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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 18 Nov 2009
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Travelling from Italy Venice to France eurotunnel
Hello in January middle i will start with me bmw from Venice to UK.

Anyone can tell me from experience if i will have problem with weather or i will be able to travel good?Is there any case to go through snow?

Thank you
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  #2  
Old 19 Nov 2009
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I rode my GS1200 from my parents in Italy (Terramo) to England in one hit 1200 miles 23 hours earlier tis year. You will have to go through the Gothard tunnel instead of up and over the passes. iIt will be cold so wrap up well and keep the heated grips and you will be fine.
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  #3  
Old 19 Nov 2009
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I have done it a dozen times by car in that season.
You have to be lacky with weather.
Generally is not that bad but it can be a pain in certain cases, the alps is not the only issue. France and Germany might be under the snow in that period. Yes there is a way to go over snow some peoples actually like it !!!
First thing would be to use off road tyres. My suggestion is prepare yourself look at weather forecast a week before and prepare a B plan: from Verona or Bolzano Autozug takes you and your bike to north in one night on the train !!!
(it might cost less than off road tyres+hotelS+Motorway+petrol)
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  #4  
Old 19 Nov 2009
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Did it two years ago in reverse. I went through in early May and there was still snow at altitudes in the Alps but made for the adventure. Nothing posed a problem but it wasn't in January.
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  #5  
Old 21 Nov 2009
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Over the years I've biked down to the Alps many times in the winter - last trip was this time last year - and usually on trail bikes. If you stick to the main routes you won't have much trouble as they're kept open with copious amounts of salt - just make sure you hose it all off as soon as you can.

It's not the most pleasant riding I've ever done but if you've got decent clothing you won't have much of a problem. My trailies have all had knobbly tyres (various makes / types over the years) and tbh they're all terrible on wet roads. Ok on dry roads and some help in snow but if you're sticking to the main routes the roads are likely to be wet pretty much the whole way unless you get a lucky weather window.
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Old 21 Nov 2009
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1/ only main roads!!!
2/ always open, salted, wett [so tarmac tires is the best choice]
3/ it is very hard bikin' in -5C if happens!
4/ it is very dangerous if snowing hard, whatever you have [car, truck, bike]
5/ as said, look the forecast and use the train if necessary
6/ warm and many layers
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  #7  
Old 22 Nov 2009
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I dont think you said how long you wanted to take.
I would fit tyres that have a 'chunky; type tread such as the Metzler or Michelin. not a 'bald' racing type tyre with only a token tread pattern. such as the Avon venoms.

Personally I would take the coast road and stay on the peage at that time of year from Nice west wards then take the a7 north, follow the peage to paris and onwards.

I have to say the train idea appeals to me more
Last edited by oldbmw; 22 Nov 2009 at 00:19. Reason: tripewriter malfunction.
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  #8  
Old 12 Dec 2009
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i thank you all very much!!!!
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