5AL2401 Peaks and Passes
Sunshine, Innsbruck, a lot of history and fun. Meanwhile the bikes arrived.
We started with some light rain in the morning, encountered some steady rain while going and had some very wet rain in the afternoon. Nevertheless we went over Gerlos and Großglockner, the highest Alpine Road in Austria.
We started with a short visit to the Harley-Davidson dealer in Bozen and entered right into the mountains to the east. After visiting the green Karersee, we turned south and rode to Trento. After some nice circles in several roundabouts we started our ascend to Monte Bondone and had a lunch there. Our way continued down Monte Bondone towards Lake Garda, where the Grand Hotel Gardone awaited our arrival.
Today was off. Everybody enjoyed their own way. Some chose the pool, some went shopping to Verona (I heard something about Louis Vuitton...) and we also offered a nice little rest day ride for those, that are addicted to motorcycle riding, like we are. Great roads and really nice weather.
Today was another day of great passes. We left Lake Garda and turned to the north-west for the mountains. We started with our morning passes Passo Carlo Magno and Passo Tonale. Our lunchstop, right at the beginning of Passo di Gavia had great local specialities and a spectacular setting, like in a screen-saver. Having had a great lunch we started our free ride to the peak of Passo Gavia. Everybody could take their own speed and we met at the top. Some really enjoyed, some loved it and some were a little frightened, as it is very narrow roads and no guard rails. Moving on, we went down the other side of Gavia, which is pure joy to ride. Up again to Stelvio, the highlight of the day. Some went for a Bratwurst at the top, some went down the other side, to have these iconic switchback under their wheels. We then took the last 2 passes on our way to the hotel in Livigno and maxed out today at the total number of 6 passes and countless turns and switchbacks.
Today is our last riding day. We had a great time and will end this little tour starting in Italy going via Switzerland back to Austria. Touching the Swiss Alps and enjoying the last curves over the Reschenpass. At the end, there was a brief motorcycle hand-in at the Edelweiss Headquarters and Some where trying out some other bikes for their next adventure.
After a week of great riding, we had to say good bye and I can say on behalf of the Edelweiss tourguide team: Thank you, it was great to have you with us. Safe travel and hope to see you again. All the best and keep the rubber down.