SPT24103 Alpine Splendors and Bavarian Bliss
The day started with a hearty breakfast and our welcome briefing, where we talked about exciting facts about our tour and useful motorcycle riding tips. Even though we wouldn't be riding our bikes today, the anticipation was palpable and the group was full of enthusiasm. We took the bus from Seefeld to Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the BMW Days. We explored the exhibition grounds in glorious summer weather. Numerous stands offered everything to do with accessories, clothing, tuning, etc., while the latest BMW motorcycles were waiting to be admired and tested. A special highlight were the stunt shows, where professionals thrilled the audience with impressive maneuvers. There were also presentations on riding techniques and new developments. The atmosphere was great and we made lots of new contacts. A perfect day full of exciting impressions and anticipation of the experiences to come.
After a hearty breakfast and a detailed daily briefing, we got our bikes ready for departure. We also had the honor of welcoming an additional guest, Tobias Wachter, our Edelweiss owner, who would be accompanying us on this special tour for the first two days. The weather forecast kept its promise today. We left our hotel in Seefeld in pouring rain and made our way to Galtür. After nearly one hour, we crossed the Kühtai saddle and took our first break in the Kühtai "Dorfstadl". We warmed up with coffee and legendary apple pie. Then we continued towards the Hahntennjoch. This winding pass road is a real adrenaline rush. Tight hairpin bends and narrow sections of road challenged the driving skills of our guests. A short photo stop at the top of the pass provided an opportunity for impressive photos and an obligatory group photo under the pass sign despite the rain. Nevertheless, our tour participants were in high spirits and having fun. Another 1.5 hours later, we arrived at the Jägeralpe hotel/restaurant in Warth, where everyone was already looking forward to lunch and a longer break due to the wet and cold. After the lunch break, we unfortunately experienced an unpleasant surprise, as one of the brand new R 1300 GS could no longer be started. After several attempts, we had to give up, inform emergency OPS and order back Stefan, who was already at our destination hotel with the van. The rain had finally stopped and in the time it took us to set off on our last day's stage towards the hotel - with one less bike but one more co-driver - Stefan picked up the BMW and brought it to Mieming and from there a new 1300 GS back to us in Galtür, making a customer very happy. Many thanks, Stefan. Over a delicious meal, lots of stories and laughter, we looked back on the day and everyone is already looking forward to the next day's tour from Galtür to Livigno.
Our day began early in the morning near Galtür, where clouds still shrouded the landscape. However, the sun soon broke through, heralding a promising day ahead. Our first stop was the Silvretta reservoir, which offered us an impressive photo stop. The journey took us further down the Silvretta High Alpine Road, with numerous hairpin bends and breathtaking views. A coffee stop in the old town of Feldkirch offered a welcome break in a historic setting. After a short photo stop at the foot of Vaduz Castle in Liechtenstein, we continued on to Switzerland, where a delicious lunch awaited us. The journey continued over the Flüela Pass and the Ofen Pass, both with spectacular views. Finally, we reached Lake Livigno, whose clear waters and surrounding mountains provided the perfect backdrop. Tired but satisfied, we arrived in Italy. Attentive readers will have noticed: yes, we were actually on the road in four countries today.
Originally planned as a rest day, only the two pillion riders took full advantage of this offer to look around Livigno - possibly for a bit of shopping and relaxation. All the motorcyclists set off together from Livigno on a short day trip. It began with an exciting ride over the Bernina Pass, which offered breathtaking views and winding roads. The journey continued over the Julier Pass, where the group stopped for a coffee break and enjoyed the marvellous view. After the break, the two groups parted ways. Kurt continued the tour with his group over the picturesque Albula Pass. This route offered numerous bends and spectacular mountain panoramas that would make any motorcyclist's heart beat faster. Stefan's group opted for a shorter route. They rode back over the Julier Pass and then enjoyed the ride over the Bernina Pass again to return to Livigno. This gave them plenty of time to shop in the town and enjoy the charming ambience. A perfect combination of adventure and relaxation in the beautiful Alps. Tour-Guide Kurt
Our route today takes us from Livigno over several spectacular passes to Bolzano. We start in Livigno in summer temperatures and tackle the Passo Eira and the Foscagno Pass, both known for their winding roads and magnificent views. The highlight of the tour is the Stilfser Joch (Passo dello Stelvio), one of the highest asphalted Alpine passes with its famous hairpin bends. Here we enjoy a well-deserved lunch with breathtaking views before continuing our journey. The route continues over the Gampen Pass and the Mendel Pass, which also entice us with curves and picturesque scenery. Finally, we reach our destination, Bolzano, a city that impresses with its mix of Alpine and Mediterranean culture. A great day of riding with incredible impressions comes to an end. On the cozy hotel terrace, there is plenty to talk about and share.
In the morning, we started our motorbike tour through the impressive Dolomites in high spirits. Our customers wanted a shorter tour as they wanted to go shopping in the afternoon. First we visited the idyllic Karersee (Lake Costalunga), whose turquoise-blue water always amazes everyone. We continued over the Karerpass (Passo di Costalunga), then Passo di Costalunga, where we enjoyed the first breathtaking mountain panoramas. After the Costalunga Pass, we followed the winding roads to Passo San Pellegrino and Passo Campolongo. Every bend offered new, spectacular views. The highlight of the tour was the Grödner Joch (Passo Gardena), where we enjoyed our second break with LOTS of water in glorious sunshine. Finally, we rode over the Kulatsch Sattel (Sela de Culac) and through the famous Kastelruth back to Bolzano. We had a lot of fun with the driver on his R18, who occasionally sounded out the whole valley and made the journey unforgettable with his roaring (sound) machine. While it was pleasantly cool in the mountains, temperatures in the valleys reached up to 34 degrees at times. All in all, it was a day full of great bends, breathtaking panoramas, enjoyment of nature, driving fun and good humour, and we arrived back at our Hotel Magdalener Hof after a good 180 km without any incidents, drenched in sweat but with grinning faces.
Today's tour was all about the passes, and of the six planned passes, five were well over 2,000 metres. We set off punctually at 9.00 a.m. with eight cheerful guests, while the ladies preferred to join us again in the van. Under a cloudy sky, we made our first coffee stop at the Sella Pass after a good hour's drive. An excellent idea, because as soon as we had taken a seat in the restaurant and fortified ourselves with coffee and delicious cake, the heaven opened their floodgates and it rained cats and dogs. Our Chinese guests were now fully in their element and devoted an hour to their second favourite hobby - after motorcycling, of course - photography. We then decided to skip the final Passo Tre Croci (1,809 m) due to the previous long stops. After the last 75 kilometres, we reached our hotel in Lienz, wet and exhausted, but with happy and satisfied faces. Once again, we were able to enjoy another day of incredible impressions and endless bends. Over dinner together, we had a lively discussion about what we had seen and experienced and laughed a lot. Despite or perhaps because of the language barriers, it was endless fun. After an extended coffee stop of around 45 minutes, we continued our journey from Passo Sella (2,218 m) via Passo Pordoi (2,239 m), Passo Valparola (2,168 m) and Passo Falzarego (2,105 m). We stopped for lunch at the Belvedere grill bar, where we were served delicious grilled specialities and salads. Then, after just over half an hour, we stopped again, this time for a photo stop at the infamous Passo di Giau (2,239 m). From a photographic point of view, this pass is definitely a highlight in the Dolomites with its stunning 360-degree panoramic view. No matter where you look: The awe-inspiring view of the majestically high mountain ranges takes your breath away. And here we had the most beautiful sunshine, which hardly seemed possible after the torrential rain barely 100 kilometres earlier. Our Chinese guests were now fully in their element and devoted an hour to their second favourite hobby - after motorcycling, of course - photography. We then decided to skip the final Passo Tre Croci (1,809 m) due to the previous long stops. After the last 75 kilometres, we reached our hotel in Lienz, wet and exhausted, but with happy and satisfied faces. Once again, we were able to enjoy another day of incredible impressions and endless bends. Over dinner together, we had a lively discussion about what we had seen and experienced and laughed a lot. Despite or perhaps because of the language barriers, it was endless fun.
Our last day of driving began in Lienz, where we set off towards Erding full of anticipation. The route first took us along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, one of the most beautiful Alpine roads. The numerous hairpin bends and the majestic mountain panoramas offered breathtaking views and made this route a special experience. After this intensive section, we took a well-deserved lunch break near the idyllic Pillersee. Smoked trout from the lake, Wiener schnitzel and cheese spaetzle: yes, we are definitely back in the Austria/Germany region in terms of cuisine. Refreshed, we set off for the Sudelfeld Pass, the last winding stretch on our tour. We enjoyed flowing driving fun one last time, the dynamic route offered pure joy and adrenaline. Finally, we reached Erding, full of the day's experiences. Our journey through impressive landscapes and exciting routes came to a crowning conclusion here and will remain in our memories for a long time. In the evening we sat down together for our last dinner together. Over delicious food and a good glass of wine we reviewed the tour and told stories of our adventures. We laughed about the funny moments and remembered the most impressive parts of the route. The anticipation of future adventures and the memories of this fantastic tour created a wonderful atmosphere and made the final evening a special highlight. Thanks to our friends from Asia!