Hello everyone,

I looked through many pages of the Trip Planning threads but couldn't find information about this. I apologize sincerely if there already is the answer to my question, and I would be grateful if I could be pointed in the right direction to find it.

On short notice, I have to go to San Marino, Italy (on the East coast south of Venice). I am currently in Heidelberg, Germany (north of Stuttgart). The weather forecast for this weekend does not look so good, and I have no choice but to go this weekend. As anyone who has ridden or lives around Switzerland, it can become quite dangerous and cost a lot of time to start up a pass and then get hit by snow or freezing temps. I have tried to route out a way on maps so that I can avoid going over passes, but even with using some tunnels, there are still stretches that get up in altitude. Do you think the St. Gotthard pass is the best option? I've ridden that several times and it seems to be the best way to minimize the time spent up high?

Is there someone out there who might be able to suggest a way to go through Switzerland following valleys or lower altitudes, or as the lesser preferable way, a route through France down to Nice, where I can then ride along the coast into Italy. It's a lovely ride along the coast but going that route more than doubles the distance.

Many thanks in advance for your help.
Jim,
Toronto, Canada

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