Mediterranean Alps Extreme 4SA2502
Tour Start in Vence – Welcome to the Adventure! Our journey begins in Vence, a charming town in the foothills of the French Alps, where we meet at the cozy family-run hotel Les Mesugues. This small, lovingly run hotel not only offers an idyllic setting, but also the perfect setting for a relaxed start to the tour. Some of you have arrived early to enjoy the day in Vence – with its winding streets, Mediterranean atmosphere, and perhaps even a dip in the pool. Others will arrive throughout the day and get ready for the new adventure together. This evening at 5 p.m. we officially begin with our Welcome Briefing. We'll give you an initial insight into the itinerary for the coming days, discuss organizational details, and – very importantly – the safety-related information for this tour. Because what lies ahead is no ordinary journey: We are on an Extreme Tour – Level 5 of 5, the highest difficulty level at Edelweiss. This means challenging stages, winding mountain roads, narrow passes, and spectacular views. It will be exciting, intense, and at times challenging. But that's precisely what makes this tour so appealing – for anyone ready to embark on a true adventure. Also: Welcome, we're glad you're here – and look forward to an unforgettable journey!
Our first day of driving begins under a pristine sky – perfect weather for what lies ahead. The bikes are ready, the mood is euphoric. Release the clutch – and off we go! Today is all about the gorges: Gorges du Loup, Gorgesq du Verdon, and Gorges de Daluis – three natural wonders, each a highlight in its own right. 280 kilometers of the finest winding roads lie ahead of us on the way to Valberg. Just beyond Vence, the first highlight opens up: the Gorges du Loup, a narrow, dramatically carved gorge with a wild watercourse, surrounded by rugged rock faces. The road winds tightly along the cliffs, offering spectacular views into the depths – a delight for any lover of curves. We continue towards Verdon, the Grand Canyon of Europe. The Gorges du Verdon are breathtaking: turquoise-green water, steep cliffs, endless switchbacks. This is where every motorcyclist's heart beats faster – not only because of the impressive scenery, but also because of the perfectly paved roads that combine sporty riding with safe conditions. The crowning glory is the Gorges de Daluis – perhaps the most spectacular of the three gorges. The red rock formations that cut deep into the landscape seem almost surreal. The narrow tunnels and tight bends demand attention, but reward with pure riding pleasure and an almost unreal scenery. In the late afternoon, we reach Valberg, a charming mountain village with an alpine flair – somewhat exhausted, but overwhelmed by the day's impressions. This route is a paradise for motorcyclists: technical curves, breathtaking views, and hardly any traffic. A perfect first day of riding that will stay with us – and whet our appetite for our next day.
Nach einer erholsamen Nacht im idyllischen Wintersportort Valberg starten wir voller Vorfreude in unseren zweiten Fahrtag – das Ziel: Roquebillière. Schon die ersten Kilometer versprechen pures Fahrvergnügen: Kurven, Kehren und perfekter Asphalt laden zum Genießen ein. Der Fahrtwind bringt nur wenig Abkühlung, denn die Hitze bleibt auch heute gnadenlos. Doch selbst die sengende Sonne kann unsere Begeisterung für die französischen Bergstraßen nicht trüben. Nach einer kurzen, aber intensiven Etappe legen wir den ersten Kaffeestopp ein – eine willkommene Gelegenheit, um durchzuatmen und neue Energie zu tanken. Die Strecke führt uns weiter durch enge Schluchten, vorbei an rauschenden Bächen, durch grüne Täler und über schmale Passstraßen mit schwindelerregenden Abhängen. Teilweise geht es direkt 200 Meter steil in die Tiefe – Nervenkitzel pur! Ein echtes Motorradabenteuer, wie es im Buche steht. Trotz der Hitze ist die Stimmung in der Gruppe bestens. Kleinere Unterbrechungen durch abreißende Kommunikation innerhalb der Gruppe werden mit einem Lächeln weggesteckt – sie gehören zu einer Tour wie dieser einfach dazu. Am Ende des Tages bleibt das Gefühl, ein weiteres Kapitel eines unvergesslichen Roadtrips geschrieben zu haben – mit Kurven, Aussicht und Gemeinschaft, die lange in Erinnerung bleiben werden.
Heat, altitude, and heart palpitations on two wheels It was one of those days when the asphalt shimmers and the wind feels more like a blast from a hairdryer – 32 degrees, blazing sun, and we were in the middle of it, somewhere between Roquebillière and adventure. The engines roared, the tires chewed their way through tight bends and narrow roads as we headed for the Passo della Lombarda. After just the first few kilometers, it was clear: this stage would demand everything from us – and give us everything. The climb to the pass was spectacular. Turn after turn, we wound our way higher, past rock faces, through forests, over small bridges – the landscape changed almost as quickly as the gears. And with every meter of elevation, the temperature dropped a little, which seemed like a small mercy in the midday heat. Somewhere halfway there, hidden in a shady valley, we discovered a small river – cool, clear, perfect. We stopped, took off our heavy jackets, sat in the shade of the trees, and dangled our boots. Our impromptu picnic there was probably the best thing we've ever eaten. It wasn't just the food—it was that moment of pause, the sound of the water, the laughter of others, the feeling of being in exactly the right place at the right time. Up at over 2,000 meters, the world was suddenly different—wider, cooler, freer. The roads were narrow, often barely wider than a car, and the bends so tight that you sometimes almost had to stop to get through. But that was exactly what made it special. Our hearts rose, the adrenaline rushed—we were completely in the moment. When we arrived in Vicoforte in the late afternoon, the sky was golden, our faces dusty, and our shoulders heavy with exertion. Tired, yes – but in the best way. What awaited us there was like a dream: a dinner in an old monastery, with high ceilings and a meal as good as the roads that had brought us there. We sat where the monks' refectory used to be. We drank, reflected on our experiences, and enjoyed a magnificent meal – knowing that this day would be one of those to be remembered forever.
From the Mountains to the Sea As usual, we set off at 9 a.m. from Vicoforte, saddled up our bikes, and headed northeast – the Mediterranean is calling. Our destination: Rapallo, a lively coastal town with around 30,000 inhabitants, which welcomes us with its Mediterranean lightness and charming old town. First, however, we head through the mountains. Narrow roads, tight bends, passes that resemble goat paths more than regular roads – a little paradise for us motorcyclists. The east is calling, the landscape is changing, and with every kilometer towards the coast, the thermometer climbs a little higher. After a fortifying lunch snack in a shady restaurant, we are faced with a decision: The heat has become oppressive, so we choose – with a heavy heart – the direct route to Rapallo via the motorway. But the weekend is already approaching, and with it, traffic jams and heavy traffic. The wind hardly provides any cooling, and our ability to concentrate is dwindling. When we finally arrive at the hotel in Rapallo around 5 p.m., we're all sweating, tired—but also content. The first glimpse of the sea, the gentle lapping of the waves, and the scent of salt in the air make the day's exertions fade away. The decision is quickly made: tomorrow we'll take a break. No helmets, no gear changes, no rattling exhausts. Instead, a day at our leisure—for some, a swim in the sea, for others, an espresso on the beach promenade. Perhaps a train trip to the Cinque Terre, perhaps just the dolce vita right outside our door. Whatever happens, tomorrow is all ours. And Rapallo is the perfect place to enjoy just that.
As previously announced, everyone treated themselves to a well-deserved break today. No one touched their motorcycles – and that was a wise decision given the current heat. With temperatures well over 30 degrees Celsius, motorcycling quickly becomes an extremely sweaty and demanding experience. Added to that is the fact that the region around Rapallo, and especially Cinque Terre, is very popular with tourists and Italian families on weekends and when the weather is good. Everyone spent the day relaxing, sleeping in, shopping, eating well, enjoying a massage, and simply relaxing. Tomorrow we'll set off again – our destination: Finale Ligure. We'll leave Rapallo and, instead of taking the direct route of about 120 kilometers, make our way through the parallel roads in the mountains. This means about 250 kilometers of more remote, winding mountain roads – with plenty of views, but also plenty of sweat under our helmets. The mood is excellent; everyone is in a good mood and refreshed – ready for the next chapter of our adventure. May tomorrow continue to be heated, winding and unforgettable.
Heat, Elevation Gains, and Magnificent Views Despite heavy thunderstorms during the night, the morning showed no mercy: The heat returned immediately – the thermometer showed almost 30 degrees Celsius as we prepared our bikes in Rapallo. Today's stage took us away from the coast into the mountainous hinterland of Liguria, with our destination: Finale Ligure. First, we drove a short distance along the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, enjoying the salty air that wafted around our noses, at least for a short time. But soon we turned into the mountains – and what a change that was! The roads became narrower, more winding, sometimes rough and challenging. Just the way we like it. Between tight switchbacks and ancient forests lay spectacular views of deep valleys, high peaks, and small, sleepy villages. A real highlight of the day: the drive through Beigua National Park. Shortly before the highest point, we took a well-deserved rest – fresh air, a cooling drink, and a panorama we won't soon forget. We tackled the region's planned passes despite the scorching heat, but by the afternoon, the temperature had taken its toll. The asphalt was burning hot, our gear was sticky – we decided to shorten the route a bit and longed for only one thing: cooling off. This finally came in the form of a pool that welcomed us at our destination like an oasis in the desert. The crowning conclusion of an intensive day of riding came in the evening: a stylish dinner high above Finale Ligure – in the historic fortress at the Fortezza restaurant. With a view of the sea, a glass of wine in hand, and the evening sun on our faces, the day ended exactly as one would imagine after a strenuous day of riding.
Mediterranean Alps Extreme Finale: Von Ligurischen Höhen zurück an die Côte d’Azur In null komma nichts sind die 9 Tage vergangen – vollgepackt mit Kurvenrausch, Panoramen und mediterranem Flair. Und damit war es heute so weit: Unser letzter Fahrtag brach an. Finale Ligure verabschiedete uns mit frühmorgendlicher Wärme und einem Himmel, der wieder tiefblau über uns strahlte. Die Temperaturen kletterten rasch auf über 31 Grad – ein letztes Mal stellte sich uns also die Sonne als ernstzunehmender Gegner in den Weg. Pünktlich um 9 Uhr ließen wir die ligurische Küste hinter uns und tauchten ein letztes Mal ein in die Welt der Bergstraßen. Was folgte, war ein würdiger Abschluss unserer Tour: verwinkelte Serpentinen, schmale Gassen, fast verlassene Dörfer – es fühlte sich an, als hätte jemand die Route eigens für uns gebaut. Die Maschinen schnurrten, der Grip war da, der Flow perfekt. Jeder Kilometer ein Genuss, jeder Blick ein Foto wert. Nach einer stärkenden Frühstückspause auf einem kleinen, sonnengefluteten Dorfplatz mussten wir jedoch der Realität Tribut zollen: Die Hitze war inzwischen gnadenlos, die Motorradkombis schwer und schweißgetränkt. Wir entschieden uns gemeinsam, das Finale nicht auf den Gipfeln zu suchen, sondern auf einer anderen Bühne – der Autobahn A8 der Côte d’Azur. Der Wechsel zur offenen, weiten Straße am Meer war ein krasser Szenenwechsel. Wir glitten dahin – Wind im Visier, Salz in der Luft, die letzte Etappe wie ein wohlkomponiertes Outro einer grandiosen Tour. Um 14:30 Uhr erreichten wir schließlich wieder das Hotel Les Messugues in Vence, genau dort, wo alles begonnen hatte. Der Pool – eine Erlösung. Die Bar – ein Treffpunkt für Geschichten. Das Restaurant – ein würdiger Ort, um anzustoßen auf das, was hinter uns lag. Glücklich, erschöpft, unversehrt – so saßen wir beisammen und wussten: Episode Mediterranean Alps 4SA2502 war vorbei, aber in unseren Köpfen wird sie weiterleben. Einhelliger Tenor in der Gruppe: Diese Tour war nicht das Ende – sie war der Anfang von etwas Größerem. Die Mediterranean Alps haben uns nicht losgelassen. Und vielleicht kommen einige zurück. Irgendwann. Irgendwo. Auf zwei Rädern, mit offenen Visieren und dem nächsten Abenteuer vor Augen.
When the last engine falls silent, the helmet is removed, and the view sweeps into the setting sun, that's not just the end of a motorcycle tour – it's the conclusion of a chapter full of shared experiences, laughter, challenges, and unforgettable moments. What made this tour so special wasn't just the route, the weather, or the riding itself – it was, above all, the familiarity of each other. Many of you already knew each other, friendships had existed for a long time, and that's exactly what gave this trip a special warmth and lightness from the very beginning. It was wonderful to see old acquaintances deepen, new ones join in, and as a group we created an atmosphere characterized by mutual respect, a great sense of humor, and genuine enthusiasm for the shared experience. For me, it was more than just a guided tour – it was a little excursion into my own holiday happiness. Because when you get to share what you love with such great people, work doesn't feel like work at all. Tomorrow, everyone will board their planes again, returning to their daily lives – and yet something will remain. Perhaps a smile at the thought of an evening spent together, an anecdote over the radio, or simply the feeling of having been part of something special. And who knows – perhaps our paths will cross again. In a different place, on different roads, but with the same passion: for motorcycling, for being on the road, for life. With that in mind: thank you for a wonderful time. Always ride safely, stay curious – and hopefully see you soon, Yours, Henning
Some of them knew each other. Some did not. We have grown together as a team and the memories of this amazing tour will connect us all forever. These pictures are taken at our “tour nicknames ceremony” Stories behind the names stay secret. What happens on tours…stays on the tour;-) In this sense, see you soon…on any street in the world…