If zooming round twisties and hairpins along cobbled mountain passes in the beautiful snowy Alps are your thing then this tour is absolutely for you. We ride some exquisite roads, and stop off at places of historical and cultural significance throughout this tour, so it’s a true delight for riders and pillions alike.
This trip was led by Mark Holroyd and Hiten Joshi, daily reports were written by Graham Bray.
DAY ONE
All I can say is wow, it totally exceeded my expectations. Every single detail was covered, and all queries were dealt with efficiently and without any drama. Both Mark and Hitten are fantastic and so accommodating, helping to make day one absolutely superb. A brilliant start to what I feel is going to be an epic tour with a great bunch of people.
DAY TWO
What an experience! The weather is absolutely amazing, and the roads are superb. Mark took us to the Verdun Memorial and then to the American Cemetery—both are incredible. We topped the day off with a few cold beers and some great food. Happy days!
DAY THREE
Yet another stunning day—great roads, amazing weather, and breathtaking views. If you look closely through the images, you can spot some local wildlife, particularly a cow and a wolf…
DAY FOUR
We split into three groups today, each ‘riding their own ride’ wherever they felt like going. Pete (the Ice Cream guy) and I took a very relaxed approach to a much shorter day, enjoying the stunning scenery, a lovely morning coffee stop, followed by a rather extended lunch beside the river with a mountain backdrop. Admittedly, this did make us a little late getting to the hotel, but it was well worth it in our opinion. We topped off the day with a lovely meal and some cracking banter.
DAY FIVE
This has been the most amazing experience so far—this really is the tour that just keeps on giving. The twisties are the best I’ve ever ridden, with a speed limit that allows you to enjoy them fully. Some corners are so clear (with a good view through) that it’s safe to overtake the dreaded bus or camper van. If that’s not enough, the views from the top—‘Bikers’ Lookout,’ I think that’s what it’s called—are breathtaking. Just go up the last set of cobblestone hairpins, and you’re there. If you ride a bike, this is an absolute must. Sell the house (or your partner) and go ride the Grossglockner—obviously with Magellan.
DAY SIX
In fear of sounding like a broken record, the weather has once again been fantastic. The roads are amazing. 390km in three hops. We finished off with the Flüela Pass, superb!
DAY SEVEN
A shorter day in kilometers today, but as soon as you’re told that the coffee and lunch stops get extended… The incredible views didn’t help either, as you just have to stop and take a photo or two. Once again, fantastic weather—mesh gear is a must!
DAY EIGHT
I fear I may not do this incredible opportunity justice, but this is truly an experience of a lifetime. Five completely different passes, back to back, in the same day. The day started dry and beautiful, allowing us to take everything in—if only we hadn’t spent so long over coffee! The weather turned a little damp toward the end of the day, and by the end, I mean the last 30 minutes of our ride. You can’t have it all!
DAY NINE
Or, the reason you need a ‘Guided’ tour! We awoke to sunshine again, but that’s where the good news ended. The torrential rain the night before had closed all of the roads in and out of the village—we were stuck. It didn’t take Mark and Hiten long to find a solution. By 10 a.m., they had discovered a small transport train that was still running and got us all aboard and out of the village. By 1 p.m., we were safely on our way. There was little time for photos, but we managed to get a few, including a mist-shrouded Col du Ballon. We all arrived safely by 8:15 p.m., and a joyous evening meal was had.
DAY TEN
Some great roads with long open bends and flat lands all around. An interesting stop mid day(ish) at the birth place of Joan of Arc, then on to the hotel in the centre of Reims. The day was topped off with a superb meal in a bistro right across the road, delicious food and a fantastic atmosphere. What a trip!
