AMA 100th Anniversary Alps Challenge 2 (CA2240A)
Tomorrow, we embark on a breathtaking journey through the heart of the Alps, where stunning views await us— peaks, and picturesque valleys. Our route will not only take us over the mighty mountains but also around them, promising unforgettable moments amidst the awe-inspiring natural scenery of Switzerland. Stay tuned and join us on this exciting journey, where both the challenge and the beauty of the Alps take center stage.
Our morning started off promising: light rain but pleasant temperatures. A short, scenic stop in the famous town of San Pellegrino provided a welcome break for coffee and photos before we finally hit the winding mountain roads. The Colle di Zambla and Passo del Vivione challenged our driving skills but rewarded us with breathtaking views. A well-deserved lunch break gave us the energy we needed to continue. However, from Edolo onwards, the rain showed no mercy—completely soaked but proud, we looked forward to a warm shower at the end of the day. The perfect end to this eventful day was a wonderful 3-course dinner. Tired but content, we wrapped up the evening, ready for new adventures tomorrow.
What began as a promising, clear morning in St. Moritz and on the Julier Pass quickly turned into one of the most unforgettable rides. Alone on the pass, we soaked in the stunning views of clouds swirling around the mountains, setting the tone for a perfect day. The excitement kicked up a notch on the Maloja Pass, with its sharp curves. But it was the Passo dello Spluga that truly stole the show—narrow roads, steep cliffs, and endless adrenaline. We stopped at Lago Montespluga for a well-earned pizza. The northern ramp of Passo dello Spluga was so thrilling that we tackled it twice. Next, we swept through the San Bernardino Pass, enjoying its expansive, peaceful landscapes. But the real highlight came at the Lukmanier Pass, where we couldn’t resist multiple photo stops to capture its picturesque views. From start to finish, the day was a perfect blend of adventure, incredible scenery, and great company. A journey through the Swiss and Italian Alps.
On our rest day, we tackled a route that featured five legendary mountain passes: Oberalp, Furka, Grimsel, Susten, and San Gotthard. Each one was a highlight in itself, offering breathtaking views and thrilling as-/descents. The climb up Furka Pass was especially memorable. Although we missed the famous James Bond photo stop, riding the pass twice made up for it. At the top of Furka, we were treated to a stunning view of the Grimsel Pass in the distance, a preview of our next adventure. Once we reached Grimsel, we indulged in hot chocolate while soaking in the alpine scenery. But the most beautiful view of the day awaited us at the top of Susten Pass, where we stopped to savor the moment before descending towards our lunch spot. Björn had prepared a lovely picnic for us, which gave us the energy to tackle the final pass: San Gotthard. We rode not only the modern road but also the historic, cobbled Tremola, a fitting end to a day filled with unforgettable moments in the Swiss Alps.
We visited another iconic James Bond location: the Hotel Belvédère near the Furka Pass, where the view from the Rhone Glacier is simply breathtaking. From there, we tackled the Nufenen Pass, completing the figure-eight ride around Andermatt. The upper section of the pass was rainy, but we were finally able to tick it off our bucket list and conquer the challenge. The day’s journey continued with a long ride through the Rhone Valley, where we fueled up with the largest portion of pasta we’ve ever had. The foggy ascent up the Croix de Coeur offered a magical view over the clouds and down to Verbier, another highlight of the tour, even if the mist slowed our pace. The Swiss Alps never fail to impress!
Today’s forecast promised heavy rain starting from midday, so we decided to play it safe with just one pass and save the rest of the day for sightseeing. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate. We encountered relentless rain, heavy traffic, and even road closures—definitely not the fun day we had hoped for. However, we still had Chamonix on the list. Despite the weather, the town offered some charm. We enjoyed a cozy shopping spree and a delicious onion soup followed by a delightful mushroom dessert (white chocolate, blueberry and vanilla). Our day ended on a high note with a visit to the Aiguille du Midi.
What a difference it makes when the roads are dry! Today, we were blessed with one highlight after another. The first was a cozy hot chocolate stop at Lac de Roselend, a serene lake created by one of France's largest dams. From there, we rode up the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, sweeping through the curves like a swarm. Crossing the border from France to Italy at 2,188 meters (7,178 ft) above sea level felt like an achievement. Shortly after, we stopped for lunch at Lo Riondet, where we enjoyed hearty servings of polenta and pasta. The next pass, Colle San Carlo, surprised us with its smooth, newly laid tarmac, making the ride even more enjoyable. But the absolute highlight, both for the riding and the scenery, was the magnificent Col du Grand Saint-Bernard. It was the perfect end to a day filled with alpine adventures.
Today’s ride kicked off with the perfect conditions every motorcyclist hopes for: clear skies and a dry forecast. The sun was already shining as we set out, promising a beautiful day on the road. Our first stop was the impressive Fort Bard, a historic fortress nestled in the Aosta Valley. One of the highlights was crossing Lago Maggiore by ferry, a refreshing pause in the ride, with the sparkling waters and mountain views creating a stunning backdrop. The adventure continued with two mountain passes: Passo San Antonio and Passo della Motta Rossa. These routes, small, narrow, and twisting roads that challenged both our skills and focus., made every curve a thrill. The evening wrapped up perfectly with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, and what better way to celebrate than with Italy’s most famous dish—pizza, of course!
Every adventure must eventually come to an end. It’s been a true pleasure riding with all of you on this Alps Challenge—you did an amazing job, even better than me 😉! We're already excited to welcome you back for Part 3 of the Alps Challenge. See you next year!