A trip across Central Europe on a East German MZ motorbike (252)

Cold War Conversations

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 9 September 2022

⏱️ 42 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

MZ was an East German motorcycle manufacturer located in Zschopau, Saxony. The acronym MZ stands for Motorenwerke Zschopau GmbH (German for Zschopau engine factory). In the 1980s MZ was regarded by the British motorcycle press as producing ugly and old-fashioned (if worthy) motorcycles however, there was a hard-core set of UK fans who loved this relatively, cheap and easy-to-repair bike. Julian Howe was a big fan of the MZ bike. He tells of a bizarre honeymoon of fellow MZ club members which involved MZ bike fans from across the UK touring Western Europe and the Warsaw Pact Countries. From sharing drinks with border guards to being on the receiving end of CS gas in Krakow it’s a tour through late 1980s Europe on the back of a two-stroke MZ motorbike. 0:00 Introduction and background on MZ motorcycles 1:21 Call for donations and testimonial from a supporter 5:28 The journey begins - crossing the border into East Germany 11:26 Interaction with an East German border guard and reflections on environment 15:20 Entering Poland and experiences with locals 22:19 Crossing through Czechoslovakia into Hungary and visit to a private museum 26:12 Visit to Prague and interactions with locals 29:37 Return journey through East Germany and humorous encounter at the border 33:47 Julian's most memorable experience from his trip and favorite media recommendations 38:29 Closing remarks and appreciation for financial supporters 39:02 Encouragement to join the Facebook group and continue the conversation Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show. I am delighted to welcome Julian Howe to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode252 Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
0:06.0	It's the most wonderful time.
0:10.0	Are you a smart booker or a silly booker?
0:13.0	Smart bookers get access to a three airport lounge by booking a five-star holiday with On the Beach.
0:19.5	Silly bookers, well, enjoy those cues at the bar. Stop
0:23.0	booking around and visit Onthebeach.com.uk. Unitions apply. Seven night minimum stay,
0:29.3	outbound only from selected airports for up to six people, Atoll protected.
0:34.4	And the staff who ran it were all checks who'd been in England during the war in the RIA.
0:41.2	I mean, one of them said to me, they keep us here so they can keep a eye on it.
0:47.4	This is Cold War Conversations.
0:51.6	If you're new here, you've come to the right place to listen to first-hand Cold War history accounts.
0:59.2	Do make sure you follow us in your podcast app so that you don't miss a single episode.
1:06.8	MZ was an East German motorcycle manufacturer located in Jopal-Saxony. The acronym MZ was an East German motorcycle manufacturer located in Jopal Saxony.
1:13.0	The acronym MZ stood for Motur and Verka Jopal, or German for Jopal engine factory.
1:20.3	In the 1980s, MZ was regarded by the British motorcycle press as producing ugly and old-fashioned,
1:27.0	if worthy, motorcycles.
1:29.3	However, there was a hardcore set of UK fans who loved this relatively cheap and easy-to-repair
1:35.6	bike.
1:36.8	Julian Howe was a big fan of the MZ bike.
1:39.6	He tells of a bizarre honeymoon of fellow MZ club members which involve 15 MZ bikes from the UK
1:47.0	touring Western Europe and the Warsaw Pact countries.
1:51.0	From sharing drinks with a border guard to being on the receiving end of CS gas in Crackow,
	...

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