Multi-Pass Day in Swiss Alps

[Euro-Feejer]

A day-ride the end of August (just figured out how to get photos into this site)...

After a couple hours on scenic Swiss Autobahn (including lakes near Luzern), we reach the top of the first pass - Gotthard. The clearest day ever. Much warmer than anticipated... a bit hot in jackets when off the bike. Too much tourist traffic going up this pass.

Heading down the south side, we opted not to take the famous snaking route (photo below - lots of slow cobblestone)... To have time for multiple passes ahead, we took the alternate way down with nice fast sweepers.

Much less tourist traffic heading up the Nufenen pass... a hangout for bikers at the top.

Atop the next pass (Furka)... In the far distance one can see the switchbacks of the day's next pass (Grimsel). My riding buddy has the Ducati. He does much better on the switchbacks with that short wheelbase and lighter weight.

At a snack stop near the Furka Glacier, looking west down the valley between Furka and Grimsel (further down that valley is access to the Swiss side of the Matterhorn).

Looking back up at the Furka Glacier and switchbacks, as we ride toward the Grimsel Pass.

Coming down the final pass (Brunig) to the Sarnen valley near Luzern.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Holy Moley...those are great pictures! :yahoo:

Thanks for sharing. :clapping:

And the guided tour starts when again? B)

 

[greg97224]

Wow, beautiful. That would be great way to spend a day. How long does it take to do the ride you did that day? Not that I will get over there any time soon. The Rockies and the Bear Tooths were great this summer, which they are, but the Alps look like something speciel.

 

[Euro-Feejer]

Wow, beautiful. That would be great way to spend a day. How long does it take to do the ride you did that day? Not that I will get over there any time soon. The Rockies and the Bear Tooths were great this summer, which they are, but the Alps look like something speciel.

We did it from 8am to 4pm... 1.5 hours to the first climb and another 1.5 back from the last pass to home in SW Germany. Distance was 500km (300 miiles) total. If I'd lived closer, could have added another couple high passes (many are grouped in that area). An excellent book covering many Alp tours is put out by Whitehorse Press, called "Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps and Corsica".

 

[weekend rider]

Those Euro people sure know how to build crooked roads......

Fanntastic pic posted :drinks:

 

[Wolfhound]

Thank You !

 

[spalkin]

Oh my God!!! :clapping:

 

[bikesniffer]

Great report... BTDT...I love my backyard... :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

Alfred

 

[colin]

wow dude, that's awesome! thanks for the pics.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Great pics...Thanks for sharing the awesome scenery.

--G

 

[Yorkmeister]

The wife and I took an Edelweiss Bike Tour from Munich to Nice in August 1998. The second night stay was in Andermatt. We rode some of the roads in your photos. Your photos brought back some nice memories as that was one superb way to see the Alps. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Docholiday]

Great pictures. Makes me want to visit with the bike. Thanks.

 

[vabrzn]

Great pics ! Thanks for posting

 

[Auburn]

Oh my God!!! :clapping:

Reminds me of standing at Mt. Hamilton and looking back toward San Jose and seeing about 5 miles of twisties. Yours is better, no smog and a lot greener

Thanks for the great pics :clapping:

 

[fjrboomer]

I road the same roads two years ago but on a stupid bus. With every turn I was wishing I was on a bike, any bike! There are many beautiful rides in the Alps and I envy you the opportuinty you had. Someday I hope to get back there and ride those roads. Thanks for a great report and pics.

 

[Jagermeister]

Those pictures are stunning! :dribble: Thanks for the Heartbreak.

 

[Old Michael]

Just breathtaking. One can only dream.

 

[RenoJohn]

Awesome Sites

Awesome Roads

...and

amazing pics, thanks for sharing.

 

[rogdeb]

Fantastic :clapping:

Thanks for sharing.