Grand Alps Tour - CGA2401
The first day started off with Caleb, Sam and Judd joining us for the riding school, which gave them a chance to gain already 1st experiences before the rest of the group arrives. We had a class room session in the morning, followed with some slow speed riding exercises and a little afternoon ride up the Kühtai pass. On our way back we got caught in one of these fast and furious alpine thunder storms and we all got pretty wet on our way home. Here some of the other guests arriving were already awaiting the stories collected today. After the welcome briefing, everyone had a first look at their bike and we joined together for dinner in a local restaurant. Let's hope the weather gods are on our side again and we will leave Seefeld under a blue sky tomorrow.
The world meets on the most beautiful mountain passes in the Alps and now we are there too. After Kühtai in the morning, we head over the Hantenjoch into the Lechtal for a well-earned lunch. Then the Flexen and Arlberg passes to reach the next and final valley of the day. A nice and easy start to the Alpine pass adventure.
Due to an unforeseen landslide the Silvretta High Alpine Road was closed, what was a real bummer. But luckily the Alps are stunning left right and center and an alternative route was quickly found. So we went back the Valley towards Landeck, south on the 180 and into to Switzerland. Once over the border everything just feels a little neater, the roads are smoother and less busy and the travelling speed drops to a comfy cruising. And in the background the tall and mighty peaks lending the scenery some gravitas. It could nearly seem surreal in its perfection if there wasn't the occasional temporary lights in the middle of nowhere as summer constructions are on their way. The highlight of the day was the stunning Flüela Pass at 2,384m (7821ft) and we also discovered some lovely back roads in the north of the Surselva region, before we made our final push over the Oberalppass and into Andermatt. It has been a long day but the scenery was amazing and we can't wait to get more when we will tackle the passes all around Andermatt tomorrow!
We started today under a blue sky heading for the Furka Pass one last time. Instead of being in clouds we had a the full mountain panorama all around us. Simply unforgettable! So we had to stop at the iconic Hotel Belvédère, which reminds you of the grandeur of days past and appeared famously in James Bond - Goldfinger. From here we made our way slowly down to the Rhone Valley passing Brig and Sion along the way. The valley is quiet lively and therefore traffic demanded our full attention. After a lovely lunch we only had to go a short way before the road went uphill again to the Col de la Forcalz. The turns and twist were a welcome change and we enjoyed our way over the border to France and into Charmonix. The last leg towards Saint-Gervais-les-Bains took us towards some winding back country roads which were an absolute blast. And the day ended after a well deserved shower with some drinks in the afternoon sunshine on the hotel terrace.
Le Tour de France - yes that's what we called this day. Not only because it is the single one day we're riding in France only but mainly cause each and every pass of the day is not only famous among two wheel riders but more or less often part of the world's largest bicycle race, le Tour de France.
Today was our second rest day and contrary to our first most participants decided to rest or at least recharge the batteries their own way. Luckily, Briancon is catering to all of them. So we had a couple of riders who wanted to conquer the famous Col du Calibier once again this time without an engine. There was some hiking up to the Mount Prorel and Serre Chevalier, others visited the old town of Briancon, one bike went out for a little free ride and some just had a relaxed day in and around the hotel. So everybody will be bringing new energy to the group riding tomorrow!
Top of the tour - with 2764 meters (9068 ft) peak the pass road over col de l'iseran is Europe's highest paved mountain pass and not only highlight of the day but the one height on this trip. At the same time, we commute a little between France and Italy, as every second pass takes us back across the border.
We were in for another hot day on to wheels. The morning started pleasant and under blue skies. After a quick fill up, a wrong turn and a detour through some vineyards we finally were on our way. The road followed the majestic Aosta Valley towards the lowlands of northern Italy. Before reaching them we turned east once more on our way to Switzerland. Arriving at Lago d'Orta Peter surprised us with a picnic right over the lake under some shading trees. What a welcome sight that was! We were all struggling with the heat and an ice cold soda was just the thing needed. Refreshed and with a full belly, we set off for the last stretch of the journey. Lago Maggiore was to be crossed by ferry and the lake breeze let us forget the heat of the shoreside. Unfortunately, we had to discover back on land that the short road to Lugano was closed and we were forced to take the slightly longer detour via Passo die St Antonio, which turned out to be loads of fun - to many twisties and corners to count! When we arrived in Lugano, we were all happy to finally be there and we were looking forward to a cold shower and a hearty dinner.
From Switzerland to Italy to 🇨🇭 to 🇮🇹...
Once again we had to change our riding plans due to a landslide blocking the road to the Munt-La-Schera tunnel into Switzerland. So we started off directly to the world famous Passo dello Stelvio. The ascent was just simply magnificent! Long swoopy corners, switch backs, galleries and spectacular mountain scenery. As expected the road was busy with motorbikes and cyclists alike. And the top was a buzzing with visitors, we regrouped at the far top on the terrace of the refugio for a little coffee and enjoying the happening around us. Of course there was time to buy the obligatory souvenirs, like stickers and t-shirts. On the way down, Kevin took some group shots for his magazine article and we went for lunch at the Franzenshöhe. Just to take in this impressive pass road in it's whole glory. From here we finished the descent and had to then take the busy road to Merano, due to the road closure earlier. This was not and easy task at temperatures went up to 35C (95F). What a relief it was when we finally to turn into the mountains again to tackle a more gentle pass the Gampenpass. Unfortunately, we did loose Bin and Judd a a short while and Franzi had to go back to Valley to collect the 2 strays. Our final leg went via the Passo di Mendola, which everyone truly enjoyed. It was a last relief before we had to succumb to the heat of the lowlands once more. The ride into Bolzano was a test of willpower for the riders. Not only had they to battle the heat, but also the busy city traffic, the engine heat and possible ever red light on this planet! What a welcome sight it was after our last turn, where we saw Peter waiting for us in front of the underground parking.
If this is the view from the drinks return at lunch... then you can imagine the ride ;)
After heavy rainfall in the night before, Bolzano had kindly cooled down a little for our departure in the morning. Our first stop for the day was on the Passo Gardena with a fabulous view over the mountains. The ride up was in parts challenging due to a lot of holiday traffic on the road as the area is a favored outdoor destination. After the stop we had one part of the group heading off on a free ride. Our next leg took us through the Dolomites over Passo Falzarego into Cortina D'Ampezzo. The ride in the mountains was spectacular, but the town was one giant traffic jam, with road works and diversions. We all regrouped before the lunch spot, which was another picnic this time at Lake Misurina. Right when we arrived a single storm cloud opened up, but as true motorcyclist this was a only a little inconvenience. From here we rode into Lienz and onto the Großglockner High Alpine Road. Unfortunately, the weather on the other side was more than just wet. After the Hochtor Tunnel we got seriously drenched. And a hot coffee brought some warmth back into us. The decent was done carefully as the roads were very wet. In Kaprun we were surprised by motor museum in the hotels basement ans backyard. Turned out the owner was an enthusiast that opened his privat collection to the public. What a treat!
Finally, we also enjoy the experience of the rain until the sun bids us farewell from the Edelweiss headquarters in the afternoon. A great tour comes to an end, thank you very much!