I have the opportunity to join a group on a Tour de Cols next Sept 2013 Starting in Hungary, taking in Slovenia and ending in Northern Italy 7 days later. Av mileage 200 per day.

As I haven't done this sort of thing before, or even visited that part of the world, I'm looking for some input about that part of the world, especially what road surfaces are like ( I believe there are a lot of cobbled roads in parts), and whether a 62 year old not 100% fit man should even attempt this sort of time bound journey. I will be travelling solo on a BMW 650 twin.

Useful advice and hints welcome.

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-''It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction''. ( Herman Siu)
-'' Live life then give life '' (www.lltgl.org.uk)

Don't hesitate to go. The region you are looking at is beautiful, the roads are by-en-large better than Britain and your mileage seems reasonable. 62 is no age, I led a tour a couple of years back to Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina with an 83 year old in the party, he lapped it up.

You are going to love Slovenia and Nth Italy. I spent a fees day there last year and will ge going back to explore further. Slovenia was fantastic.

I also am 62 and not not very fit but 4 years ago rode UK to Romania and back taking in most of E. Europe and Northern Italy with pillion and full luggage. Had no problems. Earlier this year, again with pillion and full luggage rode from UK to Turkey (see www.oldfartsonabike.blogspot.com.au ). Each time on an oldish bike bought in England. Going back again in 2013 to do an OzAlps 5 country tour of the Alps.

I'd certainly do it if I were you - in fact I am doing it!

First of all, I would be very surprised if anyone could think that 62 was " old"....

Secondly, as was already said: You'll find that roads around here are mostly perfect, there are a few mountain passes with short stretches of cobbly bits still left, but by and large mountain roads have been pretty much totally rebuilt (in Slovenia in particular) , over the last decade or so and are in wonderful condition.

I'd really question the whole deal about going on a tour, but to each his own. In any case being independent shouldn't be a problem at all. In Slovenia and Hungary you'll find private accomodation pretty much in every village, and comunication in English ( german might be better in Hungary) , shouldn't be much of a problem. Same goes for Italy, there are "Pensioni", and Bed and Breakfasts pretty much everywhere and as long as you don't come in mid-august, there isn't much to worry about. Feel free to PM me if I can be of any help, and feel free to drop by for a or 2... ( although wine is far more popular and better in all this part of europe)

Agree with all of the above, great roads,great places to visit and stay in and you have just the bike for the job.

Enjoy.

Dave,

Hello!

Writing directly from Slovenia. I'm glad to hear, that you are coming in this part of Europe. I honestly think, you will really like and enjoy the nature, culture and people in all three countries. Here is really a lot to see. Don't worry about the conditions, all the roads (talking for Slovenia), which are the most popular for driving are in good condition and there will be no problem to drive it.

If you need some informations about nice spots, good roads with nice panoramas on the Alps, some infos about accomodations in the cities or villages, I will be more than happy to answer your questions. Just send me a PM, or write to my email: nejcDOTtrpin@yahoo.co.uk


Ofcourse, if I will be at home in Slovenia at that time, you are invited for a in Ljubljana.

Best wishes!
Nejc

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Thanks everyone for all your replies, this gives me confidence. The tour is actually an organised group who do this sort of thing every year in different parts of Europe and have prebooked accommodation etc. I have been offered a cancellation place.

I would just to like thank you all for some nice sensible replies from experienced and regional members. I put the same question on another forum geared to my make of motorcyle, and all I got was the armchair idiots!

__________________
-''It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction''. ( Herman Siu)
-'' Live life then give life '' (www.lltgl.org.uk)

My experience is that the roads in all three of the regions you have mentioned are generally first-class in every respect, certainly equal to the quality of similar roads in France.

Slovenian roads are almost on par with Swiss roads, at least, any of the roads built in Slovenia since the country became independent are on par with Swiss roads.

You might find the occasional cobblestone road in Northern Italy, but only in the same type of circumstances (in the town square, in a historic village, etc.) that you would also find a cobblestone road in small town France.

Northern Italy - the 'South Tyrol' and Dolomite regions - is delightful. Culturally it resembles Austria far more than the rest of Italy. It is clean, well kept, has a functioning economy, etc. Very Teutonic, except that you can order spaghetti at the restaurants. The mountain roads there are delightful, and not as heavily travelled as the mountain roads in France or Switzerland.

Michael

PS: Don't overpack or overdress for the journey. I rode through that area in September of 2011 and didn't encounter a single day when the temperature was below 28°C. Do some careful research on weather history (average temperatures) before you leave - you might be surprised by how warm it typically is in those areas in September... including all the way to the last day of September.