1974 October

Bill Ringwald #3574 offered the following information on flying a motorcycle with Mittler Air Cargo from Luxembourg to the States: The rate to New York is based on LFr 37.50 (95¢) per kilogram with a 200 kg minimum.

Figuring 210 kg for a BMW, this would cost approximately LFr 7,875 or $210. Mittler Air Cargo computes the volume/weight cost in the same manner that Lufthansa does, as I explained last month: The greater of the two being the price they charge you.

Rates to other cities are computed by Mittler Air Cargo as a percentage of the New York rate. Using the \(210 New York figure shown above, the following rates apply: Boston 95% (\)200); Philadelphia 102% (\(214); Washington, DC or Baltimore 105% (\)221); Detroit or Cleveland 108% (\(227); and Chicago 113% (\)237). Mittler Air Cargo is located at 4 Rue Adames, Luxembourg, and reservations are made by calling Luxembourg 470301 and asking for Gerd Muellenheim, the sales representative for Mittler. Bill Ringwald is to let me know how his BMW faired with Mittler and I will pass this on to you.

Sid Weatherford #3530 wrote to say that his BMW, which was flown to Philadelphia by TWA, arrived in perfect condition. His only hassle was with the agriculture customs people in New York (all bikes shipped by air freight arrive first in New York). Sid’s bike was held until all foreign dirt and bugs were washed off. His advice: Before leaving your BM at the Frankfurt (or any other European) airport, wash your bike thoroughly.

By the time you read this, a First for Europe and BMMOA will have occurred – the first annual BMMOA Schmittburg Treffen (rally). Planned dates are 30 Aug thru 2 Sep and the location will be the romantic 12^th century ruins of the Schmittburg castle located near Bundenbach village, about 80 kilometers north-west of Kaiserslautern, Germany. BMMOA Ambassador Tim Schaffer #423 is organizing the three-day rally and about 50 percent of the European members are expected to participate. Camping (a favorite pastime in Europe) is in order, with a swimming hole for the children, exploration of abandoned slate mines, and a tour of the excavation works of a pre-christian celtic village. I will give you an after-action report next month.

The McCartney’s (Tom and Jan) and the Thomas’ (my wife and I) gave a surprise farewell party on 20 July for Kirk and Marge Kirkpatrick #1994. Invitations went out to all European members and all in all about 35 people came to the party which was held at our house. By dodging the rain, we were able to barbecue on the patio. It was the first time that we had a gathering of the European BMMOA members, or at least a majority of them at one time. We all had a good time and I hope that meetings like this will happen more often.

Auf Wiedersehen