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Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 3 Sep 2004
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I have a dream...
I have a dream...
A modest little dream, not in the RTW class, but, one day... Anybody remember how 'The Italian Job' (the first one) starts off? Remember this guy driving a Ferrari around the Italian Alps with 'On Days Like These' playing on the radio? Mmm, nice. Be better without the bulldozers, mind. And with TWO wheels, who needs a snotty Ferrari anyway?

Anybody know some good Alpine passes? Needn't be Italian, really- Swiss, Austrian, whatever will do fine. Can anybody tell me when it starts snowing up there, I'm not into heroics. Any other information would be appreciated, please.

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  #2  
Old 3 Sep 2004
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Check out also from Irun to La Coruna... Basque to Galicia. Enjoy!
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  #3  
Old 3 Sep 2004
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Small is beautiful! Pick the passes that don't carry main road traffic. Also, where there is a tunnel tha passes tend to be empty. Other than that you can't go wrong. As long as the weather plays ball...

The higher passes are closed about Oct - June. One month either side is possible with a little luck.

In our area we can ride almost all year round, only the high passes are closed. You can often ride up the southern side, though, which can be very beautiful with all the snow around on a sunny day. Zero traffic!

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

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  #4  
Old 6 Sep 2004
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Annwyl Anweledig

Thanks for that-I tried to search for the route you mentioned on the HUBB Search but I lost the connection on the internet three times-is it me, or what? Perhaps if you can remember where you saw it you could let me know so I can look it up myself, please?
Cymro Cymraeg, tybed?

Diolch yn fawr,

John

PS in deference to our English-speaking friends, the above bits are Welsh, somebody who calls himself Anweledig just has to be Welsh!
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[This message has been edited by John Roberts (edited 05 September 2004).]
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  #5  
Old 6 Sep 2004
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Hi Peter,

Thanks for that, I'll get digging among the maps and come back to you. Mind, I seem to remember the St Gottard thirty five years ago had tunnels, and that was pretty busy then. Or, could they have been shelters/roofs over the road to protect them from avalanches perhaps, I'm sure I did see some sections of them. I wonder if you could tell me of any passes with the road built out on stilts?

Cheers,

John

PS, Can you also tell me anything about the Ardeche region in the South of France, I read about it in a road test of the BMW R100RS in Bike magazine over 20 years ago, it said that it was one of the worlds best biking regions. It's stuck in my mind ever since.

Johnefyn

[This message has been edited by John Roberts (edited 05 September 2004).]
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Old 6 Sep 2004
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Hi John,
I saw your post in the "route planning" section, you were asking for advice on alpine passes in France, Italy and Austria. You hinted also that you`d be open to thoughts on other regions. One of my favourite parts of Europe for sweeping bends and mountain roads, has to be northern Spain, from San Sebastian to Bilbao and Ferroll and finally La Coruna or Vigo. Even the motorway sections are like a scene from an arcade game!! The mountains are not quite as dramatic visually as the Alps, but you`ll be left in no doubt as to the altitude you`re at...... and a ferry reit handy from Portsmouth to Santander! Hih, it`s just struck me, advising on a destination is like advising what bike to buy..... it`s all down to individual taste! Get out and go, mwynhewch!!

hwyl fawr,
anweledig.
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  #7  
Old 6 Sep 2004
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Quote:
Originally posted by John Roberts:
Can you also tell me anything about the Ardeche region in the South of France, I read about it in a road test of the BMW R100RS in Bike magazine over 20 years ago, it said that it was one of the worlds best biking regions.
What more can I say? I agree.

The Ardeche is just one river. Alas, it has been well and truly discovered by tourists and operators. The locals like to scrape their kneepads there on weekends. Best to take your time there, it's too pretty to hoon.

While there, go West, young man! Les gorges de Tarn are awesome.

Further North, the Massif Central continues with mainly empty roads and great scenery. Even the (free) Motorway is great, climbing over 1000 m altitude. Near St Flour you find France's highest railway bridge, quite impressive high up over the gorge. Maintained for one train per day each direction...

Just stack up on maps and go there, you can't go wrong, especially on the minor roads. Watch out for chips, diesel and dung on the country roads, though.


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  #8  
Old 6 Sep 2004
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it was a Lamborghini
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  #9  
Old 10 Sep 2004
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Pedro Rocha
From: Espinho, Portugal
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it was a Lamborghini

**************************************
Hi, Pedro

My sister called this afternoon, just back from Austria, she said there was a parade of Lamborghinis going up one of the passes, from St. Anton (is there an Arlberg Pass? she's not too sure) and she thought perhaps they might have been celebrating The Italian Job.
I'm still going on two wheels, mind, and leaving the Lambo at home.

All the best
John

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  #10  
Old 10 Sep 2004
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I've just had a very useful response by way of an e-mail from Garry, Clerkenwell, not yet a member of the HUBB.......

Hi Mate,
Just read your post on the HU website.
Check out www.alpineroads.com for some good suggestions and information on roads right up your alley (or mountain!)
Best Regards
Garry
....................................

It seems ideal for someone planning a trip into the Alps, it seems to list all(?) the passes, from Spain to Slovenia giving their opening/closing dates, heights etc and an awful lot of other useful stuff. I'm passing the information with his consent because it seems a particularly useful site. Thanks, Garry.
John

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  #11  
Old 31 Oct 2004
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Good to see another welshboyo going out into the world Especially one who likes the original Italian Job (I am a huge fan of classic Mini's)

I plan to hit the alps at some point hopefully not too far in the future. I'd say the most beautiful time is in the spring, a little later than easter maybe. The snow is melting, the roads are empty and the air is as crisp as it was on the 6th day.

I snowboard too and I just love being up high when the weather is nice, something about altitude that makes me all happy, specially with the views!

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  #12  
Old 31 Oct 2004
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I saw this book the other day that sounds like it would help a lot - "Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps and Corsica"
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books

It sounds great and the reviews sound very good. Has anybody read or used it?

Matt
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  #13  
Old 31 Oct 2004
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Pantrybear: I read that book, interesting but nothing breathtaking. Last year I visited Corsica, very nice place, paradise for those who like curvy and mountain roads, also much of interesting macadam roads. Realy to recommend!
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  #14  
Old 1 Nov 2004
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John,

Try these for starters, you can't go wrong with any of them.
http://bernd-bauer.bei.t-online.de/b...roadbooks.html

We did this one in mid September:


Look here for a few more photos:
http://possu.smugmug.com/gallery/218590/4/8484107



[This message has been edited by Steve Pickford (edited 01 November 2004).]
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  #15  
Old 2 Nov 2004
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Aren't you wearing a bit much in the line of clothing for cycling? Is that bicycle comfy two-up?

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