Short Ride in Switzerland

[Liftrat]

     This is more of an update to "Swiss Bike rentals" below. And, no, I still don't have my pictures sorted out. Sorry. I rented an F800ST from Moto-Center Thun for 4 days in late May; perfect bike for me. Good experience with them and would do so again. My only observation is that the 200km free per day is a little low for me ;-). Since this was my first ride in Europe, I took it a little easy at first: Schallenberg, Glaubenbuhl and Glaubenberg Passes the first day. Grimsel and Susten were not completely open by the 27th this year, but I rode  what I could, as well as the Gental road off Susten. Of course it started raining the last two days of my visit, but, since Grimsel opened up my last day, I re-rode it to the top.

     I learned that May is probably a bit too early for that country, though our hosts said that it had been a long winter, so that might change. I also mailed my riding gear over to Moto-Center. Cost $150 for about 35lbs, and it got there is a little over a week. Mailing it back cost 160 CHF, along with a few momentoes, and took about the same time. Well worth not having to schlep gear across Europe. A hint on sending stuff over; don't declare the new value of used items; the Swiss charged me duty on my own stuff because the value was "too high". Also, pick up the forms ahead of time; both Postal Services want detailed itemized lists of the contents.

     Also, allow plenty of time to stop and take pictures. I probably could have doubled my mileage if I hadn't been distracted by the scenery.  It took about half a day to get used to the traffic flow, and how people drive. So much better than US drivers, who don't seem to know what a turn signal is, or what the left lane is for. I was spoiled, and am already making plans for a return trip. I'm thinking of flying into Zurich or Munich next time, and devoting the whole trip to riding. And, yes, I will get some pics up. Honest

[yotes65]

Looking forward to seeing the Pictures once you have them posted....

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Thanks for posting up  

Dan and I did a family vacation there last May and checked out the BMW shop in Schlinden (Zurich). They have good moto rentals and are an easy train ride from the airport. When we go back, it'll be on two wheels. We planned on checking our bags though (using our dry-bag duffels on the bikes so as not to pay for luggage rental), but good to know about the shipping options


Oh, and I was amazed at the drivers over there    What I wouldn't give to get that sort of training/responsibility here in the States. Wankers  

[Bombauer]

Dan and I did a family vacation there last May and checked out the BMW shop in Schlinden (Zurich).

Schlieren, just a little west of Zurich.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Schlieren, just a little west of Zurich.

D'oh - I just can't get Schlinden out of my head! Thanks, Dan!  

[Orson]

Oh, and I was amazed at the drivers over there  

it's amazing what one border crossing will do  

in Italy, even the school buses will battle you for the insde line  

[Liftrat]

After too long a delay, here are pictures. This first is of me on Schallenberg Pass. Note the fresh sunburn from the North sea.   .
This is on the way up Grimsel Pass. The weather's still good at this point, and almost no traffic.
I Should have known. At least they're good about signage. Here's where I had to stop. No falling snow, but rainy and not like in the postcards
This was the end of the road on Susten. The road to the Steingletscher was freshly opened, and toll free! .
This last is a view up the Gental road. Still snow at the top, but it was nice down here. .
Sorry for the delay in posting. I hope some of these shots bring a little relief to those suffering through the heatwave ,-). Cheers, Conrad

[Mr Sunshine]

Man o man...I need to go back to Switzerland...and for longer than 2 weeks.  There are some job openings with my company in Zurich....trust me I've been tempted.

[Global Rider]

My only observation is that the 200km free per day is a little low for me ;-).

My long time friend and his wife joined me this year for a portion of my annual Alps tour.

They rented a new Honda CBF 1000 for Euro 1100 for 14 days. That included unlimited mileage, extra insurance and a full set of hard cases.

I also mailed my riding gear over to Moto-Center.

Besides the costs and duty that you would normally not pay, not a good idea.

My riding gear always comes on board my flight as carry-on. I can afford to have clothes lost, but not my riding gear.

I use a soft heavy duty backpack that can then be folded into its own bag the size and shape of a frisbee. It holds my 2-piece Aerostich Roadcrafter II suit, a kidney belt, two pairs of gloves and my camera along with other extras. The helmet goes into a Dowco helmet bag.

In sixteen years of overseas flights, I've never had an issue at the gate with the one item carry-on policy, and if you do, just wear the helmet till you get past them.