Four Day Blast: Stelvio - Dolomites

Was looking for suggestions last week as I had some days to waste... Nothing seemed to wet my appetite and weather forecast was not so good, so I decided to go for plan B

Day 1. Wednesday
Aer Finglas to Milan..Taxi.. Pick up bike: 1200GS with full luggage and Zumo mount.

Route: Milan - Lake Como - Lecco - Chiavenna - St Moritz - Bernina Pass - Livigno
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6ibIFq1az_Y1AO7FaTpRpg"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SL8VaPso99I/AAAAAAAAAaA/3B94awPRdvE/s400/Day%201%20Map.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/ItalyMaps">Italy Maps</a></td></tr></table>

I'd planned Livigno as I'd ski'd there a few times and new the town was a good spot.. Bonus was it's Tax free so cheap.. a litre of Smirnoff was €5.60 and Petrol was less than a Euro (Diesel about 90c).

Road to Como - Lecco and onto Chiavenna wasn't the most interesting as there were a lot of tunnels and straight roads.

Once I'd left St Moritz it got interesting with the Bernina Pass and onto Livigno.


Day 2. Thursday
Left Livigno about 10 with my first mission being the Stelvio Pass. Road From Livigno to Bormio was quiet so had a blast and I was coming up the South Side of the Stelvio Pass so the roads were more open and wider than the North side.
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rpFDicv6D_KC4mjfdqNF1A"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnaUyri-FI/AAAAAAAAAEg/rNb08G7vHIg/s400/DSC00120.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h62ab0Zfch3_LhhJxynwww"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnagY7mz5I/AAAAAAAAAE4/1IO2I0t2gWI/s400/DSC00123.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>


The route I'd planned was to get to Canezai but I got some local advice and plotted a route taking every possible twisty road I could see on the map.
Route: Livigno - Bormio - Stelvio Pass - Merano - San Pancrazio - Fondo - Caldaro - Across the SP72 and north and double back south to Tires - Canazei

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ioOyXeH5GwXm9ypbe-y6Ug"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SL8Va3EnSwI/AAAAAAAAAaI/FimD0jV5ZiA/s800/Day%202%20Map.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/ItalyMaps">Italy Maps</a></td></tr></table>


I'd Expected the Stelvio to be the high point of the journey but it was very busy even on a weekday.., But the route after Merano just got better and better. I didn't know much about the dolomites so I didn't have any expectations but as I left Merano and headed there the roads were exceptionally quiet and the views just got better and better.
The fantastic twisty roads led fantastic views and through beautiful towns and villages with a German/Austrian look rather than the Italian look I was expecting. So from Merano - Canezai things just got better and better.
Finished in Canezai on a high and easily got a hotel (for €39) and ate in a great Pizzeria in the centre of the town

Merano:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DKkqZJskNHieOyLltijI6Q"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnaxnDAAlI/AAAAAAAAAFo/HEEN3pmjIws/s400/DSC00129.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Road South of Merano following the profile of the cliff
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/F5Shh433aoAy50PfyfTyDQ"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnbLGMMeBI/AAAAAAAAAG0/yKcj0wYtFPU/s400/DSC00138.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Towns changing as I head towards the Dolomites:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BU8fQkLV7tfEq-cvj-5MAQ"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnbo3YIiVI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/guLlVfW-QGU/s800/DSC00149.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Roads getting fun:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rrceucs8YttssPKRQg7VcA"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnbxp9YpyI/AAAAAAAAAIw/F3qiLTaDCII/s400/DSC00153.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>



Day 3. Friday
Left Canezai at 9.00 and plotted a majority of backroads. My original destination was Brixen, but I decided to keep going on through the Jaufen Pass and Timmelsjoch.

Route was Canazei - Sella Pass - Corvara - Caprile - Selva di Cadore - Cortina - Toblach - Antermoia - Brixen - San Leonardo - Jaufen Pass and Timmelsjoch - Otz - Piller - Prutz - Laces

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/add2Z54BgVsBg2UtrONUeA"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SL8VfKKJYAI/AAAAAAAAAaY/UmEdqzZDIjE/s800/Day%203%20Map.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/ItalyMaps">Italy Maps</a></td></tr></table>


This was a 360mile Day, keeping off the main roads and on the Alpine passes whenever possible. The detour section I took towards Brixen and the other up north around Otz were narrow twisty roads but completely empty. Again it just got better and better. Another Classic Day.
Had some trouble getting a bed though.. Tried a few towns From Mals to LAces before I got a bed. There was some cycling race the next morning in the Stelvio and everything was booked out.
I was also informed the Stelvio Pass was closed from 8.00am the next morning till 4.00pm !!!!!!

Great road pass the dam above Canazei:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MiiTssHciI5O9yt2wZdlkg"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLncpiCXrTI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/9l6D65_lB48/s400/DSC00160.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Mmmmm more twisty:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/phNv2ChDDUE7UPgdpnzh0Q"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLndESHCYuI/AAAAAAAAAK4/_hsGpiTCNwg/s400/DSC00169.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Passo Giau:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y_Vb8PSfDOXICa6c8Krc2Q"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLndd9UbGnI/AAAAAAAAAMI/lBhPd4lzy5M/s800/DSC00180.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

The prettiest Fire Station I've ever seen:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MQ6tNeNuEjMja7xfV-GWIw"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLndpmOl3aI/AAAAAAAAAMs/elNXghnt9G4/s800/DSC00184.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Little Detour off road to get the view.. Mountain bikers were bit confused to see me there:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1W9MjJDS1tKzBnxXIcgt0w"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLndt_u9e3I/AAAAAAAAAM8/UkDJjqGGidM/s400/DSC00186.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Fun Ahead:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v2r9PaZ13UWjeCpejJAVbg"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnd5jmr09I/AAAAAAAAANc/ONYaUf41rSU/s400/DSC00190.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

More fun:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5rERpxdA3_kjb0aWAs0O5g"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLneAPJE7bI/AAAAAAAAANs/OPL8ScOkbS0/s400/DSC00192.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Empty Roads:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/emPp3C8l3wXmB3XsGCj-6A"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLneCzJ4esI/AAAAAAAAAN0/MgQMu1htqHk/s400/DSC00193.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Another Pass
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x7VYXpejlsl4bvzoOy9EeQ"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLneNxn35cI/AAAAAAAAAOU/vsfrEC8Iu94/s400/DSC00197.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Still Empty:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AYw5092BQku85fXK9zW2wQ"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLneXNNWsiI/AAAAAAAAAOw/r2DwKjRVEls/s400/DSC00200.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Bendy and empty..
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2JvvS3lo1kd6R4Pu86xTSw"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLne2iDTu3I/AAAAAAAAAQU/KDKXu9XtXiI/s800/DSC00212.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Pass
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/atPWM3oAVhoLw--fAPy0rQ"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLne5yr6ZFI/AAAAAAAAAQk/m-pSgMHiON4/s400/DSC00214.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

It just keeps going:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sArG_gmywWcd3icp5q2ptw"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnfY-NWTmI/AAAAAAAAASE/2BE2OaG5LAc/s400/DSC00229.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Very good timing by some lunatic on a KTM as I took this photo.
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4nC2GAfqjGNnzz721Hc__w"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnffugZooI/AAAAAAAAASY/u0LRQ72vYBc/s400/DSC00231.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

More Empty roads in Austria (probably coz they charged me €11 to cross the Timmelsjoch)
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7GTkPUJGAJ6fVrBSc3y3aw"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnfwwzg3zI/AAAAAAAAATQ/48HPaEC5p9E/s800/DSC00238.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Poor Cows:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9G7GW5nmJC0NDdHiuvEZmA"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLngOQO9wRI/AAAAAAAAAUU/bF3CYwgQRfY/s400/DSC00245.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

More Fantastic Views
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kJjJVZUMbqaaq6cXvO5s2A"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLngSwsUmnI/AAAAAAAAAUs/C4qgVMtZa_g/s800/DSC00248.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/La-UngCtHVaL6FFxsMPygw"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLngge6S8QI/AAAAAAAAAVc/t_mb2-HMBOE/s800/DSC00257.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

To be found here:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fRUo1nBNcN9ao9VQajv17Q"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLngkEhM--I/AAAAAAAAAVs/RoiH7HGyJhM/s400/DSC00259.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Back into Italy with the Stelvio somewhere in the distance:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/erT_bcowlI3RRHMLDscgLA"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLngnPpvw-I/AAAAAAAAAV8/GxeJmD6pSnU/s800/DSC00261.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Jaysus Padge, that sounds pretty good! Tell more (€ hire ?) - really beautiful area too. I've also ski'd in Livigno, little did I realise back then that I was so close to Switzerland and to Stelvio. Lovely shots..........is there another installment on the way?

V

Day 4: Dawn Raid on Stelvio Pass

Day 4: Dawn Raid on Stelvio Pass

Couldn't let this 8am closeure get the better of me, so I got up at 5.00am to check out... Except there was no one at reception so had to change the plan a bit. Left my gear there and headed off.
My first run at the stelvio 2 days earlier was a bit underwhelming but on a sunrise run there was not a sinner there and that changed things.. Got to the top coming from the very twisty north-east side which was great on empty roads.
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VatKTnnYmydkhLD7NjsRoA"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLngu5t776I/AAAAAAAAAWg/xB4SR1r9cnQ/s800/DSC00265.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Not a sinner at the top.. definitely worth the 5.30am rise
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mw0wX_I0IQZvM3xtnMgiQw"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLng3YpXA9I/AAAAAAAAAXA/34GFArnddS4/s800/DSC00269.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

The South Side of the Stelvio..My preference
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uXZg0rO23yFq1ZtZo6H6uQ"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLng9XmF-FI/AAAAAAAAAXY/V6OtH2KnK-Y/s800/DSC00272.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>



Got the top fairly quick so headed down the South side and back up again for about 8.00 where there were a few people around prepping for the race.
I decided to head across the deserted Swiss border just before the top and down the Umbrailpass to Santa Maria.
This was a brilliant road and almost better than the Stelvio it links to... I was trying to work out why it was so deserted and un used?? I worked it out when I reached about 3 miles of unpaved gravel section to put off the rice rockets. Very nice of the swiss!

Just off the top of the Stelvio is the road to Switzerland (heading to the right).
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ftT25Rv-_6QTRdeEfC1T3g"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnhFSn6JdI/AAAAAAAAAX4/vzo6f3Uzctg/s800/DSC00276.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Continuing on the Umbrailpass
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DQF566d9a_xrcJzVWOGkgQ"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnhP3LHlFI/AAAAAAAAAYY/GJNC2dxNwwE/s800/DSC00280.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

...Where the road turned to a gravel track (to keep the rice rockets away)
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WTrRBqMdVLZO3X5Oe_jkRg"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnhSVB5uzI/AAAAAAAAAYg/RY_JiEcBERk/s800/DSC00281.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_YZc98hJl-FEQVp2abwVlA"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnhUu-zPwI/AAAAAAAAAYo/RCP-GvQpkWo/s800/DSC00282.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GPfKZp7toNGcxPflG4kUnw"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SL8Vgya1jwI/AAAAAAAAAao/sOwRqDtJLo8/s800/Day%204%20Map%20Noon.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/ItalyMaps">Italy Maps</a></td></tr></table>


From there back to the hotel where the roads were getting very busy for the race.

After breakfast I re-packed and hit the road where I copied the first half of day 2 through Merano and then headed south to Lake D'Iseo and then onto Milan.

Nice one-great roads

Nice one Padge!!

Great write up with the maps and pics, looks fantastic !!!

Great write up Padge

Now I can't wait to get going in the morning

Wow.


That was brilliant.

Do you happen to have the track log for this as it would be very useful for an upcoming trip?

Thanks!

Nick

vireo said:

Tell more (€ hire ?)
V

Click to expand...

Are you tyring to get me divorced with questions like that? (PM me if you want details)

Commuter said:

Do you happen to have the track log for this as it would be very useful for an upcoming trip?

Nick

Click to expand...

Nick, getting track logs from the Zumo is not one of my strong points, plus it may get a bit confusing as I'd make a number of detours if I saw something interesting or if I decided to do the route for a second time (this was the reason I racked up nearly 1200 miles).
I put as many key towns and villages as possible on the text above. These are enough to force the GPS to take you on the correct route. If you're in the area I'd definitely recommend the route I took on day 2 & 3.

great

very nice write up and pix
we did almost the same routes last June/July
bought back happy memories and cant wait to go again
the rides are stunning
well done

nice one - you def can't beat the Dolomites for cracking roads - used to live an hour to the south so went there a LOT and never got tired of it

Nice wee RR Padge,I would like to re visit Livigno on the bike meself sometime,Ihad me first ski-ing holiday there this year Ace wee spot.

Schultz

I was there at the start of August. Stayed in a wee place called Truden near Bolzano.The roads are brilliant, even the autobahn/autostrada from Innsbruk to Bolzano.It goes downhill for about 35(thirty five ) miles.sweeping corners, tunnels and beautiful scenery(if you get time to look). I might get round to doing a wee write up myself

wow

lovely report padge, we done some of those passes on the italia trip fabulous part of the world ,great to see your still on the bike

Hi Padge Great write up, There is just so many good roads over there its brill. after reading your post its puts in the mood to start planning next years trip already. How did you find the Hire company to deal with, would you reccomend them and was it that pricy. Also how did you find the "baby gs" compared to your own

DaveR said:

How did you find the Hire company to deal with, would you reccomend them and was it that pricy. Also how did you find the "baby gs" compared to your own

Click to expand...

Hire Company was actually a BMW dealer so very good. Unlimited mileage was most important thing as some screw you for the extra milage. PM if you want details on pricing etc.

Baby GS took a bit of getting used to. Seemed quicker but less planted than the Adventure.
I also managed to scrape the footpegs quite a few times on the hairpins. Something I've almost done on my own bike (maybe coz of the extra ground cleareance on the ADV?)

Wind was biggest thing on the motorway. I'm too used to my barn door on the Adv so cruising speed was about 120kmh whereas the adv would be comfortable at 140kmph. The Arai TourX was buzzing like mad too where it never gave trouble on my own bike. You'll notice in the photos the stick on wheel balancing weights I got from the tyre place in Livigno to sort the problems.

One last thing I noticed on some of the back roads was the cracks filled in using long strips of tar.. They're bloody lethal. I had one moment mid hairpin where I lost the front end. Managed to get the boot down but hurt the ankle in the process.

Watch out for this stuff:
<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tdeKDQViHkZqaJ9cdK0x8g"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLneqIWCWfI/AAAAAAAAAPg/-NxMmiFx8m4/s800/DSC00206.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pauloconnell/StelvioAndDolomites">Stelvio and Dolomites</a></td></tr></table>

Few more nice shots:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cEjSwvMYah_Jtxi9-Xm6eQ"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLnfJIGHvKI/AAAAAAAAARc/feDMDndDLw8/s800/DSC00221.JPG" /></a>

Wanted to get a UKGSER (or even better a donkeybike) sticker for this:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kJjJVZUMbqaaq6cXvO5s2A"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLngSwsUmnI/AAAAAAAAAUs/C4qgVMtZa_g/s800/DSC00248.JPG" /></a>

Another nice one..

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0VFOI_b1RDXshjvmR8G6Dg"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/pauloconnell/SLngcMZBwqI/AAAAAAAAAVM/v8XnuRA0igc/s800/DSC00255.JPG" /></a>

I like plan B!

well done know now where i am going next year, nice write up, weather looked fab
used the zumo in pyrenees this year, found it very very good, really made the holiday relaxed and enjoyable, had it set to avoid major roads and shorter distance
worked really well :cool

Just catching up with this now. Well, I have just been away too.

Cracking report and pics there Paul. Very informative and inspirational.