Hi Guys I'm off on the bike for a couple of weeks starting out the first week in september, France, Italy, a little of Switzerland (because it's pretty, I know the cops are a nightmare) but also planning on heading into Austria. I've wanted to ride the Grossglockner for a while, but was wandering if any of you guys had any other recommendations for good roads to hit in Austria?? I've got a few ideas from books and the internet, but there's nothing like a good first hand review. Any suggestions for Austria would be much appreciated. More than likely looking to stay in the Tyrol regions, around the boarders with Italy and Switzerland. Many thanks in advance people. Cheers Mike
Dolomites are very good / worth seeing. Also sylveretta pass near st.Anton worth doing. Switzerland a nightmare price wise, try and get a motorway pass off eBay. Zell am see lovely town to stay in for a few days, or kaprun. You in hotels or campsites? Look for my review in touring section of my May trip. Hope above helps.
Alblade Thought you might come up with some suggestions fella! How are ya? I'm actually gonna ride up to lago Maggiore (up there for 4 days with work, then 12 days off before heading back to Maggiore for another 4 days of training) from Barcelona. Was gonna head from Catalunya to Cannes day one, then head up route Napoleon, turn east over Alp D'Huez and into Northern Italy over 2-3 days. (I know you headed up to the gorges du verdun, where exactly did you turn off the main route to the gorges?) When I'm finished with work for the initial stint, I'm gonna head North East up past Como and head for the Stelvio, then down towards Arabba, where I'm thinking of basing myself for a few days before heading up into Austria/Switzerland etc, before heading back to Maggiore. Then home via the Route de Grande Alpes. Thats the basic plan, and about as rigid as I want to be. Mix of camping and b&b's. Should be good. I know you've been up these parts before fella, so any further suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers Mike
It's a great area and last time we did a couple of days' riding around the Gorges du Verdon, RN, Cannes and it was probably still the most enjoyable riding I've ever done. I can recommend this route for the part up to Castellane: http://goo.gl/maps/AKJIw The first bit east of Draguignan has some great foresty bits and then north of Draguignan to Lac de Sainte-Croix is a fast, quiet single-lane road. Then turn right at the lake and start the climb up to either of the two roads that run along the top edges of the main gorge and finally drop into Castellane. The northern road in the gorge is straighter/faster, if you're getting short of time.
Mike, campsite at zell am see is very good, top notch washroom and machines etc plus bar and restaurant. Arraba great base too, will add good hotel with secure parking and garage with tools.
Austria is fantastic. Sell am See, Wolfgang See, areas lovely. Hallshtat village is described as the prettiest village in Austria again it was stunning and plenty of nice roads around. head to the Krimmal Falls and ther is a wee toll road that is worth a go, it is the Gerlos Pass where they issue you a nice colour sticker as a wee momentous. Another first, at many spots there are lockers that are supplied for bikers only. The idea being that you can lock your kit away whilst you stop, last time there it was 1 euro which you got back on departure. Writing this as I sit in Bahrain Airport, wish I had access to my stuff back home to give more advice. You will not be disappointed.
I drove this last year. It's a bit different I enjoyed it.. Timmelsjoch - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Also look out for the "romantic road" that was a good route although I didn't do all of it. Sounds like your going to have an epic trip enjoy!! Ozz
This is the hotel for Arraba Bikers Hotel Arabba Dolomites Dolomiten Dolomiti Pordoi Italien Italy Search for it on booking.com for good rates - then maybe call direct, you are out of season so should be fair - the half board meal plan is good For Zell am See this is the campsite I mentioned Summer Camping - Camping - SEECAMP Zell am See Both are a good base for a few nights - Grossglokner good route to link them up - as others have said the Gerloss pass is also good - you will be spoilt for choice in that area. Don't forget the trip report / pictures etc. when you have been -
From the Spanish French border near Perpignan I usually stay on the motorway and head for Orange. Then take the D994 from Nyons to Serres.....it's amazing! That gets you onto the Route Napoleon so you can head south. Once you're south of Digne les Bains that's amazing too!
Pretty much what we done this year - fantastic area. Austria is lovely, but as said on other thread, I was nervous about police... Grossglockner is amazing... And as said zell am see a lovely place to stay We came up through Dolomites... Then up and over grossglockner...
Mike - few bits to see from here: http://1000rr.co.uk/touring/10982-2.htm You WILL have better weather than me - that's certain!
Austria and Switzerland are both great, so long as you have good weather. I was in Kitzbuhel in the Tyrol for 2 days in late June intending to do the Grossglockner and surrounding passes, it rained pretty well non stop for 2 days and there was fresh snow at 100mtrs not to mention the 4-5degrees temp , there's a reason Austria's meadows are lush green!! they've got good beer though thankfully. Weather should be better in September though. Austrian roads are mostly good, you'll need a "vignette" to use the motorways and you can get a 10 vignette for 5euros from garages etc, well worth it especially if you travel along the tyrol past Innsbruck. Switzerland is good too and not as expensive as a lot of people think. Vignette for their motorways is 20 euro because its only available as a years worth. Still cheaper than the fine for getting caught without one though. As for police, don't take the piss with speed or silly overtakes and abide by village speed limits, look out for 30kph zones, and you should be ok. We got stopped in Austria because someone called the police as they thought we were riding without number plates, we weren't but whoever it was didn't realise our plates only have numbers, 5 minutes and a polite chat and check of registration docs and we were off again. Have a good trip, wish I could get back there in good weather!
