I have got first experiences in enjoying to ride motorbikes as I have lived in Bergisches Land, Germany. Not really high mountains, but the up and down hill landscape with many beautiful meadows, forests, and fields offers opportunities for many relaxing cruises. We had an used red Yamaha XJ-600 (Diversion). And the had was protected by an red painted helmet, a Shoei XR-800.
Later in Aachen, as we both studied at the University, we aquired a second motorcycle, a further Yamaha XJ-600 but now in black-green something, and skipped to replace our broken car for some years. The Eifel was in front of our door which allowed many great rides after work or at the weekends. Also Adenine, Belgium was very close. From Aachen, we also started a fantastic multi-week tour through South-France.