Ride the Dolomites?

[dm_gsxr]

Last weekend Rita and I talked about the STN International. I'd mentioned down in "The National" forum about how it'd be great for STN to have a meet in England or The Continent. As we talked I asked if she'd take a little time and check it out. I've seen a couple of articles in Motorcyclist I think about the touring group in Brazil and of course Orson's ride report.

Rita found Central Italy Motorcycle Tours and since Orson used CIMT to rent his bike, she pursued it further.

There are several potential touring opportunities. Rita picked The Dolomites but any could be chosen of course.

If you check here, you can see the accommodations and prices. The prices in the table are per person (just to be clear) and includes everything except airfare to and from Italy (and of course any touristy things you buy).

The calendar is full up for next year so it'd be for summer 2009. We'd want to get deposits in probably before the end of this summer to reserve a group. The group shows a minimum of 4 and Rita said it's a maximum of 10 bikes with up to 2 riders on each bike.

Of course that's if we go with a guided tour. If we decide to try and rough it, it'd be a bit more work and we could probably get a better price overall (maybe). I'm not volunteering Rita but she does do a pretty good job in finding the out of the way places and good prices for stuff and of course folks who happen to be over there could also be of help

This is just a feeler thread to see if there's serious interest. I'd like to go just to visit and ride. It'd be great if some STNers were there to share in the experience.

Mods, if this should be in "The National", then feel free to move it.

Thanks.

Carl

[greench440]

I'm up for this.  Mrs. Greench 440 and I have already discussed going to the Alps again in 2009, but doing it on our own.  We are thinking of starting in Milan. heading north to Andermatt then east to Vienna or circling back to Milan from Cortina.

[Green01SprintST]

I was stationed in Vicenza, between Venice and Verona, in the early '70s.  My only mode of transport was a 1970 model 500 Kawasaki triple.  We, the wife and I, spent a lot of time touring around northern Italy on that blue-smoke belching monster.  We loved it and so will you!  The Dolomites ROCK!  

[Global Rider]

If we decide to try and rough it, it'd be a bit more work and we could probably get a better price overall (maybe).

Trust me Carl, paying a lot less does not mean you have to "rough" it. And looking at those rates, thats a lot of money for what you are getting, but then, they are a business out to make a profit. So leave the "maybe" out of the equation. You could easily do it for half price.

Take the "single-own bike" rate of €1820; thats €364 per day just for food and accomodations.   I can stay in a nice place and eat well for that amount for a whole 5 days.  

I stayed at La Fontana in Corvara (a motorcycle friendly hotel) a few years back. Check their prices! A standard room with breakfast and dinner goes for a maximum of €57 per person/per night. Thats €285 vs €1820.

In case you haven't come across my thread on the subject...
Alps Motorcycle Tours - Priced Right

[MK96xj]

I think this is a very good idea. I just returned from Italy and although i only did one day of riding on a scooter to boot it was excellent and need to return to do it properly on a bike.

A few thoughts:
This will probably only gather a small group form the states but i think it would open the possability of more people if the routes were planned in conjunction with an Italian or Europeon member(s). This would reduce the cost of the over all trip. Planning and pricing of a guided tour can be done by anyone individually and many choose not to do this due to the costs. Although it will still be rather expensive for any US members it will probably intice those that have never been to Europe before and are leery on going it alone. Doing it as a group of STN'er would make this much easier.

I'm watching to see where this goes

[dnlwthrn]

Hmm, I'd love to jump on something like this... but the overall cost, along with 3 little kids, makes it pretty much a non-possibility.  I'm guessing that airfare will be in the neighborhood of $1k round trip per person (at least that's what I've seen recently from Chicago).

So if we could cut the price in half or so, that'd make it much more appealing.  Also, with a decent sized group, and maybe someone like Orson to show us around, I think it'd be a blast!  So keep researching as you feel led, and post up what you find...

[dm_gsxr]

Yep, we're doing some research now and will post updates as they come.

Carl

[kmkirlin]

I am very interested in this.  Please keep me posted.  Keep up the good work.

[Ant]

I can't plan what I'm having for tea tonight let alone something that is going to happen in 2009!!  

But yeah, definitely count me in  

[Ant]

Oh, I do think however that it makes more sense to organise it ourselves...
I don't really know the area as such but I don't think you can go wrong really! And I'm sure I could find out more or pester someone such as Orson for more details!! The skinflint in me just doesn't like doing anything that is professionally organised, I'd rather do it myself and take everything as it comes. The only problem then would be for you guys from the States would be renting bikes, I assume that organisation does just rental?

[dm_gsxr]

According to the web site, they do rent bikes. If we can come up with a decent sized group, we might even be able to wrangle a group discount.

If we do the tour ourselves, we can probably set it up for next year rather than 2009.

Carl

[Ant]

According to the web site, they do rent bikes. If we can come up with a decent sized group, we might even be able to wrangle a group discount.

If we do the tour ourselves, we can probably set it up for next year rather than 2009.

Carl

Other than the obvious language barrier I can't see any reason why with a bit of organisation (sorry, dirty word I know  ) we couldn't save ourselves a fair bit of money and just arrange it ourselves. As Global Rider pointed out, hotels can be found a damn sight cheaper than that and from a quick glance at that website he linked to it looks like a comfortable hotel.


I hope you all realise that now you've got my hopes up and I've got my planning hat on (it's genetic, my Dad and I enjoy planning just as much as the trip itself) I'll be very disappointed if nothing ever comes of it

[dm_gsxr]

Well the more folks that express an interest, the more likely it'll occur. These things seem to peter out when no interest is shown.

It's always easier to plan when folks from the area can join in so we can compare notes and such. As to language, we can always bring phrase books

Just remember, it's one thumb for one beer. If you raise a finger, you get two

Carl

[stefrrr]

Wow, I was just thinking about something like this today. How strange. I've been trying to get to Europe for a vacation for a couple of years now, and I was thinking how cool it would be to ride for a bit.

If we can keep the prices for room & board reasonable, I'll be in.

I've looked at this company, SuperBike Hire before, and I'd be willing to ride from the UK at these prices, but definitely keep me updated! (Not saying it wouldn't be cool to ride a guzzi or something besides what I already have, but money's money.)

I should be fluent in Espanol by then too. Should come in really handy in Italy.  

I can do a poll. Want it here or in the Europe section?

[dm_gsxr]

Trust me Carl, paying a lot less does not mean you have to "rough" it. And looking at those rates, thats a lot of money for what you are getting, but then, they are a business out to make a profit. So leave the "maybe" out of the equation. You could easily do it for half price.

I didn't mean "rough it" as in camp or seedy motels, just in the increased planning that would be involved.

I appreciate the additional info though.

Carl

[dm_gsxr]

Wow, I was just thinking about something like this today. How strange. I've been trying to get to Europe for a vacation for a couple of years now, and I was thinking how cool it would be to ride for a bit.

If we can keep the prices for room & board reasonable, I'll be in.

I've looked at this company, SuperBike Hire before, and I'd be willing to ride from the UK at these prices, but definitely keep me updated! (Not saying it wouldn't be cool to ride a guzzi or something besides what I already have, but money's money.)

I should be fluent in Espanol by then too. Should come in really handy in Italy.  

I can do a poll. Want it here or in the Europe section?

That's funny. We've been working on ours as well

What would it be a poll of? I think a good thing might be to find out what good areas would be so we could then have a poll over some good places. Along with a good timeframe as well. That's why I was interested in some ideas from folks who live there or have been there.

I was stationed in Germany and worked in Athens so Italy is a good choice. England would be good.

Carl

[stefrrr]

We all know the language in England.   Well, sort of...  

I was thinking a poll to gauge interest, and we could also figure out some possible destinations. I'd be willing to help with the planning of this one, as long as I'm not actually responsible for it...

[greench440]

Well, the title is "ride the dolomites".  When I look at the Alps, I see 3 main sections the Dolomites, Switzerland and the French alps.   You could do two of these areas pretty well on a 10 day trip without feeling rushed.  Probably want to keep the daily mileage between 150-200.

I've been through the Dolomites twice so btdt. While western Austria/Northern Italy (referred to as South Tirol or Alto Adige) is nice, especially west of Bolzano, I think Switzerland and the French alps offer better riding and more scenic passes.

As far as time, mid to late July would be best.  Italy and France take August off and everyone heads for the mountains.  The roads can get pretty crowded with buses and riding requires alot of overtaking.  June might be too early for some of the better passes to be open.

[dm_gsxr]

We all know the language in England.   Well, sort of...  

I was thinking a poll to gauge interest, and we could also figure out some possible destinations. I'd be willing to help with the planning of this one, as long as I'm not actually responsible for it...

That's fine. Joint planning is good too. This will be a pretty involved trip. Not like The Nationals where we find a single spot and run around

There's something to be said for one location exploring but it's going to cost a few bucks overall so we'd want to try and get reasonably close to our money's worth

Carl

[dm_gsxr]

Well, the title is "ride the dolomites".  When I look at the Alps, I see 3 main sections the Dolomites, Switzerland and the French alps.   You could do two of these areas pretty well on a 10 day trip without feeling rushed.  Probably want to keep the daily mileage between 150-200.

Yea but that was just what jumped out at me from looking at the list on the touring site.

I've been through the Dolomites twice so btdt. While western Austria/Northern Italy (referred to as South Tirol or Alto Adige) is nice, especially west of Bolzano, I think Switzerland and the French alps offer better riding and more scenic passes.

See, that's what I'm talking about. Someone with experience who can offer up suggestions. Thanks.

As far as time, mid to late July would be best.  Italy and France take August off and everyone heads for the mountains.  The roads can get pretty crowded with buses and riding requires alot of overtaking.  June might be too early for some of the better passes to be open.

Ok and a timeframe is set as well (for this location anyway) along with known holiday schedules. Sounds great

So that can be one option. Any other suggestions?

Carl