Thread: Q: Help needed for a route through alps

Me & a friend of mine are planning a 5 day ride from 24th June starting from Frankfurt. We have booked our rides already and are now working on the route.
I know Sunny (of course) & Ken have been riding through Europe extensively. Maybe a few others too.

I need some help with the following:
1. Suggested route through Alps - Around 1500kms I would say.
2. Starting from & ending at Frankfurt.
3. Can not ride through Austria since we aren't carrying IDPs. No way to get them since we aren't in India since the last few months.
4. Would be good to avoid highways unless absolutely necessary and ride along the less crowded and scenic routes.
5. Any contacts along the route if anyone has them. Will be good to have a few phone numbers on us to call in case of emergency. We won't be having much of a backup and will be totally on our own.
6. Any other tips, like suggested B&Bs to stay, or must-do-things, dos & dont's are much appreciated!

This being our first ride in Europe, any help is much appreciated.

We did some initial planning and here are the basic routes.
1. Mostly going bonkers over Swiss Alps
Max-Holder-Straße 5 to Max-Holder-Straße 5 - Google Maps
2. Max-Holder-Straße 5 to Max-Holder-Straße 5 - Google Maps
3. Max-Holder-Straße 5 to Max-Holder-Straße 5 - Google Maps

Cheers & Thanks!!

Thread Approved

Is there a way to tag people like Ken in the posts so that they can review the threads?

Get in touch with Haroon bhai, he had done a trip in the backroads of Alps.

Five days, that too starting from Frankfurt, are way too less.

A sample itinerary I would suggest would be following the Great Alpine Route, that starts from Menton, France.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid...49339d0f&msa=0

If you head to Switzerland, make sure you cover the roads between Luzern and Interlaken, they are the prettiest in the country. For passes, Stelvios, Furkel and Grimsel are must-do's.

Here is a detailed list of passes and places to see.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid...21848b30&msa=0

Italian Alps, I have no idea but Haroon bhai says the Dolomites are a sight in themselves.

@Sunil - Thanks for the routes! I know 5days isn't much but we can stretch it by 1 day more max. Got to make the most of it. So too down south in France is ruled out which is a Shame. Will post the route once i go over your map and ask you for feedback.
Do you know Haroon's handle on the forum? I will drop him a PM.
Thanks again!

Originally Posted by soulonaroll

@Sunil - Thanks for the routes! I know 5days isn't much but we can stretch it by 1 day more max. Got to make the most of it. So too down south in France is ruled out which is a Shame. Will post the route once i go over your map and ask you for feedback.
Do you know Haroon's handle on the forum? I will drop him a PM.
Thanks again!

You can readup his travelogue here:
FOUR countries, SEVEN days, 1300kms & ONE Spectacular Ride in the Alps

He is a very helpful and mature guy, will help you to the max if he notices your message.

EDIT: Try posting your requirements in Trip Planning section of www.advrider.com forum, lots of insightful people there.

Thanks again! If this doesn't help little else will. Will PM Haroon tonight.

Looks like he had a 7day ride focussed on Alps. Want to do the same just that my friend flying in from US is taking a break journey in Frankfurt. So I fly in from Sweden and we start from Frankfurt.

Will keep you posted!

Highly jealous of you :P

Just imagning the scenery you will enjoy...

Just one ques.. why do people from europe come all the way to India for doing Himalayas when they have alps in their backyard.. is it the cost advantage ?? or anything else ( asking this as I never knew alps could be crossed on bikes )


Btw all the best dude.. hope you enjoy a lot..post some pics too



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Originally Posted by lovish

Highly jealous of you :P

Just imagning the scenery you will enjoy...

Just one ques.. why do people from europe come all the way to India for doing Himalayas when they have alps in their backyard.. is it the cost advantage ?? or anything else ( asking this as I never knew alps could be crossed on bikes )


Btw all the best dude.. hope you enjoy a lot..post some pics too



My Signature

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One day, I will take it easy. Today won't be that day...
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Alps provide a smooth adventure for Europeans. There are no broken roads to traverse, no lack of facilities to brave, no fear of being alone in a barren land. Some do travel to the Alps, but mostly on their cars. I have friends born in Spain and Belgium who haven't seen the Alps since they were born! It's like what they say in India: "door ke dhol suhawan" (the farther the drums, the sweeter they sound!!

Originally Posted by lovish

Highly jealous of you :P

Just imagning the scenery you will enjoy...

Just one ques.. why do people from europe come all the way to India for doing Himalayas when they have alps in their backyard.. is it the cost advantage ?? or anything else ( asking this as I never knew alps could be crossed on bikes )


Btw all the best dude.. hope you enjoy a lot..post some pics too



My Signature

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One day, I will take it easy. Today won't be that day...
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Thanks mate. I think its the thrill of experiencing the unknown. A ride is just never about the road else all experiences will simply be classified as either on-road or off-road.

The thrill is all about riding through countries where not everyone speaks english, where you can't make a phone call to have your people over to help you, where you are unaware of rules, roads, conditions, cultures, where you are definitely outside your comfort zone. Of course the bike & the mountains count but there is more to the whole experience.

Its never just about the mountains or the roads i think. The snow on Alps & Himalayas will just look the same. "Sabka khoon laal " types! So just like i get a kick out of overcoming my fear of the unknown, the europeans must be finding it challenging & exciting to ride in India.

Nyways.
Bike - Check.
Tickets to-fro - Check.
Route - Know its through alps. Rest is WIP.
Acco - After reading Haroon's trip log, i think we will just go along and see what comes our away!