Amazing Views … apparently
An overcast morning greeted us for our last day on the K1600GT. Today we headed back to Thun via five spectacular passes – Lukmanier Pass, Grimsel Pass, Gotthard Pass, Nufenen Pass, and Oberalp Pass. Amazing!
Chasing Storms
Leaving the ritzy town of St Moritz had me reflecting on all the amazing roads we’ve ridden on the K1600GT. Today saw us on the Jullier Pass, having coffee at the top of the San Bernardino Pass, and lunch at the Bellinzone castle before getting to our overnight accommodation in lakeside town of Ascona.
Mountain Climbing
Today’s ride was a 260km loop taking in the Maloya Pass, Splugen Pass, and the Fluela Pass. The scenery here is just beautiful, whether your riding through the mountains, winding through the valleys next to a river, or passing through one of the many quaint little villages you have to wind through on their tight narrow streets.
Stelvio Pass – no words
Today we traveled from Ischgl to St Moritz via the famous Stelvio pass in Italy.
I’m not sure if I’d say the pass was fun … but it sure is memorable and I will be talking about this for years. … did grandad tell you about the time we rode the Stevlio…
Three Countries in one day
Today we rode in three countries, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria. And we rode over three major passes: Sustenpass, Klausenpass, and the Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse. I love it here. I love the mountains, I love the green, I love the glacier fed rivers and waterfalls rushing next to the roads, I love the sound of cow bells echoing across the hills, and I love the roads.
Switzerland – Lake Tour
Today we skirted five lakes between Thun and Lucerne – the Thunersee, Brienzersee, Lungerersee, Samersee, and Lucerne Nidwalden) – and included a number of mountain passes. Bought local cheese and sausage in the mountains from a farmer for lunch.
Switzerland – Let’s Ride
After 9 months of anticipation, today we picked up our BMW K1600GT for week touring in and around Switzerland. And after a small section of freeway we were in the mountains exploring Switzerland, eating cheese fondue, wandering around small Swiss villages, and riding narrow mountain roads. This is going to be a great week.!
Switzerland – What an introduction!
It’s hard not to be blown away as you enter Switzerland. It seems like a wonderland of rugged mountains patched with snow, chalets on green rolling hills, and deep valleys with fast flowing rivers the colour that has to be seen to be believed.
Venice – the last day
For a limited stay three nights is a good compromise as you have the opportunity to learn the lay of the land, how to get around, do a few touristy things, and just soak the place in. Two nights just felt rushed. Today’s major activities included a tour of the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica, and finishing the day off with a Baroque Concert which I enjoyed more than I expected. I have also included some tips on touring Venice.
Venice – Cruising the Lagoon
Today was a slower pace. With our only organised trip today to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello at 3pm we just wandered aimlessly, deeper and deeper into Venice. While there aren’t any cars to deal with on the streets of Venice there is lots of pedestrian traffic. At least with cars there is a vague appearance of rules. Pedestrians … not so much.
Zed14 