Trips to Italty, Germany, Alps

[victorr]

I'm looking to find information from anyone who knows a good place to rent bikes for next a summer ride trip to Italty, Germany, and the Swiss Alps. It would be greatly appreciated if you could share your experiences. There will be about 5-6 bikes with some of our wife's riding and some in a car. We will be staying in two base camps and doing day rides. Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy and switerland. I need all the help I can get.

[pffog]

Start here http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=24175 , most info still current.

Although it is not economical, there IS value in going with a tour company also. Lots of +++ of getting years of experience on your first trip. Really can give you more bang for your $$$.

I have done it both ways, been with Beach's Motorcycle Adventures several times, and have done it on my own as well. BUT will do a tour with them again, Best in the business, and long time supporters of the BMWMOA, in fact the first MOA magazine was edited on Bob Beach's kitchen table, I am told. They are an American company and the oldest in the business. They do arrange rentals as well.


http://www.beachs-mca.com/

Lots of help here, whether you use them or not.

http://www.beachs-mca.com/q-a.html

[victorr]

We have done a lot of trips in the US but this will be the first in Europe.

[Colt03]

I'll Second Beaches, just returned from a two week trip in Germany, Austria Switzerland and Northern Italy. Accomodations were great, local knowledge is superb. We were on roads I doubt you would find on your own.

You might also by purchase John Herman's book on touring the Alps.

[Mike_Philippens]

You can also try and get some routes off the internet. Sites like advrider should be good places to get information.

It all depends on what you want obviously. Personally I don't like guided tours. I take my time and try to find it out myself. I became a member of MOA because I want to make a 3 month road trip of the US. I got a lot of local knowledge already.
Having said that...I have the advantage that I speak English, so I can understand sites and forums with the info like an American. I don't think you understand German...

You can also try and place a call for information on European bike forums. I did it here and got a lot of info. I also toured with a Canadian member of MOA here in Holland for 2 days to show him the backroads that you'll never find if you're not from here.

Ask...investigate...and the fun starts at home!

[GlobalRider]

I'm looking to find information from anyone who knows a good place to rent bikes for next a summer ride trip to Italy, Germany, and the Swiss Alps.

Does it have to be on a BMW, because if it doesn't, I know of a good place just outside of Munich; great prices and unlimited mileage.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could share your experiences. We will be staying in two base camps and doing day rides. Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy and Switzerland. I need all the help I can get.

Forget Como. The road around it is packed with traffic. But just north of Como at the base of the Splügen Pass in Chiavenna, Hotel Aurora (http://www.albergoaurora.it) is very nice. From there, you can ride these passes: Splügen, San Bernardino, Lukmanier, Maloja, Julier, Albula, Ofen, Flüela, Bernina, Foscagno, San Marco, Gavia, Stelvio and Umbrail. Also Mortirolo and the great little roads on that mountain ridge...spent a day riding it.

As for Switzerland, Andermatt is a good base camp from where you can ride these passes: Oberalp, Furka, Susten, Nufenen, St. Gotthard, Klausen, Pragel.

I've stayed in Haus Caprino in Andermatt. There are other larger places for your crowd.

[GlobalRider]

We were on roads I doubt you would find on your own.

Been on them...I highly doubt tour companies have been on the cow/cart paths I've been on.

All it takes is a good map and an imagination.

But then I guess that is why my friend has tagged along these past two years.

[GlobalRider]

By the way, you might want to go in June; less tourist traffic.

And I hope you go for at least two weeks; anything less is like only getting a scoop of ice cream instead of the tub.

[Beemerdons]

Dear Alex, What is the name and location of the Munich Bike Rental business that you are referring to? We of AZ Beemers have traditionally uses Stefan Knopf of Motorrad Reisen outside of Heidelberg. But, we are riding the Alps and heading over to Spain last week of June and first week of July in 2013. We'd prefer flying in to Munich, instead of Frankfurt.

Long ago I was stationed at Augsburg, Bavaria and revisit often.

[GlobalRider]

Dear Alex, What is the name and location of the Munich Bike Rental business that you are referring to?

You have a PM.

[Mike_Philippens]

By the way, you might want to go in June; less tourist traffic.
September is also a good month. The weather is ok for riding, and the big tourist hotels are already closing down... I've done the 'Mille Miglia' tour around Italy some years ago in September and when I passed Rimini, the major hotels and restaurants were closed.

[rummy63]

Someone at K-Bikes.com just posted pics from their 15 day trip through 4 countries in the Alps. You may want ask him/her.

[Mike_Philippens]

If you need some inspiration and want to take the time to piece together a nice route, you could take a look at this (http://www.tourenfahrer.de/index.php?id=1133) site. It is in German, but there's a map for every route they present. Just look at the column at the right, marked 'Die schönsten Alpenpässe -Übersicht' which translates to 'The nicest passes in the Alps-Index'. The links below that heading lead to a description of the route. In German, but you should be able to make out the names of the passes and places along the route. Lower in the right column, there is a link to the GPS downloads. The download itself is paid, but before you have to pay, you land on the page with a Google Maps-map of the route, so you can zoom in for details and look it up on your own map. It's not that hard, because there aren't lots of roads in the mountains, so you can't miss it.

Another site, this time with free downloads of GPS routes is GPS Tracks (http://www.gps-tracks.nl/index.php). It's in Dutch, but the routes and maps are self-explanatory. Look for the 'Auto en Motortracks' in the menu (Car and Bike tracks) and select a country: Nederland - Netherlands, België - Belgium, Duitsland - Germany, Frankrijk - France. When you select a country, you're presented with a map of the country with dots on it. The dots represent the available tours. Some tours have the names of the region or passes in it, other have a (for you) more cryptic name. Just take a look and see if it's something you like.

This way you can gather lots of interesting routes for your self-made holiday. Invest a little time, talk to others and buy a good tourist guide and you can save loads of money. The guided tours have some value, but piecing together your own route is loads of fun and takes you in the holiday mood already. At least, that's how it works for me. I'm doing the same for my US road trip I'm planning.

And you can always ask me. Not that I'm a European master of touring, but I can point you in the right direction. Use the force of the internet, Luke... :)

[mrtnfischer]

I have done a number of tours with Edelweiss and they are great, but, if you want to see some unusual ALPS, off the beaten path some Carpathians, SLovinia, Croatia, Seriavo, Monte Negro, rent bikes from Adriatic Moto Tours, . You wil spend less, have a better time and see more without the hordes of tourists. ANd the Adriatic Coast and Islands are supurb. It's real easy to get to, fly from JFK to Vienna or Frankfort than tp Lubiana airport, in Slovinia (capital). I have taken their tour and have also rented BMWs from them, Great People, he was at the rally in Bloomsburg and my buddies and I are planning on going in MAY to Bulgaria with these people.

http://www.smtours.com/

[GlobalRider]

Last edited by mrtnfischer; 08-03-2011 at 06:23 AM. Reason: spell

Better try again. You still have tons of spelling mistakes. ;)

[gunnert]

We rented from Motogreek in Munich last year and would highly recommend them!

[pffog]

I'll Second Beaches, just returned from a two week trip in Germany, Austria Switzerland and Northern Italy. Accomodations were great, local knowledge is superb. We were on roads I doubt you would find on your own.

You might also by purchase John Herman's book on touring the Alps.


I just got back from 2 weeks and 4km in the Alps, I did this one on my own, because our sons rode too, and the cost of a tour was a little over budget for 3 bikes and 4 people. That said, I could do it because this is my 7th trip, and I have been to the region with Beach's 6 times prior.

Their IS additional cost, BUT lots of value in the right organized tour. I would never recommend someone head over the first time on there own, there is a LOT of differences in riding there, navigation is different, signage is different, riding style and position in the lane is different. And a good teacher can quickly pass along that info. The other thing aside from knowing the BEST roads (Beach has been doing this for 39 years), and Rob, who is the main guide has spent more time on a bike in the Alps than ANYONE here, It is his JOB to ride almost every day, he knows the major stuff, down to the goat paths. And he will get you there if you want to go.

Can you do it on your own, absolutely, but like anything in life a good teacher can make the learning curve faster, and make it fun out of the gate.

P.S. The other reason I missed using a tour, is the BIG advantage of them carrying the luggage. It is nice to just leave rain/cold.warm gear on the bike and not have to load and unload the bike daily. Plus with 50 less lbs on the bike it sure is a lot more fun in the twisties.

BTW, Beach does NOT require group riding!

Alex, I and a few others have enough time and experience to do our own thing with relative ease, but that I credit my experience to a good teacher. BTW, plan on doing Beach's Corsican tour next year.

[GlobalRider]

Alex, I and a few others have enough time and experience to do our own thing with relative ease, but that I credit my experience to a good teacher. BTW, plan on doing Beach's Corsican tour next year.

Well my first tour in Europe and the Alps was back in 1995 and I did it on my own. It was a walk in the park. I don't see what the issue is other than possibly fear/insecurity that really isn't warranted.

I and some/many others just wouldn't feel the same about any organized tour. They provide some advantages (very few in my opinion), but they take away so much of the experience of riding Europe on your own. For example, having observed this, Americans on tour end up chit chatting with other Americans/Canadians/Aussies while on tour. I'm there to experience Europe and the Alps and socialize with the locals. We talk about routes...correction, I talk about routes...they can't believe that a foreigner knows their roads better that they do...so they told me. ;)

There was someone from my province on a local forum that went on a Beach's tour and he went on and on :rolleyes how there was no way you could have found this incredible road without a tour guide. But he had no clue which road it was, only that he came down from Villach over a pass in Slovenia, drove through three very narrow tunnels and ended up on a ski hill.

Duhhh...no doubt he was taken over the Vrsic Pass, Predil Pass, Sella Nevea and then over Monte Zoncolan (http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Motorcycle-Tours/2010-Alps-Motorcycle-Tour/12962013_aWY2k#938062866_Lk6fE). Been over them all countless times...found them with a map the first time in the area.

By the way, you'll love Corsica (ride the D roads). I hope you plan on 2 weeks there because 8 days was not enough. The next time I plan to spend at least another week on Corsica before heading to Sardinia and Sicily.

[gunnert]

I differ with those that say don't do it on your own. We did our first trip last year and had a BLAST!. 4 nights south of Salzburg, 5 nights in Arabba, and 3 nights in Garmisch. The only advanced reservation I made was at Simonhof Hotel in Austria, got the recommendation from website Alpine Roads. The smaller Bavarian hotels with half board (breakfast/dinner included) are the way to go. Rooms were great, food awesome, wine...etc. If you stay away from Switzerland you'll only need Euros and a Visa card. Bike rental was hassle free. road the train from Munich airport to Motogreek rental (station is about a block away). Spent first night in Munich to recover from flight from Dulles. Picked up bikes in the morning (two couples, 1 RT/1 GT). And off we went. Planning on going back in 2013 and would not even consider an organized tour! ...but, to each his own.

[pffog]

Duhhh...no doubt he was taken over the Vrsic Pass, Predil Pass, Sella Nevea and then over Monte Zoncolan (http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Motorcycle-Tours/2010-Alps-Motorcycle-Tour/12962013_aWY2k#938062866_Lk6fE). Been over them all countless times...found them with a map the first time in the area.

By the way, you'll love Corsica (ride the D roads). I hope you plan on 2 weeks there because 8 days was not enough. The next time I plan to spend at least another week on Corsica before heading to Sardinia and Sicily.

Was just into Slovenia and up the Mangart on Thursday, weather was stunning, cool and clear, great views from the Mangart. Also got to run up the Grossglocker for the first time, again stunningly clear.

All Rob's tours are 2 weeks, like you said 8-9 days is NOT enough!

[Mike_Philippens]

I differ with those that say don't do it on your own.
I think it's a matter of preference. There are people who want to be taken by the hand and shown everything instead of looking it up yourself. To me the trip planning or discovering as you go half the fun. Maybe I'll miss something, but the fun I had discovering other things make up for that.

I've been around in Europe and North Africa on my own and with friends. Just do a little research, which is very easy nowadays with all the forums, websites with travel blogs and such. I'm planning a 3 month tour of the US in 2013 and I don't want to go near a travel agency. I've ridden a HD in the US for a couple of days in 2000 and I can't imagine the traffic to be worse than downtown Marakech. I'm off to Dakar coming October, so I guess I'm well prepared for the US&A... ;)

But if you're into guided tours, that's perfectly alright. Lots of people rather go for guided and all-in holidays without surprises.

[pffog]

I think it's a matter of preference. There are people who want to be taken by the hand and shown everything instead of looking it up yourself. To me the trip planning or discovering as you go half the fun. Maybe I'll miss something, but the fun I had discovering other things make up for that. .

Well I would NEVER ride on a tour where I was expected to ride in lock step day after day stopping starting and seeing only what I was allowed too. THAT is why I am such a fan of Beach's tours. If you want to be spoon fed they happy to accommodate, but DISCOURAGE the "herd" riding many do.

What you get is a nearly new bike to ride UNLIMITED mileage, someone to pick you up at the airport, a luggage van to haul the 90% of the clothes gear you don't need any given day. You also get great hotels, in strategic places, a 100+ page book BEFORE you arrive, outlining the specific tour, route and fellow tour members, that also reviews signage, riding practices, local recommendations on tipping, eating, history and generalities on road conditions and tons of other small but important information.

Once on the ground, every night Rob spends an hour every night adding history, route suggestions, stopping suggestions, best places for strudel, cappuccino, shopping, or what ever else you want to know. When you ride, you are free to go solo, find another comparable rider(s) to ride with, or be led around by the owner of the company. All with a programmed GPS that gives you anywhere from 3 to 8 route suggestions every day, or you can wander off on your own route knowing the GPS will always get you to the next hotel.

Only 2 rules, if you want the van to haul your luggage, it must be in the lobby before 9:30 (you can leave before, or go back to bed) and if late for dinner, usually 7 or 7:30, call to let them know all is OK, so they don't get an ulcer worrying.

Beach's has been doing this since 1972, and my guess is 60%+ of their clients are return customers. I know you have spent a lot of time plotting/planning your trip over here, and have had to weed through the advice and suggestions. What would the value be to have someone taking care of all the details reservations, give you 3-5 routes every day, and telling you about 20 -30 places you might want to see every day and leaving it up to you to decide which if any you want to see.

It is a BIG misnomer that all tours are restrictive, and require you be a conformist. The value is you are assured of great accommodations, food, local knowledge, the best roads in the area (to suit you), support of a Van to haul your excess baggage, and comradery of like minded people at dinner.

When you think about it, and consider the time you have spent, and probably a day or three you ride to a road someone suggested, that is not your cup of tea, , the poor sleep you get because the lodging sucked and you can begin to see the value in the RIGHT tour operator, getting the biggest bang for the $$ spent.

Beach's basically make you a LOCAL, in some of the best places to ride on 2 wheels, by sharing their 39 years of knowledge.

[Mike_Philippens]

It is a BIG misnomer that all tours are restrictive, and require you be a conformist.
Could be, but it's still a matter of preference. I'm sure (and I know for a fact) that not all arranged holidays/tours/trips are the same and there are very good tours. But still I won't go on them.

For the US, I have access to you, the members of the MOA. This site is a treasure of information and I have got tons of feedback for tips. I also know a few US citizens so I can get some information from them. As for Europe, I speak English, German and a little French and I can manage in Italy. Maybe that's my luck, because I can visit local websites and read books about touring in France, Germany and ask locals. There are also numerous websites about travels. So if you want to invest time, you can make up a tour on your own and don't miss out on anything.

I understand the value of the local knowledge, but for me traveling should be an adventure. Part of the fun is working out the route and enjoying it when it's a good ride. That's why I'm so adament that it's a matter of preference. I just won't go on a guided tour, no matter how good the guide is. Let the road surprise me...

[pffog]

I understand the value of the local knowledge, but for me traveling should be an adventure. Part of the fun is working out the route and enjoying it when it's a good ride. That's why I'm so adament that it's a matter of preference. I just won't go on a guided tour, no matter how good the guide is. Let the road surprise me...

Couldn't agree more, it is just a matter of the right tour operator. But as I said, I have done it on my own too, and see the advantages of both.

[Mike_Philippens]

I just found anothe useful link for you Americans that want to visit our beautiful continent... MobikeHotel (http://www.mobikehotel.com/moto/index.php?lang=en). It's a group of bikerfriendly hotels in Europe. Not an exhaustive list and this is some kind of commercial initiative, but still...it might be of use for someone who wants to go out and wander off. You can download the list for you navigator, which is the best part.

Is it a good idea to make a topic for Europe related travel info? I'd be happy to contribute some info about tours and sites to see. We did something similar on a Dutch bike forum for US travel for people like me who want to bring their own bike.