After the arrival of most of the participants on Friday afternoon and evening, we realized that our OSLs will be the only representatives of this model and the hosts have a special esteem for "blockmodels" or T/TS (as well as the rare related overhead valve S), as well as the rare v-twin T from the 1920s. The 502T brought by Krzysztof, rare in Poland, unexpectedly turned out to be one of the 6-7 copies of this model participating or exhibited during the rally (!). The hosts, in addition to registered and approved motorcycles for the route of the rally, also brought and presented some really great exhibition motorcycles in often original condition, perhaps not very suitable for modern traffic (due to absorbing handling, archaic lighting or unreliable V-belt or flat leather belt drive) is, however, firing, so pleasing to both the eye and the ear of the audience. In total, there were about 40 NSU motorcycles, which is undoubtedly a noteworthy number, but still allows you to maintain a certain intimacy and ease of organization.
Saturday's rally set off as planned around 9 o'clock after a short briefing. The route led along the picturesque roads of the historical and geographical land of Lower Lusatia, mainly through agricultural areas, small towns, forests, next to a network of artificial post-mining lakes, but also with slag heaps and a huge power plant in the distance, which reminded of the mining and industrial character of the region. Flat terrain, a fairly good surface and low traffic intensity were conducive to the movement of a group of historic motorcycles without police assistance. The first point of the program was a relaxing boat trip on Lake Senftenberg. Then it was time for a lunch stop at the "Under the Miners' Lamp" inn (link). From there, still on the border of Brandenburg and Saxony, the participants of the rally went to the village of Proschim near the town of Welzow, in order to visit the heritage museum "Traditional agricultural technology and rural lifestyle" located in an old steam mill (link). The last scheduled point of the route was Lauta, where we were treated to coffee and cake by the local Association of Historical Technology Lauta e.V, which has an impressive premises turned into a museum of technology - so it was an opportunity to visit it. Later, only a joint return to the rally base in Spremberg (actually nearby Trattendorf). All of them made it back safely, and only a few unlucky ones needed the help of the rescue vehicle. There was a summary exhibition of motorcycles and a mini parts fair. A nice touch was handing out, apart from diplomas confirming participation, other nostalgic gadgets. In the evening, the hosts provided dinner. And then it's just a shared experience until late at night. The language barrier was only a minor hindrance.
On Sunday morning, those part of the participants who had a slightly longer journey set off for home. This is how our adventure with the premiere rally of NSU motorcycles in Germany ended.
We would like to thank the organizers and participants for the warm welcome! Congratulations on a great organization, we envy great motorcycles, we admire the teamwork and resilience of the local club. We hope that the established contacts will result in a return visit of German colleagues at our Polish brand rally in the future.
Those interested can find more photos in our "party gallery: (link).
