29-12-11, 09:51 AM
I tend to side with expatman here, as in my mind, preparation is important , especially for a first time trip.If you have google earth/ maps it makes life easier.Its simple to test out routes, check mileage, and average journey time.
Cant stress enuff the need for full medical and bike breakdown cover.I have seen some bad accidents over there, and basic EEC card is not enuff to cover you.
As much as I like Switzerland, its bloody expensive there at moment. I would just go into there to see sights, and actually stay in austria . I think the western end of austria is a great place to stop, as you can access switzerland, italy and germany quite easily...and IMO austrian hotels offer best deals for overall accomodation.There are many " biker friendly" hotels offering great food and accomodation for reasonable cost.It squick to see the stelvio pass, even the dolomites are within reach...and eastern switzerland is a simple border hop.Look at Landeck on google maps, and see how central it is to all these great biking areas.
I also rate the french alps too..I have researched 3 star hotels there at around £35 a night for B & B...in great locations.IMO camping is out cos of the kit you need to carry round.Plus it sgreat to ride all day , then have an en suite room to crash in....it feels so luxurious!
As a guide, 350 miles a day including a reasonable motorway portion is about fair for travelling out to your " base". I reckon 2 days to get to western austria, 2 dys back. So thats 2 overnight stops at a transit hotel.I use hotels .com to suss out hotels in your selected transit stop.Thers also google search for any particular town or city you pick.
Cant stress enuff the need for full medical and bike breakdown cover.I have seen some bad accidents over there, and basic EEC card is not enuff to cover you.
As much as I like Switzerland, its bloody expensive there at moment. I would just go into there to see sights, and actually stay in austria . I think the western end of austria is a great place to stop, as you can access switzerland, italy and germany quite easily...and IMO austrian hotels offer best deals for overall accomodation.There are many " biker friendly" hotels offering great food and accomodation for reasonable cost.It squick to see the stelvio pass, even the dolomites are within reach...and eastern switzerland is a simple border hop.Look at Landeck on google maps, and see how central it is to all these great biking areas.
I also rate the french alps too..I have researched 3 star hotels there at around £35 a night for B & B...in great locations.IMO camping is out cos of the kit you need to carry round.Plus it sgreat to ride all day , then have an en suite room to crash in....it feels so luxurious!
As a guide, 350 miles a day including a reasonable motorway portion is about fair for travelling out to your " base". I reckon 2 days to get to western austria, 2 dys back. So thats 2 overnight stops at a transit hotel.I use hotels .com to suss out hotels in your selected transit stop.Thers also google search for any particular town or city you pick.