A ride around the Dolomites via the Alps-1

I like to 'do' the Alps in June before the crowds arrive. This time I added some Dolomites. Just some, I barely scratched the surface. I'll be back.

Not much for narrative except for identifying the locations or a bit of descriptive. I'll mostly let the pics express themselves.

The weather forecast was iffy but iffy that stops a rider, he/she ain't a real one. After two days I hit the first pass, Nufenen. I really like this one, some twisted twisties but a lot of sweepers. A very quick ride, usually.



After descending through the clouds, it was on to St. Gotthard Pass. Great sign, in three official languages of Switzerland, depending on the region, plus English.



I stayed in Davos, best known for untolled numbers of high level champagne and caviar summits. This is the approach.



On to Fluelapass.



The other side of Fluela.



Ah, Stelvio. Now, there are basically three approaches to the top, one short, from Santa Maria, Switzerland, south to the pass; one medium, from Bormio to the north; one long, from the north via Sponding. Being ignorant of the different particularities of each, I took the long way, in the rain. When I started the climb, I saw a sign with '48' on a hairpin. Didn't know what it meant until I saw '47' at the next hairpin.:eek1 Frankly, not a lot of fun on a touring bike. On the other hand, the best cappucino I ever had was my prize. At least it seemed like the best. P.S., that is NOT my HD.



More later.

The 48 turns meant 'layers' of back and forth.



This is close to Arabba, just down the road from Cortina. At this point, I'm knackered, the highway 48 is a real test on several levels.



The next morning it looked like I was through with the rain.



I did a circle ride from Cortina north to Dobbiaco and back south past the beautiful village of Padola.



Cortina was the host city for the 1956 Winter Olympics. This is the ski jump.



Sunrise at 5:30. I decided to go back to Canazei on highway 48 and retraced the ride that I had done two days before, this time with a clearer head.

NICE pictures !! Let's see some more.

Gorgeous cruise up toward Falzarego Pass.



The pass. This was shot from the top of a ski lift. Bike boots just aren't made for hill climbing.



Looking from whence I came, Cortina, at the Pordoi Pass. Then I rode to Canazei, which I filmed but can't download to SmugMug, I suppose because I'm too far down the phone lines.



I went back up to Stella Pass, then Grudner Pass, here. Just staying ahead of the rain.



Lunch time. Looking from Grudner toward the town of Corvara. Filmed it from my HeroWide helmet cam. But.......

The next morning it was time to head north. I rode from Cortina to Sterzing, on the autostrada to Innsbruck, then west across the Jaufenpass. For me, this is one not to miss. I stopped at the top for cake and coffee and it was threating rain. As I was psyching to get back on the bike, a whole line of new BMW Z4s came by. Austrian plated, a group that BMW escorts. Here's a shot from the top.
None on the way down to St. Leonhard, havin' too much fun passing the Z4s!



Next came the coffee-powered ride up to the Timmelsjoch on the border with Austria.





At the pass. It started to rain and never stopped on my way to Landeck, Austria, for overnight.



The next day, still raining and 8 degrees C. Heading back to Davos. As I climb, the temp descends and the rain turns to snow.



This is my current screen saver.



I reach Fluela Pass, minus 2 degrees.



This is the road I had taken a week before from Davos to Fluela. Today was the first day of summer, Alpine style.



When I reached Davos I headed for the first place with hot coffee and the gooiest pastry I could find. Standing at a small table just inside the tea room, water dripping from everywhere, life was good!

Landeck to Pontarlier, France, 497 kms. I stayed in an Ibis hotel and had a barely edible meal at a Chinese restaurant. Back to reality.

Front Page material for sure
Great pictures

Killer photos RT guy, wondering what time of year when one is safe from snow in the Alps?
Jim

Magnificent riding roads and scenery. I don't fancy the icy looking weather though.

Thanks, Jim.

For sure, July 15-16.

If you want to do the higher passes figure on no earlier than beginning of June and no later than the end of September, but those are meant as 'abouts'. Earlier or later and you could do okay.

Fantastic route! It's now on my list... need to ride list!

and ride.......on an RT but maybe not on an HP.......

Understand. Just as I wouldn't be too keen on your 40 degrees.

Nice trip, I keep it my mind for the future, in summer time :). Gorgeous pictures.

This is a must for every rider in Europe in my opinion, I drove most of these roads several times (mostly not on a bike though ) I def plan on doing so now though! Thanks for bringing back great memories!

That DOES bring back memories. My first run over the Fluela in early June of '04 looked very much like this. My camera was in the tankbag, and getting it out would have disturbed the snow - so no picture

I did learn to love heated grips on that ride, though

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful... Nice route that you have selected and ofcourse, a gorgeous bike to go with it.
Brings back memories of Falzargo, Cortina, Arabba......

Looking good Paul i've yet to do these passes !!!!! but i want to go NOW..... ok i'll wait till spring Where are you in France? i,m near Cahor in the Lot 46
Phil

I have too doo this next year ASAP, great pictures!!

beautiful stuff, man.