Lake Garda to Calais help needed!

[essjay]

To get to Calais from Lake Garda (Lago Di Garda) all the maps tell me to go through Switzerland, now......is it true that the Swiss will impound your bike for any problems i.e. noise etc.
If so what is the best route back? (avoiding those nasty Swiss police)
all help appreciated

[clan ken]

You Can Come Back Over Brenner Pass In Austria Into Germany Then France Or Come Mont Blonc Good Rideing Both Ways ,good Luck

[essjay]

Yeah, was thinking of Austria, sounds good! thanks Clan Ken

[Mutley]

I always try to get as South as possible as quickly as possible - the weather's better

There are fast roads heading for the French - Italian border and many of the passes that way are spectacular as well

Stay well clear of the Peripherique though

[SJC69]

Originally Posted by essjay

......is it true that the Swiss will impound your bike for any problems i.e. noise etc.

No.

Have just come back from Italy, via Switzerland, in fact crossed the boarder several times, stayed in Switzerland & filled up at the filling station with a police car next to us, no problem.

I run SE slash cuts that aren't particularly quite and one guy had some V&Hs with the non quite baffles.

If you don't want to use Switzerland there are alternatives as stated.

I would recommend you do not use any of the tunnels though unless time is short as they are at the very least not pleasant on a bike.

If you want to use motorways you will have to pay on most in Italy, Switzerland, France & Austria with most of the tunnels and major passes extra on top.

RE the Brenner, the motorway pass is very un-exciting and you also have to pay a toll!
It's the major motorway route into Italy with lots of trucks, you can though go over the old pass for nothing if you have the time.

OH and PS you wont half notice how expensive food and drink are partly due to the poor extrange rate!

Switzerland has the cheapest petrol, but they are all simular to the UK price.

If you do go via Switzerland don't bother getting Swiss Francs as everywhere will accept Euros.


Here's a link for the best Alpine passes on a bike.

"www.AlpineRoads.com - The Best Biking Roads In The Alps"

Prepare well and have a good time.

[essjay]

Cheers Steve, nice link

[HDWURZEL]

Essay, you could always put your bike on the train and be lazy..goes from Milan to Dusseldorf Germany overnight then 4 hours back to Calais...or if you want to ride then the next pass over from Brenner comes out by the Lake on the Austrian/swiss border..windy road mind..you can then stop for a look at the Zepplin balloons were made...nice museum.then on into Germany before cutting across into france and up through Luxemburg. from bottom of Luxemburg to Calais is just over 6 hrs hard riding..Austria to Calais can be done in 10 hours hard going as have done it in 1 hit...want to know more give me a call at the weekend as been that way several times...2 austrain 1 greek and 1 italian SR's for starters