Electronic Wizardry

[nick crisp]

This is a handy site Ive used for the passes 

They list all of the passes, opening times, tolls and they rate the rides with gold, silver and bronze routes, all for bikers.

http://www.alpineroads.com/passes.php

I probably should have put this post in your touring thread  :rolleyes

Not to worry, don't mind a bit of digression here and there!
Thanks for another tip Matt. It is kinda relevant here though, as it prompts another question regarding use of tech: What's the prevalence of internet cafes like in the regions I'm looking at? Would it be a viable way to keep track of such things, or would it be too expensive/time consuming?

[Mattsplat]

Youll get wifi at most accomadation, cafe's and the like, but, I still stand by my original post and recommend a £20 Nuvi 310.

As for problems with GPS in the mountains, I have NEVER had that!