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Photo by Paul Stewart, of Egle Gerulaityte - Must love Donkeys!

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


Must love Donkeys!
Photo by Paul Stewart,
of Eglė Gerulaitytė with friends.



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  #16  
Old 31 Dec 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by omegascot View Post
Hoping for some advice on a trip I'm planning in June 2016, hopefully taking in the Stelvio and the Grossglockner passes amongst others. I only have a week to fit it in and wondered if anyone has done something similar. I've done a few trips to France, Spain etc a few years ago but this is a 50th birthday treat to check I'm still able
Any words of wisdom greatly appreciated, oh and it would appear to be a solo effort unless anyone here fancies a jaunt
I would aim to not extend the riding into a "pass bashing" effort.
A week is little enough time, especially if you wish to ride the passes in both directions - for me, that is recommended.
Also, most of us underestimate how long it takes to ride these roads - impeding traffic has been mentioned but the nature of the highways and the urge to stop, admire the views, drink lots on the summits etc etc consume your daylight hours.


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Originally Posted by Tourider View Post
to Andermatt as quick as I could and made it my base for three days to explore several of the passes in the area.
Andermatt is popular for good reason; the local businesses know this and, therefore, it is as expensive as anywhere in Switzerland - a bit like York really, but more so.
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  #17  
Old 31 Dec 2015
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This doesn't tick all your boxes but I rode this in a very enjoyable week this Sept. Monday (day 3) was the best day i've ever had in the alps (we did Stevio et al last year) and picks up some of the recommended passes. Meringen was a good base - personally I would skip Zermatt if doing it again - too much traffic.

The route down through the Vosges is pretty special too.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?m...-A&usp=sharing

Cheers
Andy
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  #18  
Old 31 Dec 2015
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Originally Posted by Temporaryescapee View Post
This doesn't tick all your boxes but I rode this in a very enjoyable week this Sept. Monday (day 3) was the best day i've ever had in the alps (we did Stevio et al last year) and picks up some of the recommended passes. Meringen was a good base - personally I would skip Zermatt if doing it again - too much traffic.

The route down through the Vosges is pretty special too.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?m...-A&usp=sharing

Cheers
Andy
I like that - if running out of time, for any kind of reason, it would be possible to "cut the corner" of the French section and turn northward earlier.
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  #19  
Old 1 Jan 2016
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Hi
May I suggest you buy, blag or look at this month's bike magazine as there is an article in it by a Swiss tour leader giving you some of her best routes
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  #20  
Old 3 Jan 2016
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Hi Omega

3 years ago me and couple of friends did the Alps.
I think the best recomendation is to use ADAC maps and have a proper equipment because the weather changes a lot.
Have a nice trip
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  #21  
Old 3 Jan 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mario Silva View Post
I think the best recommendation is to use ADAC maps...
Personally, I recommend you get the Michelin map of Switzerland (Michelin's map number 729) and use it for route planning and general navigation once you get there.

That particular map is 'just the right scale' for planning touring in Switzerland, it lists all the passes, and has the significant advantage of highlighting all of the really scenic routes (which include just about all the passes) with a green line alongside the roadway.

I don't think there is any benefit in getting a more detailed map than the Michelin 729 unless you plan to go off road.

Michael
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  #22  
Old 3 Jan 2016
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+1 for Michelin
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  #23  
Old 3 Jan 2016
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A few years ago, which is when I last looked because of my general interest in maps as such, ADAC maps could be downloaded from their website and I think they were printable - I don't remember the scale available however.

It might be worth a bit of research for anyone interested in the here and now of what ADAC can offer.

However, for me, Michelin paper maps work OK also.
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  #24  
Old 4 Jan 2016
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Swiss Map

Swiss Map (waterproof):
from "Kümmerley Frey" http://www.swisstravelcenter.ch/index-kf.html
you can also get from: http://shop.touratech.de/landkarte-s...l#!prettyPhoto

big Book: Grosser Alpenstrassenfuehrer
(but only in german i think:
http://www.denzel-verlag.de

WebSite:
http://alpentourer.com/

POI for your GPS:
http://alpenrouten.de/downloads.html

Have fun!
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