Thanks for a Great Trip!

[CDNBKR]

Although this is my first post, I have used this site extensively to plan my recent trip to the Alps. Just wanted to say thanks to all the contributors who provided helpful info that made the trip a real success. In the same spirit here are some of my learnings that may help others.

I took the Chunnel which was quick and easy. Went north directly into Belgium which avoided any tolls and rode east to Luxembourg. Stayed at Hotel de la Sure in Esch-sur-Sure which was really good. Owned by a biker with lots of local knowledge. Although I rode thru the next day, I would recommend if you have time to explore Lux more - some very good roads and scenic areas. I then went south east towards Baden Baden to ride the B500 thru the Black Forest. Excellent road but a little slow in places. Stayed at The Grunenberg in Menzerschwand which was also a real good spot. They are well set up for bikers and a very reasonable cost.

The next six days were divided b/w Interlaken and Andermatt riding the numerous passes in the area. We stayed at Rugenpark in Interlaken which was centrally located and very biker friendly. At Andermatt it was the Aurora which offers a 3 day biker deal with half board which turned out to be reasonable given the location. Overall Switzerland was a great location but very expensive. Next time, I will plan on spending more time in neighbouring countries like Italy and riding into or through Switzerland. We did buy the toll sticker for Switzerland which turned out to be helpful to get around quicker.

On the way back I rode mostly thru France and took the advice on this site to ride thru the Vosges which was really good. I went thru on a week day and the roads were quite empty. Stayed at an excellent place in Dun sur Meuse called Two Wheels Moorings which I found on this site as well. Owners are real good folks and fellow bikers. Ended up on A26 toll road for half the journey to the Chunnel which wasn't so expensive after all and helped to avoid the numerous small towns along the way.

Overall an excellent trip and once again thanks to all those that have shared their experiences which helped me plan mine.

 

[AlanI]

I then went south east towards Baden Baden to ride the B500 thru the Black Forest. Excellent road but a little slow in places.

Yes, living within a stones throw from this road and having ridden it many times, I often wonder what the big attraction is, why it's repeatedly recommended on this forum and why people ride hundreds of miles/kilometres to ride it. As you say, it's an excellent road but is often, very often, very slow in places. There are so many other excellent roads in the Black Forest with many passing through chocolate box villages that I wonder why riders when planning their routes don't take the time to really zoom in on whatever maps they are using and in some cases, actually use Googles Street View. The Black Forest is such a beautiful place is seems such a waste to pass through it simply on the B500 and adjoining roads and not really get to see anything else. Oh well, each to his/her own I suppose.

 

[The Grey One]

Yes, living within a stones throw from this road and having ridden it many times, I often wonder what the big attraction is, why it's repeatedly recommended on this forum and why people ride hundreds of miles/kilometres to ride it. As you say, it's an excellent road but is often, very often, very slow in places. There are so many other excellent roads in the Black Forest with many passing through chocolate box villages that I wonder why riders when planning their routes don't take the time to really zoom in on whatever maps they are using and in some cases, actually use Googles Street View. The Black Forest is such a beautiful place is seems such a waste to pass through it simply on the B500 and adjoining roads and not really get to see anything else. Oh well, each to his/her own I suppose.

Same applies here in Austria, people come and ride through on some of the well known passes.They often miss out on some of the best roads/places to see in the process.

John