucked into various servings of wienerschnitzel and deer stew the snow started to come down a little more steadily than before. By the time we had our coffees the bikes had a good covering and it was also getting dark. Myself and Greg struggled to get up the last hill due to loss of traction and it was decided that we’d take the long way around to get back to Ybbsitz. All the while I was thinking how I would get the 800 out of Ybbsitz down the 14% hill. The temperature had dropped to -4c and the road was now hard packed snow whereas earlier it had been clear.
After we said our goodbyes and the guys helped me push the 800 onto the road it was time to tackle the 80km ride home. The hardest bit would be the initial 3km to Ybbsitz village centre. The bike was sliding before I even set off. I think the other fella’s placed bets as to how many times I would fall off on the way down 
I did OK until I reached the aforementioned hill. I’m sure Greg was frustrated by my slow crawl. I am running Michelin Anakee 2’s with no chains or studs so it was an exercise in bravado or madness. Both statements are applicable. I dropped into the first bend and all was well. Then the next and the rear wheel locked up a little when I decelerated a little too quickly so I pulled the clutch in. I got to the next bend and it was steeper. This is when the trouble started. Bear in mind my hands or feet were nowhere near the brakes. It was engine braking all the way.
The rear wheel locked up again and I started to slide. OK I thought keep it straight and you’ll be fine. Then the front wheel locked up and I began to slide and gather speed. Of course it felt fast but in reality I’m guessing it was no faster than 10mph. A bit like a 300kg toboggan 
. I pulled the clutch in and the bike continued to slide. The wheels had a build up of ice at the front and at this point I knew I was fooked. I looked down the street and saw a few cars, people, a river, a dog and a crash barrier. I looked around me and it was a wide stretch of road. I figured it would be better to lay the beast down than hit something. So I pressed hard onto the rear brake which probably had no effect. I shifted my weight to the left and laid it down. I watched as the bike slid away from me into the darkness lighting up the pine forest. The crash bars making sparks and scraping the snow and ice up into a flurry.
I came to a halt relatively quickly and because I am well armoured jumped up quickly. I was buzzing with adrenalin but was fine. After all I decided to bring the crash on. I ran down the road and quickly picked the bike up. Amazing how light those bikes are when you have adrenalin pumping through your system.
I walked/slid the bike to the foot of the hill just a few metres on and once on level ground set off again. I took it easy and told Greg I’d be fine if he wanted to blast on home.
I would be passing a friend near Amstetten so I gave him a call and we met at his house. We talked bikes and travel over coffee and then it was time for me to do the last leg. I bought a vignette and hopped on the Autobhan because the temperatures were dropping further and there was ice everywhere. I got funny looks from the Polizei and other car drivers. I remember a Romanian registered Audi flashing it’s indicators and it’s occupants giving me the thumbs up. It’s those little highlights that make you smile even when the conditions are tough.
I made it home without further incident and was covered in salt and ice. It had been a fantastic day.