4AE2602 - Alps Extreme
From Mieming, we first head up to Kühtai. The first relaxed hairpin bends give us a chance to get familiar with the motorcycles. We stop for a coffee in a relaxed atmosphere before continuing. We then descend into the Ötztal valley, with more winding roads ahead, before crossing the Piller Höhe towards the Kaunertal Glacier Road. We have just about caught the good weather, allowing us to enjoy the impressive mountain scenery and the many curves. At around 2,700 meters, we stop for lunch. Afterwards, the weather finally closes in and rain accompanies us on the way to Fiss. An eventful first riding day with plenty of curves and impressive alpine scenery comes to an end at the hotel.
From Fiss, we first make a short detour into Switzerland before continuing into Italy. After a coffee stop, we head towards the Reschen Pass and on to the Stelvio Pass. Things get spectacular on the Stelvio. The famous hairpin bends wind their way up the mountain, but unfortunately the clouds keep the views hidden from us today. At least there are some delicious hot dogs and coffee waiting for us at the top. Shortly afterwards, it even starts to snow. So we quickly make our way down towards Bormio. With every meter of elevation we lose, the snow turns back into rain – and the rain will stay with us for the rest of the day. This gives “Alps Extreme” another meaning altogether. Still, we are not going to let the weather stop us from taking on another pass. The Gavia Pass offers us flowing curves on the way up, before we reach the top soaked and thoroughly chilled. A coffee gives us a chance to warm up – even though we are back out in the cold rain again shortly afterwards. Of course, we would all prefer dry roads, but the mood remains good and we do not let the weather take away the fun. The hairpins become even more demanding, the roads narrower and less protected than on the Stelvio. Alps Extreme, after all. One or two more passes and some great views later, we reach the Penegal and our hotel for the night. The rain, fog and clouds are still with us – but look forward to tomorrow morning. Once the skies clear, an incredible view awaits us from the hotel terrace.
The day starts with our daily briefing on the Penegal. Thanks to the beautiful weather, we have a fantastic view over Bolzano and all the way to the Dolomites – a much better start than the rainy conditions of the previous day. We then take the Mendel Pass down to Bolzano before continuing towards Merano. Some of the roads are extremely narrow, but the scenery makes every kilometer worthwhile. From there, we cross the Gampen Pass and continue through the Val di Non before reaching Lake Molveno. Next up is Monte Bondone. The road to the summit offers exactly what this tour is all about: plenty of curves, changing gradients and open views across the surrounding mountains. The descent brings more winding sections before we gradually make our way towards Levico Terme. At the end of the day, we reach Levico Terme. After the cold and wet conditions of yesterday, today was a much friendlier riding day – plenty of sunshine, great roads and lots of curves.
From Levico Terme, we head towards Lake Garda, where we make our first stop for a coffee and a fantastic view over the lake before continuing along the lakeside. Then comes the Via Benaco. The road takes us through the narrow gorges and winding landscape around Tremosine, with sections running right alongside the rock walls. Tight passages, countless curves and the spectacular surroundings make this another great stretch of riding. For lunch, we find another spot overlooking Lake Garda. With the weather at its best, we can enjoy the view once again before getting back on the bikes. From there, we continue to Lake Idro. Right on the lakeshore, we stop for an ice cream and a coffee before taking the final stretch via Trento back to our hotel in Levico Terme. Another sunny riding day with great roads, plenty of curves and two beautiful lakes comes to an end. Make the Via Benaco section more vivid Use a more narrative travel style Improve the closing sentence
From Levico Terme, we start the day with the Manghen Pass. The narrow, winding road leads through the forest before opening up higher in the mountains. We continue over the Rolle Pass and Cereda Pass. With a fantastic mountain backdrop, we stop for lunch before the next Dolomite passes await: the Duran and Staulanza. The roads remain twisty and varied as the scenery becomes more impressive with every kilometer. Finally, we tackle the Giau Pass before continuing towards Toblach. By now, we are right in the middle of the classic Dolomite scenery. A long riding day with pass after pass, countless curves and fantastic mountain views comes to an end in Toblach.
Our final riding day starts in Toblach. We head towards the Würzjoch before continuing to the Jaufen Pass. The landscape changes constantly along the way, from forests and alpine meadows to increasingly open mountain scenery, with wide views across the surrounding Alps. From the Jaufen Pass, we continue towards the Timmelsjoch. The higher we climb, the more rugged and alpine the landscape becomes. With its winding road, dramatic mountain surroundings and high-altitude terrain, the Timmelsjoch makes for a fitting final pass of the tour. At the top, we visit the Motorcycle Museum before taking on the final kilometers back towards Mieming. Back in Mieming, our tour comes to an end. Over our final dinner together, we raise a glass to a great week and look back at some of the best moments and situations from the past six days. Six ridingdays, countless curves, numerous mountain passes and plenty of shared experiences – a fitting finale to our Alps Extreme Tour.