Out of them I could do Doris...not a whole lot different to Betsy though!
Hatcho's Solo deTour of Europe
- Thread starter Hatcho
- Start date
"do Doris"Out of them I could do Doris...not a whole lot different to Betsy though!
Ya filthy fecker!!
So the Tremola road brought me to the top of the St. Gotthard Pass. Tons of bikes up here, even an outdoor band playing tunes!
They were pretty good - playing Man of Constant Sorrow when I rolled up.
What a view!
Lovely lake
Obligatory lid pic!
I got chatting to a lovely chap from Zurich who was there on his '08 RT. He was particularly interested in my bike as the next day he was collecting a '21 Triple Black GS the very same as mine! We had a good oul chat, I wished him a' happy bike day' and then it was time to head on. Miles and smiles to cover!
They were pretty good - playing Man of Constant Sorrow when I rolled up.
What a view!
Lovely lake
Obligatory lid pic!
I got chatting to a lovely chap from Zurich who was there on his '08 RT. He was particularly interested in my bike as the next day he was collecting a '21 Triple Black GS the very same as mine! We had a good oul chat, I wished him a' happy bike day' and then it was time to head on. Miles and smiles to cover!
Like Debbie did Dallas!
Doris does Kilcullen......doesn't quite roll of the tongue as easilyLike Debbie did Dallas!
Coming down the far side of the St Gotthard Pass the traffic was mental! The main road was at a standstill so I opted to take the older route down. Few corners down and this was at a standstill too! Carlos (my new mate from Zurich) had informed me that filtering wasn't the done thing in Switzerland so I stayed put in the queue. Tbh, I didn't mind one bit - I was high in the Swiss mountains, the sun was shining and I was texting my mates too maintain appropriate levels of jealousy . However, once a chap on a Swiss registered bike started heading past me and the queue of cages, I happily hopped in behind him. The road was narrow and twisty so every time there was a corner or oncoming traffic we tucked back in. Soon two bikes were four and then six. Now we had strength in numbers! . And once we passed the long line of traffic we had empty tarmac to enjoy. And enjoy it we did!
At Hospental I turned left to head southwest on Route 19, aka Furkastraße. As the name suggests next up was the Furka Pass, stunning and worthy of a photo.
Next up was the Grimsel Pass. Talk about being spoiled rotten!
I just wanted to stop for photos after every corner! But time was ticking on and I still hadn't figured out where I was staying tonight.
The road wound its way back down into the valley and I was passing by green fields on both sides, dotted with lovely wooden barns. Heidi would feel right at home. Technically, she would be home, but you know what I mean. At lower altitude the temps were starting to climb again. We were well into the late afternoon and it was near to 5pm. As I rode through a small village I spotted two bikers coming out of a small supermarket. Time to get supplies! And a cold bottle of Coke (unhealthy I know, but a great pick-me-up). Big bottle of water and some fruit was also purchased to balance out the bottle of carbonated diluted poison. There was a hotel right across the street who's name made me smile (I'm very childish)
Checking online it was a touch pricey at over 160 euro per night. But there was another more reasonably priced spot and it was only 100m away. Get in! Back onto the bike and I'm there in 30 seconds. What a spot - Hotel Joopi (funny names must be a thing in these parts). Lovely host, great atmosphere, restaurant onsite so dins is sorted!
Hotel Joopi - pretty as!
. However, once a chap on a Swiss registered bike started heading past me and the queue of cages, I happily hopped in behind him. The road was narrow and twisty so every time there was a corner or oncoming traffic we tucked back in. Soon two bikes were four and then six. Now we had strength in numbers! . And once we passed the long line of traffic we had empty tarmac to enjoy. And enjoy it we did! At Hospental I turned left to head southwest on Route 19, aka Furkastraße. As the name suggests next up was the Furka Pass, stunning and worthy of a photo.
Next up was the Grimsel Pass. Talk about being spoiled rotten!
I just wanted to stop for photos after every corner! But time was ticking on and I still hadn't figured out where I was staying tonight.
The road wound its way back down into the valley and I was passing by green fields on both sides, dotted with lovely wooden barns. Heidi would feel right at home. Technically, she would be home, but you know what I mean. At lower altitude the temps were starting to climb again. We were well into the late afternoon and it was near to 5pm. As I rode through a small village I spotted two bikers coming out of a small supermarket. Time to get supplies! And a cold bottle of Coke (unhealthy I know, but a great pick-me-up). Big bottle of water and some fruit was also purchased to balance out the bottle of carbonated diluted poison. There was a hotel right across the street who's name made me smile (I'm very childish)
Checking online it was a touch pricey at over 160 euro per night. But there was another more reasonably priced spot and it was only 100m away. Get in! Back onto the bike and I'm there in 30 seconds. What a spot - Hotel Joopi (funny names must be a thing in these parts). Lovely host, great atmosphere, restaurant onsite so dins is sorted!
Hotel Joopi - pretty as!
Here's a wee edit of going up the Tremola road on the St. Gotthard Pass. Cobbles are just as grippy as tarmac and an amazing feat of engineering too.
Lovely fella, looks like you're having a blast
You should rename your thread: Shagging Doris in Hotel Joopi. It has a certain ring to it. (ps, I'm childish tooComing down the far side of the St Gotthard Pass the traffic was mental! The main road was at a standstill so I opted to take the older route down. Few corners down and this was at a standstill too! Carlos (my new mate from Zurich) had informed me that filtering wasn't the done thing in Switzerland so I stayed put in the queue. Tbh, I didn't mind one bit - I was high in the Swiss mountains, the sun was shining and I was texting my mates too maintain appropriate levels of jealousy
At Hospental I turned left to head southwest on Route 19, aka Furkastraße. As the name suggests next up was the Furka Pass, stunning and worthy of a photo.
View attachment 437322
Next up was the Grimsel Pass. Talk about being spoiled rotten!
View attachment 437323
View attachment 437325
I just wanted to stop for photos after every corner! But time was ticking on and I still hadn't figured out where I was staying tonight.
The road wound its way back down into the valley and I was passing by green fields on both sides, dotted with lovely wooden barns. Heidi would feel right at home. Technically, she would be home, but you know what I mean. At lower altitude the temps were starting to climb again. We were well into the late afternoon and it was near to 5pm. As I rode through a small village I spotted two bikers coming out of a small supermarket. Time to get supplies! And a cold bottle of Coke (unhealthy I know, but a great pick-me-up). Big bottle of water and some fruit was also purchased to balance out the bottle of carbonated diluted poison. There was a hotel right across the street who's name made me smile (I'm very childish)
View attachment 437327
Checking online it was a touch pricey at over 160 euro per night. But there was another more reasonably priced spot and it was only 100m away. Get in! Back onto the bike and I'm there in 30 seconds. What a spot - Hotel Joopi (funny names must be a thing in these parts). Lovely host, great atmosphere, restaurant onsite so dins is sorted!
Hotel Joopi - pretty as!
View attachment 437330
) I do hope our resident Doris doesn’t read this thread......
Cracking what they like when wet though ?
And so I settled into my hotel room, which was small but still lovely. Like I said earlier, this place had a lovely feel to it. It is run by the chap who checked me in and his wife and the hotel has been in her family for four generations. After a must needed shower to cool down and freshen up, it was time for nom noms and beer. With the sun shining sitting out was the best option.
First dose of thirst quenching medicine
The menu was filled with many lovely choices but I decided to go for the chicken tagine and it didn't disappoint. The husband was born in Germany and of Moroccan origin and this was a recipe from his mother. Cous cous with grilled chicken and vegetables made for a light and tasty meal. Seemingly it made me thirsty too as I stayed for another three beers...
No sign of me moving!
I was quite enchanted by this place so I enquired if my room might be available for a second night and it was. Happy days! My only deadline was to be near Bardonecchia by Thursday and as it was only Sunday, I had plenty of time to spare. So no need to pack up and move the next morning, just lie in and chill. Champion.
I went for a wee stroll before retiring to my room...always nice to have a peek around...
Lovely wooden bridge
Under which the Rhöne flowed
Houses and barns really are lovely
Finally it was time to head for my small but cosy room
And so ended Day 3!
First dose of thirst quenching medicine
The menu was filled with many lovely choices but I decided to go for the chicken tagine and it didn't disappoint. The husband was born in Germany and of Moroccan origin and this was a recipe from his mother. Cous cous with grilled chicken and vegetables made for a light and tasty meal. Seemingly it made me thirsty too as I stayed for another three beers...
No sign of me moving!
I was quite enchanted by this place so I enquired if my room might be available for a second night and it was. Happy days! My only deadline was to be near Bardonecchia by Thursday and as it was only Sunday, I had plenty of time to spare. So no need to pack up and move the next morning, just lie in and chill. Champion.
I went for a wee stroll before retiring to my room...always nice to have a peek around...
Lovely wooden bridge
Under which the Rhöne flowed
Houses and barns really are lovely
Finally it was time to head for my small but cosy room
And so ended Day 3!
Day 4 Rest Day
For the most part I just chilled out. Took a stroll up to the shop for an ice cream and enjoyed watching the multiple bikers pass by in the heat while I sat in the shade in my shorts. Sometimes it's nice to be a little bit of a bollix
Then iwandered around the village and took more pics until it got too hot to be outside.
This lovely house had a working water wheel right beside it.
This looked to be a newly finished house, love the way they've kept to the old style
Another nice mix of modern and traditional...
I think I'm following this tourist route, this is the second one of these signs I've seen. Switzerland's version of the Wild Atlantic Way I suppose
Loads of these communal water fountains about, all of which are potable. Best not to scoop from the trough though as I saw a doggie jump in to cool off.
Lots of the barns are raised on stilts like this. We saw something similar in Norway - it's to help prevent creatures getting in and nibbling at your store of winter food.
Twas time to return to the hotel and my cool room as I was starting to bake even in shorts.
For the most part I just chilled out. Took a stroll up to the shop for an ice cream and enjoyed watching the multiple bikers pass by in the heat while I sat in the shade in my shorts. Sometimes it's nice to be a little bit of a bollix
Then iwandered around the village and took more pics until it got too hot to be outside.This lovely house had a working water wheel right beside it.
This looked to be a newly finished house, love the way they've kept to the old style
Another nice mix of modern and traditional...
I think I'm following this tourist route, this is the second one of these signs I've seen. Switzerland's version of the Wild Atlantic Way I suppose
Loads of these communal water fountains about, all of which are potable. Best not to scoop from the trough though as I saw a doggie jump in to cool off.
Lots of the barns are raised on stilts like this. We saw something similar in Norway - it's to help prevent creatures getting in and nibbling at your store of winter food.
Twas time to return to the hotel and my cool room as I was starting to bake even in shorts.
For dinner I opted for something quite unusual - pieces of banana wrapped in crunchy flakes, served with rice and fruits all in a curry sauce. Ya gotta push out the gastronomic envelope when travelling. Does increase the risk of subsequently pushing out a lot, lot more but live life on the edge and all that. 
Eating out in Switzerland is eye wateringly expensive. Burger and chips, while undoubtedly tasty was about €33. Needless to say I didn't go down the fillet steak route. Would rather spend my money on fuel to ride even more twisties!
Still, no regrets. The break off the bike was timely and settling down for a good night's kip, I was already eager to get back on the road.
Eating out in Switzerland is eye wateringly expensive. Burger and chips, while undoubtedly tasty was about €33. Needless to say I didn't go down the fillet steak route. Would rather spend my money on fuel to ride even more twisties! Still, no regrets. The break off the bike was timely and settling down for a good night's kip, I was already eager to get back on the road.
Yep.....had a Burger King once in a Services late at night.For dinner I opted for something quite unusual - pieces of banana wrapped in crunchy flakes, served with rice and fruits all in a curry sauce. Ya gotta push out the gastronomic envelope when travelling. Does increase the risk of subsequently pushing out a lot, lot more but live life on the edge and all that.
View attachment 437567
Still, no regrets. The break off the bike was timely and settling down for a good night's kip, I was already eager to get back on the road.
Double Whopper (that's how I roll) meal and an extra drink.......I think it was around 35 of whatever they use..... Suisse Franc
Got moving the next morning after saying my goodbyes to the hotel staff. Promised them I'd spread the word about their little haven so Hotel Joopi in Goms if you are ever passing through. It was nice to be moving again. Only a wee while ago I was dying for a break, isn't it funny how the mind changes it's mind all the time 
.
The initial part of the day was nice roads rolling through the Swiss countryside. Lovely. But again things heated up and slowed down, this was the not so pretty part of Switzerland, less rolling alpine hills and more flatlands with industry and flats plenty in evidence.
My only stop was to tank up. Nice to get the lid off - twas getting hot again and a breather was needed. Like everything else, juice is not entirely cheap in the oul Schweitzerland
By the time I reached Martigny on Route 9, I was craving open roads and countryside. Moments later my prayers were answered and I was climbing the hillside away from the populated valley below. A moment worthy of a quick photo.
The next section of road was twisty fun - just what I needed. With the head revived I was back to properly enjoying myself, and sure, that's what it's all about. Soon I was across the border and in the land of baguettes and boulangeries. My route took me through well known spots such as Chamonix, no skiers this time of year, but tons of walkers, hikers and mountain bikers. Doesn't seem to be an off season here - busy all year round. The designer shops and fancy restaurants give away the typical clientele in these parts. No point in me stopping so.
Just down the road I pulled into a pizzeria for some grub. A lovely carbonara and coke (liquid version) later I was refuelled.
Just after my nom noms I pulled into a Renault garage where a young lad with no English at all kindly loaned me a few spanners with which I tightened up the gear linkage on the bike. Va va voom!
Not far to go to my next lodgings. It was in a town called Saint Gervais les Bains - I wondered if it would be as funny as its English namesake comedian. Lovely room in a quiet gite about five minutes ride from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. And a very pretty town it was too.
My room was really nice with a big shared balcony and a lovely view.
I had a few nibbles with me so it was time to crack out the new cutlery. And yes I know, it's totally naff but I couldn't give a toss!
. Just proves you can get absofuckinlutely anything on AliExpress. I'm like a magpie when it comes to shiny stuff, especially if my name's on it!
. The initial part of the day was nice roads rolling through the Swiss countryside. Lovely. But again things heated up and slowed down, this was the not so pretty part of Switzerland, less rolling alpine hills and more flatlands with industry and flats plenty in evidence.
My only stop was to tank up. Nice to get the lid off - twas getting hot again and a breather was needed. Like everything else, juice is not entirely cheap in the oul Schweitzerland
By the time I reached Martigny on Route 9, I was craving open roads and countryside. Moments later my prayers were answered and I was climbing the hillside away from the populated valley below. A moment worthy of a quick photo.
The next section of road was twisty fun - just what I needed. With the head revived I was back to properly enjoying myself, and sure, that's what it's all about. Soon I was across the border and in the land of baguettes and boulangeries. My route took me through well known spots such as Chamonix, no skiers this time of year, but tons of walkers, hikers and mountain bikers. Doesn't seem to be an off season here - busy all year round. The designer shops and fancy restaurants give away the typical clientele in these parts. No point in me stopping so
. Just down the road I pulled into a pizzeria for some grub. A lovely carbonara and coke (liquid version) later I was refuelled.
Just after my nom noms I pulled into a Renault garage where a young lad with no English at all kindly loaned me a few spanners with which I tightened up the gear linkage on the bike. Va va voom!
Not far to go to my next lodgings. It was in a town called Saint Gervais les Bains - I wondered if it would be as funny as its English namesake comedian. Lovely room in a quiet gite about five minutes ride from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. And a very pretty town it was too.
My room was really nice with a big shared balcony and a lovely view.
I had a few nibbles with me so it was time to crack out the new cutlery. And yes I know, it's totally naff but I couldn't give a toss!
. Just proves you can get absofuckinlutely anything on AliExpress. I'm like a magpie when it comes to shiny stuff, especially if my name's on it!
The next morning was fob-gate. A close call to say the very least. Confession time first...I have just the one key with me. Many will think this foolish and maybe you are right, but it's how I've rolled till now and despite what happened, I'll probably continue in my stubborn habit of not learning a lesson.
The previous night I had popped the chain around the back wheel. The parking was nice and secluded but the bike was visible from the road if you looked hard enough. Next morning I went down with keys for both bike and lock. Popped the key fob on the pannier and proceeded to load up. Yup, totally forgot about the key and rolled out of dodge. Only when the warning came up on the dash about key not in range did I realise anything was wrong. Doubled back to where I parked and no sign. Oh, fuckety fuck. Hopped off the bike and traced my way on foot, silently, and not so silently, cursing my carelessness. About 200m down the road there was the fob and lanyard - both had been driven over several times and the lanyard clip had broken separating the two. Fob was still intact but only when I returned to the bike and everything came to life was I sure all was good. Bullet dodged. Big time. Someone had been looking out for me, and it was greatly appreciated.
By this stage I had been sweating buckets. As I rolled away I took many slow deep breaths to calm down. Can't be on a bike with cortisol running amok, it will only end in tears. Gradually the head and body returned to normal operations and I settled in for the days riding ahead of me.
And what a day! First leg of the trip was to Albertville on the D1212 and then peel onto the D925. Next would be the D902 which would bring me to the Col de l'Iseran. I was grinning so hard my lips were scratching my ears. Just about the whole way it had been raining but this just made the scenery that bit more spectacular. Come here. Ride this road. Your life will thank you.
I actually love riding in the wet. You're forced to ride even more smoothly than normal and a step up in reasoning and self control is required. All the while, you're tucked up cosy in your waterproof gear - what's not to like? Luckily the views weren't spoiled and I got to see the mountains in all their foreboding glory. One more item ticked off the bucket list. Woo hoo!
The previous night I had popped the chain around the back wheel. The parking was nice and secluded but the bike was visible from the road if you looked hard enough. Next morning I went down with keys for both bike and lock. Popped the key fob on the pannier and proceeded to load up. Yup, totally forgot about the key and rolled out of dodge. Only when the warning came up on the dash about key not in range did I realise anything was wrong. Doubled back to where I parked and no sign. Oh, fuckety fuck. Hopped off the bike and traced my way on foot, silently, and not so silently, cursing my carelessness. About 200m down the road there was the fob and lanyard - both had been driven over several times and the lanyard clip had broken separating the two. Fob was still intact but only when I returned to the bike and everything came to life was I sure all was good. Bullet dodged. Big time. Someone had been looking out for me, and it was greatly appreciated.
By this stage I had been sweating buckets. As I rolled away I took many slow deep breaths to calm down. Can't be on a bike with cortisol running amok, it will only end in tears. Gradually the head and body returned to normal operations and I settled in for the days riding ahead of me.
And what a day! First leg of the trip was to Albertville on the D1212 and then peel onto the D925. Next would be the D902 which would bring me to the Col de l'Iseran. I was grinning so hard my lips were scratching my ears. Just about the whole way it had been raining but this just made the scenery that bit more spectacular. Come here. Ride this road. Your life will thank you.
I actually love riding in the wet. You're forced to ride even more smoothly than normal and a step up in reasoning and self control is required. All the while, you're tucked up cosy in your waterproof gear - what's not to like? Luckily the views weren't spoiled and I got to see the mountains in all their foreboding glory. One more item ticked off the bucket list. Woo hoo!
Muppet
Get a dumb key cut for the lanyard to open the luggage and seat.
Leave the fob in your jacket pocket.
I clipped the plastic emergency key into the knee armour pocket of my Rukka trousers.
That's a good idea for the plastic key. Great tip!
Just woke to Susanna Hoff telling me she loves an oul eternal flame. Go on ye good thing! Left my headphones in when I fell asleep. Alarm set for 5:30am so I can grab some brekkie and get away early..
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