Wheels and Waves – savoir vivre and unleaded fuel

wheels and waves
Spring is there, all salt is finally washed off the streets, first passes in the Alps re-opened after winter and sun starts to warm our souls. It is now the time in which we begin planning for upcoming Road Trips. The seaside is always a good destination, as are mountains or a meeting with likeminded people. It is up for decision if one wants to ride windy ocean or mountain roads, remote bays or mountain tops and enjoy a beer while listening to the cracking sound of your exhaust or enjoy fueled parties until the early morning. If you browse for the coolest events, you will definitely find the famous wheels and waves.

One of the most beautiful cities in Europe: Biarritz!

The Basque town of Biarritz located between the rough Bay of Biscay and the summits of the Pyrenees in the very south-west end of France is more known for being the cradle of European surf culture, fresh seafood and savoir vivre between buildings in neo-gothic and neo-classicism architecture than for its motorcycle culture. That changed in 2012. Those of you that have nothing scheduled in June so far should visit the Wheels and Waves festival in Biarritz. This event grew to possibly the biggest spectacle of individual motorcycles and drivers within only six years – for a reason. It offers a pulsating mixture of fuel, races, handcraft, art, music, skating and surfing. It started as a gathering of the Southsiders MC and their friends with their either very old or very individual motorcycles in the gardens of Château de Brindos in Biarritz. Southsiders MC is formed of men that grew up with electric guitars, skateboards, love for old metal, creative jobs and the ocean just minutes away. The mixture for the Wheels and Waves was predetermined with this background. For us it is the only motoring event we ever participated where there were free beers with sushi next to handmade surfboards. That couldn’t kept secret since 2012 and it became bigger and bigger and grew out of the small parking lot at Biarritz’s scenic lighthouse – also today’s grounds at Cité de l’Ocean are packed very quickly. Pictures & rights wheelsandwaves.com wheels and waves

Wheels and Waves – what is it about?

Since the very first Wheels and Waves it is not solely about motorcycles but about the whole lifestyle around it. The days are packed with events like flat track races, hill climb races on a mountain pass, an art gallery in nearby Spain, a surf and skate contest and live concerts and movie screenings at night. That’s the reason for its duration of full 4 days. On the festival grounds there are stands with handmade surfboards, helmets, clothing next to exhaust systems – all matching to the event and this special lifestyle on two wheels. Also, the well-known manufacturers like BMW, Triumph and Harley-Davidson are not missing and present their interpretations of individual transportation on two wheels. If you check the map for the first time to find out where this Biarritz might be located: you will see the ocean, mountains and seaside roads right next to it! And this is the reason why Wheels & Waves also works out with several locations. Die roads in between are just simply stunning, beautiful, empty and during the festival week you will meet like-minded people at every gas station, every parking lot and every kiosk on a mountain pass summit. And ever arrival at one of the festival’s locations is like a new event for itself. And because you spend your days between San Sebastian and Biarritz and their impressive historic city centers, there are plenty of options for enjoying a good glass of wine, tapas or sea food away from the motoring crowds. Also the Basque back country just after the city boundaries offers picturesque towns and the Pyrenees offer the roads in between. Just a 20-minute drive beams you from the city to the empty coastal forests if your mind needs some rest from all this burned fuel. At night, you meet up again in Biarritz for a sundowner and if you want party all night with or without the bikes in small beautiful bars in the historic city centre. For everyone that suddenly feels the urge of visiting this magic place at the ocean – we disclose our most loved roads.

Wheels and Waves: 14th – 17th of June at the Cité de l’Ocean in Biarritz

Your ideal accommodation would be in between the city centre and the Cité de l’Ocean – then the wine will taste even better and dawn and your motorcycle just keeps parked. After sundown just walk into the city centre and stop wherever you like the music.

On two wheels you can visit the different locations via the following roads – also very nice on two wheels.

Hill climb race “Punks Peak”: departure from Biarritz on the D912 via St. Jean de Luz to Hendaye and after the boarder continue to climb the GI3440 up the top of mount Jaizkibel. Flat Track Race „El Rollo“: Departure from Biarritz to Ascain, then either chose D4 or D404 to Bera or D4/D306 via Sare to Etxalar. Then take the N121-A southbound to Doneztebe, the NA-170 to Erreka, the A15/A1 northbound to Lasarte-Oria. Return either on the motorway or via the mountaintop of Jaizkibel. Art Gallery: Either through the backcountry to San Sebastian like before over Jaizkibel’s summit
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Smart Casual Outfits For Springtime

frühlingsmode

The cold days are over and slowly spring shows its beautiful glance. The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing and you’re thrilled to go out, stroll through the city and end the evening with a casual dinner. A great chance to show you a couple of trendy smart casual outfits today.

It’s time to put the thick jackets, coats and scarves away and bring the colorful clothes back to the streets. Spring is the time of joy – time to get rid of the gray, black tones!

We show some smart casual outfits for spring

Just received an invitation for an event with the dress code ‘smart casual‘? We have good news: you can get some inspiration by the following looks! Today we show a few simple and elegant smart casual outfits for spring.

1. Suit in pastel green

green suit

green suits

suit suitsupply


Suit Suitsupply
Shoes Navyboot
Shirt Tailored
Outfit costs ca. 1200 CHF
Pictures by Diana Kottmann

2. Suit in navy blue

suits suitsupply

blue suits

 

nice suits


Suit Suitsupply
Shoes Ferragamo
Shirt Suitsupply
Sunnies The Bespoke Dudes Eyewear
Outfit costs ca. 1700 CHF
Pictures by Diana Kottmann

3. Suit in pastel red

smart casual outfit

smart casual outfits


Suit MJ Bale
Shoes Aquila
Shirt MJ Bale
Outfit costs ca. 1400 CHF
Pictures by Andrea Monica Hug

What do the looks have in common?

Basically, there are a few simple things to consider in spring when it comes to choosing clothes.

  • Use light fabrics(e.g. a mixture of linen and cotton)
  • Feel free to use some colors, ideally pastel tones
  • Made-to-measure or have the tailor adjust the suits
  • Loafers are to be worn barefoot
  • Use a trench coat in the evening
  • A classy watch makes the difference

OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Moonphase Chronograph – Ref. 304.63.44.52.01.001

Is there anything else to consider?

We discovered a few things during Pitti Uomo:

  • Meanwhile, the tie is not a ‘must’ anymore – but a chic accessory
  • Accessories such as briefcases, folders, notebooks or even clutches are super trendy
  • The famous panama hat suits very well to smart casual outfits

Sounds all a bit posh, can I go casual?

Absolutely! Our post refers to smart casual outfits – but you can also wear jeans, polo shirt and sneakers. The main thing is that you feel well and celebrate spring.

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4 Reasons Why You Should Travel To Sri Lanka

We just came back from an incredible journey, a trip to Sri Lanka -‘ The tear of India’, as they call this astonishing country. Today we share this wonderful adventure with many impressions and lasting memories.

About Sri Lanka

Geography & Region
The island state Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean, south of India. The shape is similar to a tear. The area of 65,610m3 is comparable to the federal state of Bavaria and thus slightly larger than Switzerland.

Population
With almost 20.9 million inhabitants, the country is very densely populated. The majority (around 75%) are Singhalese, the ethnic minority with a total of 15.4% of the population are the Tamils, divided into Sri Lanka-Tamils and Indian Tamils.

Religion
70% of the population are Buddhists, followed by Hindus and Muslims.

sri lanka temple

sri lanka train

4 Reasons Why You Should Travel To Sri Lanka

We have of course assembled some exciting and beautiful destinations for you. First, a few words about the ideal travel time.

Sri Lanka travel time

Basically, for Sri Lanka, there is no such thing as the best time to travel. You can travel the country at any time, which makes this island in the Indian Ocean attractive for individual trips.

The reason? The island is influenced by two different monsoons, which determine a part of the local climate. On the one hand, the country has beautiful coastal areas with high humidity and higher temperatures. On the other hand, the highlands offer a milder climate with more constant temperatures.

sri lanka map

1. Its Diversity

One thing quickly becomes clear in Sri Lanka: it is incredibly diverse. Despite its small area and high population, it offers something for every taste. For the culture lovers there are several temples and ruins to visit, the sport enthusiasts can look forward to breathtaking dives. The country has an outstanding variety of animals, plants and spices. On the coasts it has several hotspots for surfing or whale watching, while inland trips take place in the deep jungle.

Our input: The small size of the island allows you to see many spots in a short period. It’s recommended to book a local guide.

fresh fish

sri lanka fish

sri lanka fruits

sri lanka market

sri lanka beach

sri lanka elephant

sri lanka monkey

sri lanka museum

2. The Food

The cuisine is characterized by the India, the meals are prepared with love and passion. Singhalese cuisine uses many spices and herbs to prepare food. The typical “Rice and Curry” is available in many varieties – for example with vegetables, fish or exotic fruits. The curry dishes are cooked in coconut milk, refined with spices and are usually served with a good portion of hotness.

Our input: ask the guide, a hotel concierge or google some cooking classes.

sri lanka food

3. Relicts of colonial times

The country looks back to thousands of years of history. During the modern era, the country lost some of its independence and was repeatedly taken over by European colonial powers, including Portugal, the Dutch and the British.

Our input: Visit Galle Face Hotel and smoke a cigar.

galle face hotel

sri lanka travel

4. A paradise for tea lovers

Given the size, it’s hard to believe: Sri Lanka is the 3rd largest tea producer in the world. In the surroundings of Kitulgala there are numerous tea plantations to admire. A larger tea factory can easily produce 15 tons a day! Impressive how many flavours and teas are extracted from a single plant.

Our input: Visit a tea factory and try some different types of tea

sri lanka tea plantage

sri lanka tea

sri lanka tea factory

sri lanka

tea bag

Colombo Hotel recommendation

Of course we have an exclusive recommendation for all those who are looking for a nice hotel in Colombo!

Mövenpick Hotel Colombo

Website: https://www.movenpick.com/de/asia/sri-lanka/colombo

The first new 5-star hotel opened 25 years ago in Colombo is an ideal starting point for exploring the capital. This superb 24-storey hotel is located in the business district of the cultural centre of Sri Lanka’s capital city and adds a touch of sophisticated elegance to Colombo’s hospitality industry.

Panoramic views and panoramic views in the rooms, modern design, large beds and rain showers were among the highlights of the Mövenpick Hotel in Colombo.

Our input: check out the rooftop and its infinity pool!

movenpick sri lanka

sri lanka hotel

colombo hotel

infinity pool

Thanks a lot to KLM

We would like to thank KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for the very comfortable business flight from Zurich via Amsterdam to Colombo. Flying on such a level offers a much more relaxed and rested holiday – flying feels a bit like living here.

klm business class

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