Twincruiser Tours Newsletter
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Bremgarten, February 19, 2023
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Despite the current sunny weather, it is still wintertime, but that does not mean we can't already start planning the coming season. While your motorcycle is still in its winter sleep, you can already start thinking about the coming motorcycle season in the Alps.
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Riding alpine passes is one of the biggest challenges for many bikers. In this newsletter I would like to bring to your attention some of the difficulties of riding on alpine passes and give you some tips on how to overcome these challenges.
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- Alpine pass closures: Most passes are closed during winter. To be on the safer side, plan your tour with a motorcycle over the Alps between the third week of June and mid-September. Keep in mind, that in case of bad weather, any pass may temporarily close at any time and that all year round.
- Narrow roads: Expect very narrow roads where double passing between two cars or a car and a motorcycle is impossible. Look ahead and keep a lookout for narrowed stretches of roadway as well as possible passing points. Driving in the alpine region requires specific skills and a knowledge of the local rules, regulations, and laws.
- Serpentines: one of the biggest challenges when riding on alpine passes are the numerous serpentines and switchbacks, you must master. It is important to approach the curves with foresight and to lower your speed early. Aiming for the apex and keeping an active body position can also help you negotiate the curves safely.
- Gradients: Many alpine passes have inclinations that you will need to negotiate. It is important to know your motorcycle, to adjust your pace and shift to a lower gear, to have enough power and control. Keeping an upright posture and shifting your weight forward can also help.
- Traffic: During peak season, traffic can be quite heavy. It is important to ride with foresight, to check the road, to look for the nearest wider place and always keep a good long distance from the vehicle in front of you. Overtaking also requires careful planning and execution.
- Weather: The weather in the mountains can change very quickly. Thunderstorms with heavy rains, hail and snowfalls even during the summer months are not seldom. It is important to keep continuously an eye on the weather when planning a tour and adjust the itinerary or to postpone the ride if necessary.
- Scenery: Driving on alpine passes can be breathtakingly beautiful, but it also requires a certain amount of concentration to be able to enjoy the scenery. It's important to focus on your driving and not get too distracted by your surroundings.
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A break in a mountain restaurant, an alpine terrace, or a stand along the pass road to eat and drink, enjoy the view and to remind us that we are a part of this nature, helps not only you but also the mountain population. Adjusting your riding behaviour to the conditions will reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident and ensure you a pleasant motorcycle trip.
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I wish you a safe and accident-free motorcycle season with many wonderful tours and experiences.
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P.S. If you unsure or don't have time to plan, organize, search the internet, and book your trip, you can also join me on a beautiful, tailored and guided alpine tours. Here is a selection of my alpine tours (Click Link).
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