Motobiker

indeed. I do the overthinking so the people who come along with me don't have anything to worry about. if the weather is going to turn bad and we need to move, I can tell them about where we're going, how far it is and what to expect when we get there. Im not sure that's actually a bad thing. I know people who take a different approach: "we're going to X. if it rains - tough. if there's low cloud and you can't see anything - tough. we're going to X. pack waterproofs" no thanks. This is my second attempt at a group ride to Austria. previously defeated at the last minute by bad weather that was set to last for days, rain for the ride down and more rain once we arrived. I had a plan B that had already been mentioned - so it wasn't such a disappointment for the guys. none of whom wanted to be riding through heavy rain for days on end. We saw the rain clouds in the distance as we headed in the opposite direction. to the south of France and the Vercors. and the sun and heat.

One of the usual waifs and strays @ReggiePezza who normally comes along each year has decided to throw away all sense and join up for this year too. Had a bit of a rethink about the Sunday and assuming good weather, an early start and a bit of enthusiasm we may head directly for Zell am See. So we will then have the possibility of trying for the Grossglockner on the Monday. If not then there are other options and we can try again on the Tuesday or move south close to the Italian border to our (hopefully) long term base camp. Near the south end of the Glockner road and handy for the Dolomites. Again, if the weather moves in that location allows an easy escape either south into Italy. (Probably towards Garda) or south east to Slovenia. Where we can bask in the sun until the weather moves away. im quite keen on going to Slovenia if possible. Lovely place.

It certainly is. looks rather different later in the summer. same view.

They have started clearing the snow from the Grossglockner (can see tarmac!!), 2 weeks early. It doesn't normally start until the 1st of May. Not really a big deal. but it does add to the excitement somewhat. 58 days and counting.

Your sounding a lot like six. Best advice, block him then you won’t be tempted to mimic him.

They sold loads of them too.

Apparently, according to a friend of mine the bike has changed quite markedly for this new model year. But, anyway it seems to have a market as I see quite a lot of them on my travels. It’s not an exciting bike… it’s a practical commuter and lazy tourer. Mild mannered and ideal for some new riders.

I really like the Ötztal Valley, the climb up to the pass quickly loses sight of it though. But the ride along it’s length is very nice and should be fairly quiet with it being a normal working week. The pass is a restricted road so much better than the stelvio. The 2nd highest paved road in Europe is just off it. Though it’s a bit of an anticlimax. Last time I managed to avoid the museum and I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to manage that same feat of self sacrifice this time too. Of course this all assumes we will use that pass, it would be nice. But there are others and I think it’s a mistake to get too excited about a specific goal until it is happening. It’s not all about me, once we get to Austria on the Sunday night I’ll have great fun putting rob on the spot with a few choices of what to do…. As we’re there. “There” being the western end, in Voralberg, not far from the Silvretta hochalpenstrasse for example. Or we might just have to leg it into Italy asap and get to our basecamp as the weather looks very promising over that way. There is also the Umbrail pass which avoids the worst of the Stelvio and allows a quick visit to the summit, without the tedium. Followed by Gavia. Decisions Decisions. Umbrail.

That was grim and unexpected, a lesson learnt. But we were on a mission that day to get from A to B as fast as possible and it seemed easier to keep going than to stop. I won’t do that again. It’s easy enough to stop and add a layer if there is no rush and there shouldn’t be. We’ll have a full day on the Glockner. Maybe do the full length non stop and bookmark stopping places. Then do it again in reverse, stop for lunch. And then do it again with lots of stops to ooh and aah at the views and take photos. It’s a remarkable road. One to be savoured. Coffee and cake. And end the day by doing part of the southern loop or take in the Pustertaler high road on the way back to base camp. Top up with fuel (ready for the next day and grab some beers and supper from the Aldi. last time I was there was middle of May. I remember the temperature was 3c, Did that spoil it? Absolutely not. The scenery was stunning. The road was perfect. The sun was warm.. when it appeared. The cloud level was very high. Had we (me and jack) not been dressed for the conditions it would have been horrible, but as it was. It was great and Jack, to this day will wax lyrical about our day on the tops,

In the high alps June isn't really summer. The winter lag means its about a month behind the valleys. The sun may be very warm but the air is still quite cold. Ive warned Rob that he will almost certainly need his thermals while we are in the Austrian Alps and above 2000m. whereas down in the valleys it can quite easily be very warm if not hot. The further south we go the warmer the air. Though it will still be cold on the tops. cold air I mean.

Its a Holiday, not an exercise in masochism. It really has to be a matter of chasing the sun in the Alps, to my mind there's little point in riding the mountains if the view is obscured by low cloud. or the ride is ruined by rain. Another month and the snow ploughs will be clearing the Grossglockner. its pretty bad up there right now.. but should be fine when we arrive. below are photos of the conditions today and mid June last year. Obviously at that height... low cloud would make it a total waste of time, but.. there's no need to take a risk. we can simple look at the web cam and make a decision whether to go or not. I imagine we will be staying close by for about 5 days and the Glockner will be on one of those, otherwise we will be riding to the south in the Dolomites. And as I previously mentioned we can always drop south and east into Slovenia if necessary to escape any adverse weather. Though hopefully that won't be necessary and we can stay in Austria, there is more than enough there to keep us occupied for the time we have, in fact the worst of it is, a fortnight just isn't long enough. but hey ho. Below Ive marked our base with an arrow... The Dolomites are not shown as they are south and west of that. But, if weather forces us further east as you can see there is plenty.

If the weather is less than perfect in the central and western Tyrol, then we’ll relocate south east into Slovenia for a few days and see if it improves. France is only a plan B if there is forecast days of rain heading south and over bavaria and Austria. A bit of rain on the way south is ok. Just so long as it’s not incessant and relentless. once we’re down there it’ll be a case of taking each day as it comes and watching the forecasts. June is always a bit dodgy as the weather hasn’t fully settled down. It’s not really worth worrying about - we have plenty of options.

The pre trip costs have already been spent. Overnight at a premier inn, tunnel return, travel insurance and roadside assistance. I will be taking €600 in cash and using my card for all fuel purchases. Austria has cheaper fuel than Germany, Italy and France. Which is why we will be based there and eating mostly out of a Lidl or Aldi shared between the two of us. And eating out on the cheap where appropriate. If the cash runs out I’ll pop to a cash point for a top/up. My bike is quite frugal. Here a full tank costs me £40 right now but I don’t expect to be filling up from empty every day. But if I did then that would mean £600+ on fuel costs at UK prices. It’s going to be a lot more expensive than usual. But the times we are living in make that expected. I’m not too worried, it’s better than staying at home filled with regret. I’ve not been defeated by the pandemic so far and won’t be this time either.

I’m Irish by birth though not by upbringing.

There is another possible route, but it’s a bit longer and I’m not sure doable without an overnight in Italy and that’s over the Umbrail (so a quick diversion into Switzerland) then the much more pleasant south side of the Stelvio and finally the Gavia. Which is fairly infamous. We might try it on our way back, as south to north is a lot less dangerous. And that’s the problem once you’re in that part of the world, there is so much on the doorstep. June is a bit dodgy weather-wise so that will dictate. We’ll just have to see what happens and take it one day at a time, chasing the Sun. But hopefully we will have a few good days in the Dolomites and a blue sky day for the Grossglockner and an excursion to the Mangart in Slovenia. I’ve never had the chance to go up that road due to late snow.

The French are demanding a sworn statement where you declare you are symptom free plus fully vaccinated. And they are happy to view the nhs app for proof. We are using the tunnel so these checks are done by French officials on the UK side of the channel. And that’s it. We are passing through France, Belgium and Luxembourg and stopping for an overnight in Germany on the Saturday. Then down to Austria on the Sunday. There are no restrictions in force for campsites in Germany, Austria and France. I haven’t checked Italy or Slovenia yet.. but it’s unlikely and we probably won’t camp there anyway. This is likely to be my last year touring as a UK citizen as I’m getting a new EU passport for next year.

No tests required. there's a form to fill in on-line and from there on just show them the NHS App that has vaccination proofs. Obviously we are both fully vaccinated. currently.. and as an aside, Im now PCR testing weekly for work. and a LF test before each shift. unbelievably tedious. but.. vulnerable adults and that.

Today I booked the Tunnel and also bought travel insurance with Navigator. With everything that's going on. (off) People have dropped out, understandable to an extent but, I'm not deterred. So the plan is just the same only I will have company as @Rob M is coming along and has also made his bookings today. As he has some commitments we have moved the dates back by one week. Booked a premier Inn for the night before the crossing and pushed the boat out somewhat by buying a full breakfast too!! First day is going to be a bit of a slog, we want to get down to Austria in two days and that's a little over 630 miles, so will take a big bite out of that on the Saturday and then a fairly relaxed start on the Sunday. Then on the Monday over the Timmelsjoch Pass and wend our way through the Italian Alps to our base in southern Austria. This is the Plan. But.. I have a Plan B if the weather decides not to play ball. We'll head for the Vercors again and explore that region as we enjoyed it so much last time. Moolies on the beach. But... if all goes to plan, we'll be based in Austria for the most part and explore the Dolomites and east towards Carinthia and Slovenia.

Just preordered this magazine subscription- just to keep ahead of the curve as far as computer/tech goes. Bit of a wait but hey ho… something to look forward to.

bull. if it was Covid he wouldn't have died with his wife at his side and friends visiting him during his final day. Though I see speculation is rife in the tabloid press. my guess is it was some form of cancer or some other disease that was terminal. heart, lungs.. etc.

Not sure if this can be classed as 'humour' but this thread is as good as any. An epic rant on the state of the UK now while Bodge Johnson and Dominic Cummings have a tiff over parties. One for you @XTreme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzwufOxle0E

I had to laugh when the finished bike was put on the centre stand and the RHS indicator fell off!!! That was hysterical.