Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Jan 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 14
Alps in November

Hi,

does anyone have experience of riding through the alps later in the year. I'm heading down to the south of italy and, in the warmer months, I'd ride down through the alps and straight down from there but is this possible in the winter or will I freeze. I believe the roads themselves are kept well clear of snow.

I've found sites which give temperatures for cities but I've never ridden that area before so don't know where they are, if you see what I mean.

Any advice welcome, ta.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Jan 2008
Vaufi's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,060
You never know what the weather will be like in November, but at least the motorways will be snow-free. Like The Brennero going from Innsbruck/Austria to Verona or the tunnel at Chamonix/France to Courmayeur.

What I don't like is that so much salt is spread on the roads to keep them ice-free, meaning danger of rust for the bike. But on the other hand if the Alps are snow clad, it's sure a sight :-)
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 27
We travelled into Switzerland in mid-September and got caught in a snow storm.....we were in a 4x4 but the bikers behind us got clobbared and looked like snowmen when we all arrived at the first hotel down the valley......I merely mention this to say that whilst the roads may be kept clear, you might still be caught in shite weather which causes you problems through the passes........
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Feb 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Derby
Posts: 19
Madman - some of the worst weather in Western Europe is in November! Windy, cold wet and that seeping damp cold that saps energy and strength. But saying that wrap up warm , heated grips and regular stops you should be okay.

Expect Northern Italy to be very wet in this period as well.

Also expect the higher passes to be closed and expect snow showers/storms. The main passes are generally closed from late October to late June.

The Peages and Autoroutes should be snow free but a lot of the accomadation will be closed up, as this is the gap between summer season and the winter sports season. Use the F1's as the will be usually available, cheap and warm after a day in the cold.

Although with the current weather fluctuations it might be still late summer by then !

Have you considered putting the bike on the train ? Quicker , slightly more expensive but you ill enjoy the Italian part of the ride without feeling like you have been in a 4 day fight
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Feb 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 14
OK, thanks for all the advice. Like I said, I had no idea but I have now. We'll definitely get the train back up but we'll have a look closer to the time to see if it is indeed still summer-ish and the roads are clear.

I'd love to do it, especially for the scenery and experience but since the wife will be with me, I think I'll opt for comfort & warmth. If I do it, I'll post on here. Thanks again.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Feb 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
It's going to be the luck of the draw what sort of weather you get at that time of year. I was in the Grenoble area at the end of Nov last year and it was around 8 -10C in the valleys and around 0C on the passes.
The year before in early Nov it was 27C in the valley at our local supermarket (500m) and 20C at 2000m! The ski season opens in the first week of Dec so they expect a fair bit of snow around then.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Crossing the Alps in december.... wile e Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 13 12 Nov 2007 16:24
Alps Motorcycle Tours - Priced Right Global Rider Europe 0 2 Feb 2007 02:06
2006 meeting - french alps provence vincent danna HU Travellers Meetings - Other parts of the World 24 6 Oct 2006 15:01
Swiss Alps - altitude issues benaus Suzuki Tech 3 15 Jun 2004 16:01
ALPS TOUR - JUNE 2002 Global Rider Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 9 Jul 2001 00:42

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:21.