Autobahns. Did you drive fast on them?

2014-11-18T19:37:03-05:00

Being in Germany I remember getting to Ramstein, AB. After I moved into the off-base housing from the Hotel. I used the Bahnhof Bus Station and there to the Flugplatz. I remember learning the road signs pretty fast and that was a great help when car did come. I read everything.

I loved driving the roads, into the towns and between tiny areas between the houses and seeing all the neat and tidy homes. From the Airport coming back from Frankfurt my brother had an old VW Bug, and he keep using a rubber squeegee to keep his windows free from condensation on the inside. All the while speaking fluent Deutsch with his German Wife.

My brother was a medic and was used a translator after Maneuver damage and local events. But the Autobahns were amazing, especially 1981-84. The roads were fast and even going 80mph, I was passed quickly.

It was kind of surreal and I remember having to buy German rated tires from some Autohaus as I recall. Then went to the Finance Officer and had the VAT subtracted from the total cost. It is amazing how those little cars can get up and go. Really enjoyed long trips, to Paris, Brussels, London and Liege, as well as those destinations along 20 mark strasse.. lol. Moving right along.

But what was your experiences? Did you drive on them in Germany or other countries? How did you do on the driver's test? I remember 100 sign questions and those right-of-way sketches. Too easy! Anyhow, let me know about your experiences!!! A picture of Kolpingstr where I lived.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Nov 18 at 2014 7:46 PM

2014-11-18T19:46:40-05:00

Absolutely! Every chance I had... and on the Autostrada in Italy as well! Definitely a thrill. Nothing like driving along at what feels like 'warp speed' and seeing flashing headlights in your mirror that seem like miles away and by the time you change lanes, all you see is the glow of the tail lights of an exotic super car!

Response by SN Jennifer M. made Nov 19 at 2014 12:29 PM

2014-11-19T12:29:31-05:00

I am in Germany and when I see that no restriction sign. Zoom zoom! I love it!!

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 19 at 2014 1:15 PM

2014-11-19T13:15:32-05:00

I have never had the experience of driving on one to this day in my 50 plus years on planet earth. I have treated some interstates as such, like the drive down 45 from Houston to Galveston, but I would drive the max and get passed by someone like the most of you!

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Nov 19 at 2014 1:38 PM

2014-11-19T13:38:44-05:00

Without a doubt... Loved it. Always had fast cars and drove them fast [but safely.. :-)]

The unfortunate thing is that I can't seem to get it out of my system and I still drive in the US as if I am on the Autobahn. Good thing I can still play the "Professional Courtesy" card as a former Military Police officer. :-)

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Nov 19 at 2014 1:45 PM

2014-11-19T13:45:08-05:00

Every chance I got! I loved rented the cars on post just so I could drive on the Autobahn!

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Nov 19 at 2014 2:04 PM

2014-11-19T14:04:59-05:00

The only time I was able to spend on the Autobahn was in issue vehicles during exercises and similar deployments. I have no idea how fast we went, as the speedometer needle in the M151 tended to point straight down after leaving behind numbers like "45".

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 11 at 2015 12:43 PM

2015-01-11T12:43:35-05:00

I miss Germany very much, from its culture, to its castles to its break neck speeds on the AutoBahns !!! when I 1st drove on A 62 heading to Ramstien I was in my car doing the standard 55mph I had remember from the states back then. I was in the middle lane and almost (CENSORED) my self when two cars flew by me on the left and right and my car just rocked from the speed they were traveling. Years later and several cars later I found myself caught in the NEED FOR SPEED sickness. I wound up buying a bike that took me to 300 KMH on not only the Autobahns ( where it is now allowed) but on the Nuerburg Ring as well ( 35 Euro gets yo a pass to ride all day long on the racetrack).The fatsest I drove a car was around 180-190 MPH. I got into Formula One and actually met quite a few of the Pilots to include Michael Schumacher (8 time world champion) and was given a pair of his driving gloves personally after his 6th title. Also got into World ralley and had breakfast with Hans Jochim Stuck During the 24 hour Neurburg ring race, where I was invited to over see the mechanics for a team. I also got into GP1 racing and met Valentino Rossi , Mick Dohan and other pilots. The AutoBahn was the beginning of all this madness, but sadly today most of them have speed limits of 130 KMH which is about 75 MPH, but there are a few stretches that are still open.We even got into Super Moto Racing and even Pocket Bike Racing on a champion ship level. I funded the whole thing and did the mechanics and my GF drove.No it was not your run of the mil china cheapy either, it was a Blata 50cc water cooled that ran around 100MPH... I miss those days and cannot wait to go home !!!

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Jul 14 at 2016 10:59 AM

2016-07-14T10:59:50-04:00

Yes - back in the 1980's when it was still West Germany. Friend's BMW M6. The only problem was that by the time I had adjusted to the warp speed and deployed the thrusters, I was at my freakin' destination!! Even when I said "lets go somewhere far away" you cover a lot of ground at 100+ mph. And then - typical - got passed by a Mercedes like I was standing still. Guy leveled with me, looked at me with that "first-time-on-the-autobahn?" look, and then took off at mach 8.

Response by LTC Tim Ellis made Sep 28 at 2016 12:17 PM

2016-09-28T12:17:24-04:00

why, yes I did. One of my favorite stretches was the A7 from Ulm to the Austrian border.