Tour of the Alps and Portugal - June 2007

NZ-CBRSteve · 08-30-2006, 2:13 AM

Hi Folks

I am in the process of organizing me and a few mates to travel to say Germany hire some sports bikes and then have a 2 - 3 week race around the Alps taking in as many roads as we can from here. http://www.alpineroads.com/ and follow the route of http://www.admo-tours.com/motorcycle/tours/europe/alpine/odyssey.htm
We are arriving mid June 2007
Questions
1. I can rent the bikes WITH insurance for our New Zealand driver’s licenses from Admo Tours but would like a backup/price check, Anyone got more suggestions?
2. Anyone want to come with us and show us their favorite roads in the Alps and then Portugal? We are looking at riding free with say DHL packs for our non-riding gear.

I’d really appreciate any tips on
a) a route to get from the Alps to Porto in Portugal
b) Accomodation options? We’re looking at say the Ibis chain – or would backpackers be OK with the Bikes and gear?
c) Any general tip

Many Thanks

Steve Muller
Hamilton, New Zealand

oldfogey · 08-30-2006, 4:40 AM

If you post here: Honda VFR Club - powered by vBulletin, you'll get some sensible European touring advice from a UK perspective. Clearly weather issues are important, which depends on when you're planning the tour.

For mapping and hotels, try the Michelin site: ViaMichelin: street map, maps, map UK, route finder, route planner, directions, road map, route map

I'm unware of sources for bike hire, it can be a bit of a problem due to insurance issues, so keep trying...

Hope you pull this one off and have a great time on those roads!

seamus · 08-30-2006, 6:51 AM

You can stay in big name hotels but motocycles are just short of nirvana in Europe and you'll have no problems just driving into a small village and finding a gasthaus. Backpack it and mark spots on your map that are generally in the direction of your destination.

Stop wherever you're tired and you'll be treated great.

phobiaphobe · 08-30-2006, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldfogey

I'm unware of sources for bike hire, it can be a bit of a problem due to insurance issues, so keep trying...

Rent the bikes with a Gold Card to take care of collission insurance.

Proto · 08-30-2006, 1:34 PM

Drop a PM to forum member thedoctor. She's currently thrashing around the Alps on her GSXR1000, but is picking up her messages and checking out the forums

She goes every year with her husband and a couple of chums. She'll tell you all you need to know.

Hotelwise, IBIS chain is fine but pretty impersonal. If you can find small pensions, guesthouse or B&B, you'll get a much better flavour of the country.

And BTW, France is biking heaven. Good weather, fantastic roads and the most bike friendly nation on earth.