High Alpine Tour (HAT260A)
Every great motorcycle adventure begins long before the first engine starts. Our group gathered in Erding, where the participants, all from Utah, met their guides for the first time. After check-in, we held our welcome briefing, covering the route, the schedule for the coming days, and all the important information needed for a safe and unforgettable tour through the Alps. The evening provided the perfect opportunity for everyone to get to know one another. Stories were shared, plenty of laughs were had, and what began as a group of individuals quickly started to feel like a team. Of course, taking delivery of the motorcycles was one of the most exciting moments of the day. For many, it was their first chance to see the bikes that would carry them across some of Europe’s most spectacular roads and mountain passes. After familiarizing themselves with their motorcycles and making the final preparations, the excitement for the journey ahead was impossible to miss. The stage was set. The routes were planned. The motorcycles were ready. All that remained was a good night’s sleep and the wait for the morning, when the real adventure would finally begin.
After a good breakfast, and the Daily Briefing, we started our trip, riding through the south of Bavaria, towards the Alps. Soon we coud see silhouettes of the northern peaks appear on the horizon. After a well-deserved coffee-stop at the westrern edge of lake Chiemsee, we followed our path towards the Austrian border, crossing it soon after. At lake Pillersee we enjoyed our lunch, and more coffee, before approaching start of the Großglockner Hochalpenstrasse at Ferleiten. After the toll station, our guests took advantage of the freeride-option. After an amazing ride up this high alpine road, we met at the Fuscher Törl, taking pictures. We enjoyed the miles that followed, reaching the village Heiligenblut, crossing the Iselberg pass, dropping down to Lienz, our destination for that day.
Sometimes, on a motorcycle tour, everything just comes together perfectly. The weather, the route, the scenery, the atmosphere within the group—and today was exactly one of those days. We started the morning in Lienz, and after just a few miles on the Pustertal High Road, we already had the feeling that this was going to be a special day. The road wound its way high above the valley, the air was fresh, and the views of the surrounding mountains immediately left us wanting more. Of course, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity for the obligatory photo at the “Italia” sign. Helmets off, big smiles all around, and after capturing a few memorable shots, we continued toward the Dolomites. From Dobbiaco, the route climbed up to Passo Tre Croci. The first truly great corners of the day quickly made it clear why motorcyclists from all over the world rave about this region. From there, we continued to Lago Misurina, where we enjoyed a relaxed coffee stop while taking in the spectacular scenery. The turquoise water, the surrounding peaks, and the laid-back atmosphere alone would have been enough to make it a great day. But that was only the beginning. Via Cortina d’Ampezzo, we worked our way deeper into the heart of the Dolomites. Falzarego Pass, Valparola Pass, Corvara, and finally Passo Gardena—one mountain pass followed another. Endless combinations of curves, perfectly maintained roads, and a new panorama waiting behind every bend. At times, the view opened up to rugged rock faces; at others, to lush alpine meadows; and then again to the famous Dolomite peaks rising from the earth like giant cathedrals. The absolute highlight of the day, however, awaited us at Valparola Pass. There, Georg had prepared a surprise: a picnic right in the middle of the Dolomites. Surrounded by towering peaks stretching into the sky, we suddenly found fresh snacks, drinks, and everything you could wish for during a break. Motorcycles parked against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, sunshine, good food, and a group of riders getting along brilliantly—it really doesn’t get much better than that. After the break, we continued through Corvara and climbed up to Passo Gardena. Once again, it was curve after curve after curve. Left, right, left, right—mile after mile of pure motorcycling enjoyment. The Dolomites were showing themselves at their absolute best. Through Val Gardena, Ortisei, Castelrotto, and eventually down toward Bolzano, the landscape gradually began to change. The towering Dolomite peaks slowly disappeared in our mirrors as we rode through vineyards and the characteristic villages of South Tyrol. From Bolzano, the final stage of the day took us up onto the Renon Plateau to Collalbo. Today had everything that makes motorcycling special: fantastic roads, legendary mountain passes, spectacular scenery, great food, and above all, a wonderful group of people who enjoyed every single mile.
Some people choose to chill on rest days - we are just not those people. So, after an amazing breakfast at Bemelman's Post, we got on our bikes to experience more mountain passes of the Italien alps. We went down from Collalbo to Bolzano, found our way through city traffic, and attacked Mendelpass - what a ride! Pure fun, lots of action, front wheels getting light when getting out of corners... A little while later we had a well-deserved coffee stop to cool down a bit and chat about lean angles, how much space is needed for overtaking, and Italian coffee. Later that day, we rode past Katzenzungen castle, had gelato in Bolzano, and again bolted up the road to our beautiful hotel in Collalbo, were we arrived just in time to enjoy out- and indoor pools, the sauna, steam room and other amenities.
Some days are good. Some days are great. And then there are days like today—days that will stay in your memory for a very long time. Starting from Collalbo, our route first led us through the impressive landscapes of South Tyrol. Passing endless apple orchards in the Vinschgau Valley, we rolled westward and enjoyed the opening miles of a day that still had plenty in store for us. Our first stop was the medieval town of Glurns. Between historic walls, narrow alleyways, and cozy cafés, there was plenty of time for ice cream, a few souvenirs, and a relaxed stroll through town. But everyone knew: the real highlight was still waiting ahead. Before long, the first switchbacks of the legendary Stelvio Pass appeared before us. One of the most famous mountain passes in the world was on today’s agenda. Turn by turn, we worked our way upward as the road spectacularly climbed the mountainside. With every meter of elevation gained, the views became more impressive and the smiles inside our helmets grew even wider. At the summit, the next highlight was already waiting: lunch with Bruno. Anyone who knows Stelvio knows Bruno. With perfect weather, surrounded by motorcycles and a unique high-alpine backdrop, we enjoyed a well-deserved break. But the day was far from over. From Stelvio, we continued over the Gavia Pass. The narrow road winding through the rugged mountain landscape demanded full concentration while rewarding us with some of the most spectacular views of the day. Every corner seemed even better than the one before. Passing through Tirano, we eventually reached the Bernina Pass. As we climbed higher once again, breathtaking views opened up across glaciers, alpine lakes, and the dramatic mountain scenery of the Grisons region. Under brilliant sunshine, the Alps were showing themselves at their absolute best. The descent into Pontresina provided the perfect ending to an extraordinary day. By the time we arrived at the hotel, we all agreed: this had been the ultimate corner-carving day of the tour so far. Stelvio, Gavia, and Bernina in a single day—it’s hard to fit more motorcycle happiness into one ride. The roads were perfect, the weather was fantastic, and the mood was better than ever. After countless switchbacks, curves, and mountain passes, we were almost dizzy. One thing was certain, though: none of us wanted the grin to leave our faces.
Pontresina is beautiful - still we had to leave. Going up north, marveling the views of Oberengadin, we rode through Samedan and Bever, before we turned west in La Punt Chamues, to conquer the Albula pass. Leading our bikes down the scenic route towards Albula, we took a small detour to witness the situation of Brienz, a village with a strong fate: in 2023, parts of a near mountain side came down, barely missing the buildings, bringing down over a million cubic meters of rocks and gravel. And the ground is still moving... At Lenzerheide, the MTB Downhill Worldcup was happening, so we went around that. Chur and Vaduz offered lots of heat, stop&go @35 degrees Celsius. After entering Austria again, and happy to leave the cities behind, we rode up Furka pass. Midway, we stopped for drinks and cooled off in the mountain creek water. After reaching the adjecent valley, we went up the Schröcken, where it already started to drizzle. Just in time we reached our hotel in Holzgau, before the brewing thunderstorm came down in full force.
Every motorcycle tour eventually reaches its final day. And as much as we had looked forward to every new pass, every new road, and every new adventure, this morning felt a little different. Within the first few miles, it became clear that we would soon be leaving the Alps behind. After days filled with legendary passes, breathtaking scenery, and endless curves, none of us were truly ready to say goodbye. Our route led us over the Arlberg and back toward Germany. Passing through Reutte and continuing toward Füssen, we enjoyed every single mile. The weather gave us one final gift, providing perfect conditions for the last riding day of the tour. Of course, one final photo stop was a must. Looking across to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the debate quickly started: was the original actually better than the version many of the riders knew from Disneyland in the United States? Opinions varied, but most agreed that the Bavarian original, set against the backdrop of the Alps, has a magic all its own. From there, we continued at a relaxed pace through small villages and scenic country roads on our way back to Erding. Nobody was in a hurry. Instead, we used the final miles together to reflect on everything we had experienced over the past days. Memories of the Dolomites, Stelvio, Gavia, Bernina, and countless other unforgettable roads stayed with us until the very end. The closer we came to Erding, the more everyone realized that this incredible adventure was truly coming to an end. The motorcycles would soon be returned, the bags packed, and flights home awaited. What remains, however, is far more than photographs. What remains are memories of incredible roads, spectacular scenery, perfect weather, countless laughs, and above all, a group of people who arrived as strangers and left as friends. We were sad to leave the Alps behind, but grateful for every single mile of this extraordinary journey. Until the next adventure.