Into Poland With Mud, Sand, and a Smile: A TET Adventure on Two Wheels
Alright, strap in, throttle twisters — it’s time for another muddy, sandy, and slightly dodgy tale from the trail. We’re talking about section 2 of the Polish TET (Trans Euro Trail), a Royal Enfield Himalayan with a lot of heart, and yours truly: a slightly scruffy rider with a nose for adventure, a knack for getting rained on, and a deep appreciation for breakfast buffets and solid parking.
Let’s rewind to the last day of May 2025. It all starts with a noise that no biker wants to wake up to…
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30.05.25 – Rain, Roubles, and a Return to Barlinek
Imagine this: You’re tucked up in your hotel, dreaming of twisty roads and sweet exhaust notes, when you wake up to that sound. Not the purr of your engine. Not birds chirping. No, mate — rain. That cold, wet soundtrack of doom tapping at the windows like nature’s way of saying, “Not today, champ.”
But fate took a kind turn. Post-breakfast, the skies cleared, the sun made a guest appearance, and suddenly, it felt like someone turned on the “let’s ride” switch. By 09:30, I was geared up, fired up, and rolling out of Schwedt towards the Polish border.
First mission: cross into Poland (easy-peasy) and find a place to exchange some cash. Gotta love that slight pre-Euro era chaos. Find a bank, maybe a shady-looking exchange booth, and try not to get fleeced. I got my Zloty, grabbed a coffee, and then it was time for the good stuff.
Back on the TET, the day’s riding was a mellow mix. Mostly tarmac — the narrow, twisty kind where the road tries to seduce you into leaning harder than you probably should. Between the paved sections, I found a few wooded tracks still wet and slippery from yesterday’s rain. Nothing too gnarly, just a bit of muddy spice to keep things interesting.
Lunchtime came quick, and after stuffing my face, I rolled into Barlinek and checked into the familiar Hotel Barlinek. I’d stayed here last year, and nothing beats returning to a place where you know the bed’s comfy and the shower’s hot. Sixty-five Euros including breakfast and safe parking for the bike? Absolute bargain.
Afternoon plan? Easy: relax, wander about, and see what’s changed in Barlinek since 2024. Spoiler alert — not a lot. But that’s kind of the charm, innit?
Tomorrow’s plan was to ride more than the comfy 100 km I clocked today. Ambitious? Maybe. Doable? Definitely.
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31.05.25 – Speed Gravel and Summer Gloves
Morning came with a bit of good luck: the hotel was prepping for a wedding. Now, I’ve got nothing against lovebirds tying the knot, but let’s be real — weddings mean noise, drunk uncles, and questionable karaoke. So yeah, good thing I hit the road early.
Now this was a riding day. A glorious mashup of terrain types that kept me grinning like a loon inside my helmet.
Tarmac to start with – clean, winding, and perfect for a gentle warm-up. Then came the rocky bits. Not the worst, but enough to make your suspension work and rattle your fillings if you’re not paying attention. After that? Sand. Then deeper sand. Then a bit of gravel. And then… speed gravel. You know the kind — packed down just right so you can go full throttle without sliding off into the bushes. Pure joy.
Weather? Spot on. Not too cold, not too hot. Just perfect for breaking out the summer gloves for the first time on this trip. No more sweaty paws inside winter mitts. Finally.
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01.06.25 – Hello, June. You Sexy Beast.
There are mornings that are just right. You sleep like a log, wake up without an alarm, eat a breakfast so good it makes you want to cry, and the sky outside looks like a motorcycle poster. That was today. First of June, and it kicked off like a dream.
Rolled out at 9 AM sharp. The Himalayan fired up like a champ (as always), and off I went, chasing the TET through forests, farmlands, and everything in between. Covered 205 glorious kilometers — and I do mean glorious.
The terrain? A buffet of off-road goodness. Fast gravel, just begging to be ripped.
Sand patches that ranged from “this is fun” to “oh crap, I’m about to eat dirt.” Deep sand stretches that made me wish for a lighter bike — but hey, the Himalayan held its own like a legend. Sure, it ain’t the quickest, but it’s got heart. And that thump-thump-thump engine sound? Music to my ears.
And the weather? Someone up there must’ve been smiling down, because it stayed sunny and warm all day. Not too hot, just right for a long ride without overheating yourself or your machine.
After the last sandy section, I landed at a quiet little farm that rents out rooms. Nothing fancy, just the basics — bed, shower, peace and quiet. Exactly what the doctor ordered after a full day of standing on the pegs and praying through deep ruts.
Plan for tomorrow? Well, the weather looks like it might go back to its moody phase. Rain’s probably on the menu, so I’m playing it by ear. Might stay another night, catch up on some sleep, and let the trails dry out a bit.
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Reflections from the Road (or the Ditch, Depending on the Day)
What’s it like riding the Polish TET? Imagine this:
• You vs. The Terrain: Every corner holds a surprise. One minute you’re coasting through sleepy villages, the next you’re wrestling your bike through sugar-soft sand. It keeps you honest. It keeps you sharp.
• Weather Roulette: It’s Europe in spring — could be summer vibes, could be autumn drama, all in one day. Bring layers. Trust me.
• The Himalayan Life: No, it’s not a race machine. It’s not flashy. But by the beard of Enfield, it just keeps going. Reliable as your gran’s soup recipe and twice as comforting on tough trails.
• People: From friendly hotel owners to locals waving from their tractors, Poland’s been nothing but good vibes. And if you speak a word or two of Polish (or at least try), you’ll get a smile and maybe even a free beer.
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Final Thoughts Before the Next Ride
So here I am, chilling in a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere, full of Polish bread and gratitude. This trip’s already shaping up to be one for the books, and we’re just getting started.
If you’re thinking of hitting the TET in Poland, do it. Pack your gear, prep your bike, and bring your sense of humour. Because out here, things go wrong. Things get dirty. But damn, it’s all part of the ride.
And if the weather turns nasty tomorrow, I’ll sit back with a coffee, swap stories with the farm owners, and let the Himalayan rest a bit.
But if it stays dry… oh baby, we ride again.
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Catch you down the trail, misfits. Ride hard, stay rubber side down, and don’t forget your bloody number plate. 🏍️💨🍻
#dustysocks
All the best 🥰