Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Crossing the Alps in december.... Crossing the Alps in december....
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Oct 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: NYer living in Finland and traveling through Europe
Posts: 64
Crossing the Alps in december....
I am shipping my bike to Munich, Germany early December. I will need to get the bike down into Italy as soon as I can. I understand that traveling through the Alps at that time period is not the greatest idea, but can it be done? I understand I would be traveling through Brenner pass, one of the lower elevation points of the Alps, but in early December.

Or am I better off finding a way to ship or freight train the bike down?

Thanks for any help that can be offered.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Nov 2007
alexpezzi's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London but a bit everywhere
Posts: 183
alp crossing
Hi wile e,
Alp crossing is not a problem unless the weather is bad.
Roads are good and plenty of rest points along the way. I am from north Italy (originally) and we used to have a lot of fun riding through the Alps in winter sunny days, just one word of warning: DON'T start your trip if you are not 100% sure the weather will be good, it can be terrible up there if caught in a storm.
Have fun.

Regards.
__________________

 ... and Nelly The Elephant packed the trunk and said goodbye to the circus...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 521
Or you could simply put you and your bike on the DB Autozug (car-train) from Munic to Neaples:

DB Autozug - Homepage
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: NYer living in Finland and traveling through Europe
Posts: 64
alexpezzi-- thank you, this is what I was looking for. I live in northern mountains in the US and we do as well ride during the winter months. Especially early December since our winter doesn't really start until the New Year. But I have been given so much warning, so I wasn't sure. I'll be careful to watch the weather and wait out any storms that might roll through.

indu-Thanks, but I have already checked their website. Turns out that they don't run during the winter months.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Nov 2007
bobkat's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 103
We just came over Brenner on Friday the 9th of Nov. It was 27 degrees F and snowing.

For a picture check out the Umbria and north page at our website
Welcome to the travels of the White Dragon

Bob
__________________

Our Favorite Roads, until the next trip!
Bob & Kathy
The adventures of Lemonade
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
I got caught in a snow storm in Norway this September. It was lovely in the valley but as soon as I got up on the plateau it started snowing. It's not fun on a fully loaded bike. The biggest problem was not the cold or the road conditions, although it was white over, it was my visor steaming up ! The snow was building up on the front of the visor too and I was basicly riding one handed, using the other as a windscreen wiper. This was dodgy enough on the flat plateau. I can't imagine how scary it would be with 1000ft drops at the side of the road. I'd use the train, it's a no-brainer. Still, I wish I was joining you it sounds like a great trip.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: NYer living in Finland and traveling through Europe
Posts: 64
I really would like to have the option of throwing my bike on a train, but the only one that has been mentioned (and that I could find via google searches) is the one mentioned above and it doesn't run through the Alps during the time period I mention. Once I get into Germany I will attempt to find a way of getting it down there if the pass is impassable.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
That's why it's called Adventure riding ! Good luck with the weather and wrap up warm.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,958
I am looking at similar issues, since my bike is rumored to finally be arriving in Munchen. As far as I can tell, weather in the mountains is cold and snowy, to the east (for an end-run into Austria, then Hungary and down to the coast in Croatia) looks cold and snowy, while to the west through France and around back into Italy is.....cold and snowy, though better than the other alternatives.

Doubtless much depends on your special luck in timing between storm cycles. It will also help if you are content to wait for good conditions wherever you happen to be. Me, I am feeling quite restless and will head in whatever direction looks most promising at the instant I start the bike up and put it in gear. I'm all for adventure, but the specific feeling of guiding fully-loaded bike through hundreds of miles of whiteout and icy hairpin turns is not one I'd invite willingly into my fragile journey.

South of the Alps looks like good travelling weather all the way to Accra, give or take.

enjoy,

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
I guess both you guys are using the same freight company. Are they any good as I may need to go the other way. I was going to use Stephan Knopf in Heidelberg to get my bike shipped to Daytona. Has anyone used this route ? It seems an odd time of year to have you're bike shipped to Europe was it cheap to do it this time of year ?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,958
I'm using Warren of World Motorcycle Tours, shipping from JFK (New York) to Germany via Lufthansa. He's been great throughout, though I think I've been quite a lot of trouble for him due to mechanical issues requiring multiple re-schedulings, etc. As far as I know, he contracts yearly for a given price per bike or pound or volume or whatever. Presumably, there is some markup involved, but I feel like I've gotten plenty of service for whatever I might have saved by making my own arrangements with Lufthansa.

I assume that motorcycle shipping is just a tiny portion of Lufthansa's business and that they are totally unconcerned what time of year it is. However, I am ready to be proven wrong about this.

Safe travels!

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
Thanks for that. I've just e-mailed Warren to see if they'll move me London-Philly-London. I eagerly wait a reply. I love that it's uncrated. Just tied down on a pallet. I like that I can travel with the bike too but it depends on the cost of the airfare. If I could get a return for me and the bike for under $1500 with the current exchange rate that would be a good deal. I may have to go to JFK though. XT on the streets of the big apple? Wow!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: NYer living in Finland and traveling through Europe
Posts: 64
Warren here as well. Been very easy to deal with and can't beat his rates. He was 1/2 the price of anybody else I tried. Just remember that you're probably not going to be flying with your bike. I drop my bike off at the US customs 4 days prior to it being shipped then I fly out 3 days after that to allow for German customs.

Philly is only a few hours ride from JFK, wouldn't be much of a hassle.

Mark- When are you heading over? Do you have any destination or are just going where the wind blows? I arrive in Munich on the 5th of Dec and depending on the weather will be heading down to the South of Italy shortly after arrival with a possible stopover in Switzerland to see friends. If your time table to near to that, perhaps a joint venture through the Alps might be done?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
Wile, yes I can see how they'de need the bike for a few days to pallet it and fit it on a flight. Still, sounds like it's a good deal. If I can pay in $ with the ex rate at 2:1 it should be a steal.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Iran - Pakistan crossing Prash Route Planning 4 5 Feb 2010 11:49
crossing Libya early December mark manley Travellers Seeking Travellers 2 14 Sep 2007 09:11
Bethel, Guatemala border crossing dlmurre Central America and Mexico 11 29 Apr 2006 20:54
border crossing Iran smee Middle East 8 29 Sep 2005 03:05
Honduras Border Crossing info from 11/12 FREEFLOW Central America and Mexico 2 19 Dec 2004 03:37

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:11.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top