On Saturday, May 30, AMAL finally set off on its traditional Kul-Tour once again. Early in the morning, at 8:30 a.m., a cheerful group of 17 participants gathered in Brouch on the parking lot next to the church.
After the customary motorcycle and fuel-related conversations, Mike Koedinger, who had once again organized the Kul-Tour for AMAL, revealed the destination to the participants at 9:00 a.m. As always, the destination had remained a closely guarded secret until shortly before departure. This time, the route would take us along a pleasant journey of nearly 80 kilometers toward the Massen Shopping Center in Wemperhardt.
The owner of the shopping center was expecting us there at 11:00 a.m. to give us a behind-the-scenes look at both the supermarket and the shopping center. Afterwards, we were to enjoy lunch together at one of the restaurants before spending the afternoon visiting his—let’s say—remarkably extensive collection of Steyr tractors.
While Friday had brought sweltering temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F), dark clouds hung over parts of the sky on Saturday morning as we set off. Naturally, they were concentrated precisely in the direction we were heading. We managed to stay dry for the first hour of the tour, but near Hosingen heavy rain began to fall. A short stop allowed us to put on our rain gear—at least those who had remembered to bring it—before continuing the remaining kilometers to Wemperhardt. By the time we arrived, everyone had received a thorough soaking.
At the Massen Shopping Center, Arsène Laplume was already waiting for us and guided us to the underground level of the complex, where we could park our motorcycles and hang up our rain gear to dry. After a brief welcome, the tour began immediately. We were given a detailed presentation of the entire infrastructure of the operation, from the butcher shop and bakery to the restaurants and warehouses—simply everything. The owner of this vast complex was able to answer every question, whether it concerned the sprinkler system’s water reserves or the composition of the wood used for smoking salmon. It was truly impressive.
At lunchtime, we all ate together in one of the center’s many restaurants before heading across the road around 2:00 p.m. to visit the tractor collection. Once again, it was hard to believe what we saw. Every model of the Austrian Steyr tractor brand was represented, including numerous prototypes and one-of-a-kind machines, all restored to immaculate condition. And for those who still had not seen enough, Mr. Laplume demonstrated his passion and determination by showing us yet another hall containing dozens upon dozens of machines awaiting restoration.
It was also fascinating to visit the workshops where various tradespeople, such as carpenters and metalworkers, carry out maintenance work for the shopping center. Nearby, we were also able to see the workshops where the tractors are restored. This, too, was highly impressive.
At 5:00 p.m.—more than two hours later than originally planned (especially for those who had told their families they would be back by 4:00 p.m.!)—we set off for home in small groups.
The 2026 edition of the Kul-Tour once again proved to be an exceptionally enjoyable day. Once again, we were shown what can be hidden behind seemingly ordinary doors and walls. In particular, getting a behind-the-scenes look at a shopping center is an opportunity that does not come along every day, and it was greatly appreciated by our members.
AMAL would like to extend its sincere thanks to its member Mike Koedinger, who once again organized a Kul-Tour that hit the mark perfectly.
A special thank-you also goes, on behalf of AMAL, to Arsène Laplume for opening the doors of both his shopping center and his remarkable tractor collection to us. We were all impressed by the warm welcome we received, and some of us even wondered whether a day in Wemperhardt contains more hours than elsewhere in the country. How else could one person accomplish so much in a single lifetime?
Last but not least, a heartfelt thank-you goes to our members Liz and Aparicio Gomez, who kindly volunteered to serve as the support vehicle and trailer crew for the Kul-Tour.
More images in the gallery below:
