'Another Way Around the Alps': 8th - 16th May 2009
13 countries in 9 days: Scotland, England, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Holland, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovenia and Lichtenstein.
The team: Ian and Jim Mitchell, Brian Ainslie, Craig and Nick Pender.
Bob Turner, Bobby Burns and Allan McKechnie also visited 10 countries in 9 days. They departed from Newcastle on the 9th May on a similar route and all returned safely.
Jim says: We are all back safe and sound and what a trip it was, absolutely fantastic. Stunning scenery, excellent digs, brilliant company and the ten countries plus are just a distant memory, but one that will stick with us all for a very long time.
Day 1: 8th May 2009
Scotland, England, France
May the 8th was the day of departure and was so long in coming but finally it had arrived. The two weeks before the 8th involved the usual - getting kit, all the gear and tools ready for the off. Wee Tie Strap and Jim were working solidly leading up to departure so it was hard going but well worth it as you will see. The bikes were all loaded and the weight was crazy, it was like riding a two ton truck on two wheels!
Jim was meeting Brian at his place for 4.45am so the alarm was set for 4am, shower and away. Out to the garage, Jim's spotless Billy Beemer was wheeled out and - yes - it was a chucking it down. On with the rain suit and away to Tie Strap's, then over to Strathy Park where they were meeting the other three lads. Brian and Jim pulled off the M74 for Stathclyde Park where they were joined by Craigy and Nick, then into the Beefeater where Budgie was waiting. A quick check of the bikes and they were off down the M74, south to the M6. The wind was wild and the bikes were on a constant lean and not a lot of fun to ride. First fuel stop was at Westmoreland in Cumbria, then they were away southbound.
After Preston on the M6 the rest of the big cities are not long in passing and soon they reached Birmingham, the toll road that bypasses the city is fantastic and takes a chunk of time off the journey. Lunch soon beckoned so they agreed to stop and fill up.
M6 soon turned into the M1 and a hundred miles later they were on the M25 round London heading for the Dartford bridge and then the M20 for Dover. They arrived much too early for the boat so the kind folk at P&O let them take an earlier crossing.
Look out France, here they come!
The Satnav was already programed to take them to a place called Guines for the first night's camp, they rolled off the boat and Jim almost hit two asylum seekers (accidentally!) Finally they found the Camping La belle Pêche site, great place and the owner was very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended! If you're ever in the area it's worth the stay, tell them the lads from Anotherwayaround sent you!
Day 1 photos
Day 2: 9th May 2009
Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany
The following morning was glorious so the team were in a really good, up-beat mood. Southwards again, cutting through France and what a stunning country it is. Lunch was on the cards so they stopped at a portacabin chip shop in central France somewhere. Chips with everything. Most of the team ordered burgers apart from Jim and Budgie who had something Jim described as "plastic meat". Never serve fast food to a chef! By this time the weather was even better and the sun was beating down; not so good with a loaded bike and wearing full gear, but what a difference to ride a bike in the sun.
Down to the next camp stop and this place was great but the weather had taken a turn for the worst and, as soon as they started to put up the tents, down came the rain. As soon as they were up the rain stopped! Stoves and jetboils were fired up and dinner was served, lamb something-or-other that night. Beer was sourced from a local bar so that made the dinner go down a bit more easily. Brian burnt the bottom out of his jetboil stove that night, what a mess that was!
Day 2 photos
Day 3: 10th May 2009
Lichtenstein, Switzerland, Austria
The next morning was an early start as the team had a lot of miles to cover, so tents were all packed up and they were ready for the off. Breakfast was soon sourced at one of the many service stations, where they met an elderly German gentleman who spoke excellent English (and understood Scottish!) who told them the best route. Taking in Luxembourg, they were heading southwards again towards Germany, then into Switzerland and by now they could see the Alps.
Slight glitch - got lost! - heading through Zurich but soon found the road again thanks to Nick's Satnav. Back on the road to Lichtenstein where they fueled up as the next stop was Austria.
The Alps now dominated the skyline and not a cloud in the sky. This was biking heaven, tunnel after tunnel, one of which was ten miles long.
There was a small charge for using the tunnels but well worth it and basically it's the only way you can go. Finally Landeck was getting close, their base for the next four nights. They were heading towards the Enzian Hotel which is situated right in the heart of the Alps and is surrounded by 5 international borders. The hotel also caters for bikers and rents out the entire range of BMW bikes, starting at the princely sum of 20 Euros a day.
Checked in and up to the room, stunning place with fantastic food and the views from the room were breathtaking.
Bikes are all catered for with their own parking area and bike wash. Superb!
Day 3 photos
Day 4: 11th May 2009
Again the day was toasty hot with not a cloud in the sky. The food was awesome - Budgie was in his element with smoked salmon for breakfast. They decided to take one of the tours that are organised by the hotel and they were grateful that they did as they would have never found the roads they were taken on. Wee Tie Strap decided to have a relaxing day at the hotel where they serve cakes and coffee in the afternoon, all for free.
Jim, Ian, Nick and Craig went on the tour with other guests. The tour guide that day was a man from Venice named Renato and riding shotgun at the back was his friend Alfredo, also from Venice. First stop was to fuel up, about 20 bikes pulling up at the services. Then it was off the main road and a steep climb ("Hairpins R Us") to a toll.
Onwards and upwards they climbed. Jim's Satnav was reading around 5000 feet above sea level. Glencoe at its highest point on the road is 1220 feet above sea level and they were still climbing until they reached a stunning lake.
The hairpin bends were amazing and even the standard of the roads at this height is excellent. There were wild marmots running about everywhere on the hill.
At the summit they were 9430 feet above sea level where they had a great lunch in the ski resort, people were still skiing and snowboarding up at this altitude.
The descent was as good as the ascent, then on to another pass around the Alps where they reached 7500 feet above sea level.
Back to the hotel to freshen up and then another 4 course dinner. Craigy returned his loan bike Beemer as the Truimph was still out of the game with popped fork seals, wee Tie Strap was sitting waiting for them with ice cold beer. After dinner they were all sitting at the bar (as usual) where they met some Scottish people from Alyth in Perthshire. A massive thanks to George, Linda and Alan for the donation to the charities.
Day 4 photos
Day 5: 12th May 2009
Italy, Slovenia
The following day they were off on another tour, still with glorious sunshine and the whole team on rented bikes. Jim on a BMW K1300S (awesome bit of kit), Craigy had a K1200RT, Nick had a BMW Adventure, Tie Strap took an F650GS and wee Budgie (AKA Barry Sheene) rode an 800ST. Renato led them all out, heading to the hills and again stunning views on every bend, it was hard to keep their eyes on the road because of the gorgeous scenery.
Into Switzerland and again into the mountains, absolutely amazing. Home to the hotel to freshen up and yet another 4 course meal then back the bar, as you have probably guessed. They made good friends with the folks from Alyth, Renato, one of the top brass from the world of BMW and a few people from London. One of the guys from Alyth used to be into body building and said he could do a trick - hanging onto a poll at a right angle. He showed the team and there's a photo to prove it!
Day 5 photos
Day 6: 13th May 2009
Czech Republic
Day 6, you guessed, it was sunny again. The team were on their own so the map was laid out and then they were off. Heading to Innsbruck on the hire bikes then to Vienna. On to the borders of Slovakia and the Czech Republic then into Germany. They got lost somewhere around a lake and then stopped for lunch in a great German pub. Off again and it began to rain - not bad really as it was the first time in three days.
Onto another fantastic road and yet again they got lost but it was well worth it as they found one of the nicest biker roads ever. Jim thinks it was in Germany heading back into Austria - the twisty bits were superb and full knee-down action, plenty of bikers were riding it hard.
Back to the hotel and handed back the hire bikes (reluctantly) then off for dinner and beer. Klaus, the owner of the Enzian Hotel, was giving a talk that night and the team were all invited back to the Enzian so - beware Klaus, they will be back!
Day 6 photos
Day 7: 14th May 2009
The team were booked on yet another tour which took in Switzerland, Italy and Austria. They met a couple from Moffat - originally from Africa - who own a hotel in the border town, more on this in another story as a few of the team have already frequented it. Anyhow it was breakfast al fresco then head for the mountains with around thirty bikes.
Breakfast was superb, sitting in a field between the mountains in Austria in May.
So then they were off on the tour - Jim, Maximus, Budgie, Nick and Brian. It was the first time Jim had ever ridden through a vineyard; no wine, just fantastic scenery.
Stopping for a cup of tea at a cracking pub they decided to follow Klaus on his tour over to Italy. Klaus likes to be in the lead on the bike and it's up to you to keep up!
Up into the mountains they went, over a pass and the road was brilliant, a biker high yet again. Climbing into the snow they went, stopping at the summit for lunch.
Down into Italy from there and stunning scenery again. Two pizzas later they were heading back to Austria and the hotel, this had been a long day but well worth it as Jim says that this was one of the best riding days of his life, and he thinks the rest of the guys would agree with him!
Day 7 photos
Day 8: 15th May 2009
Departure day for the team as they were booked on the ferry back to Calais, so it was a long haul back up the road. Said "farewell" to all of the new friends and hit the road, they were off.
This was the Friday, non-stop ride all the way to Dover. The worst roads heading back were in Germany. They were still in France on the Friday evening and were all very tired so they agreed to try and find a hotel. Satnav set up, they found one 40 miles south of Calais. When they got there the place looked like a doss house. They were all starving so they made a detour to the downtown part of the place, sh!t hole thats the only way to describe it. Craigy, Nick and Brian ordered kebabs and chips, Jim decided to give it a miss. They got back to the hotel and, as soon as they had a look at the rooms, they decided to get out of France asap.
Day 8 photos
Day 9: 16th May 2009
To Calais and again Jim almost hit another suicidal asylum seeker running across the motorway. They only had to wait for ten minutes to get onto the ferry and a seat with heat and food.
Off at Dover, 20 miles south of London the guys agreed that they should stop at a Travel Lodge for some sleep because it was getting dangerous; they had been riding for over 16 hours.
Jim says: So thats about it folks, we had 9 days of fantastic roads, 7 days of sunshine, great digs and hit 13 countries with no hassles. Fantastic company with so many laughs and memories. Thanks guys for the ride and if I could do it again tomorrow I would meet you lot at Strathy Park!
13 countries in 9 days: Scotland, England, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Holland, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovenia and Lichtenstein.
The team: Ian and Jim Mitchell, Brian Ainslie, Craig and Nick Pender.
Bob Turner, Bobby Burns and Allan McKechnie also visited 10 countries in 9 days. They departed from Newcastle on the 9th May on a similar route and all returned safely.
Jim says: We are all back safe and sound and what a trip it was, absolutely fantastic. Stunning scenery, excellent digs, brilliant company and the ten countries plus are just a distant memory, but one that will stick with us all for a very long time.
Day 1: 8th May 2009
Scotland, England, France
May the 8th was the day of departure and was so long in coming but finally it had arrived. The two weeks before the 8th involved the usual - getting kit, all the gear and tools ready for the off. Wee Tie Strap and Jim were working solidly leading up to departure so it was hard going but well worth it as you will see. The bikes were all loaded and the weight was crazy, it was like riding a two ton truck on two wheels!
Jim was meeting Brian at his place for 4.45am so the alarm was set for 4am, shower and away. Out to the garage, Jim's spotless Billy Beemer was wheeled out and - yes - it was a chucking it down. On with the rain suit and away to Tie Strap's, then over to Strathy Park where they were meeting the other three lads. Brian and Jim pulled off the M74 for Stathclyde Park where they were joined by Craigy and Nick, then into the Beefeater where Budgie was waiting. A quick check of the bikes and they were off down the M74, south to the M6. The wind was wild and the bikes were on a constant lean and not a lot of fun to ride. First fuel stop was at Westmoreland in Cumbria, then they were away southbound.
After Preston on the M6 the rest of the big cities are not long in passing and soon they reached Birmingham, the toll road that bypasses the city is fantastic and takes a chunk of time off the journey. Lunch soon beckoned so they agreed to stop and fill up.
M6 soon turned into the M1 and a hundred miles later they were on the M25 round London heading for the Dartford bridge and then the M20 for Dover. They arrived much too early for the boat so the kind folk at P&O let them take an earlier crossing.
Look out France, here they come!
The Satnav was already programed to take them to a place called Guines for the first night's camp, they rolled off the boat and Jim almost hit two asylum seekers (accidentally!) Finally they found the Camping La belle Pêche site, great place and the owner was very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended! If you're ever in the area it's worth the stay, tell them the lads from Anotherwayaround sent you!
Day 1 photos
Day 2: 9th May 2009
Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany
The following morning was glorious so the team were in a really good, up-beat mood. Southwards again, cutting through France and what a stunning country it is. Lunch was on the cards so they stopped at a portacabin chip shop in central France somewhere. Chips with everything. Most of the team ordered burgers apart from Jim and Budgie who had something Jim described as "plastic meat". Never serve fast food to a chef! By this time the weather was even better and the sun was beating down; not so good with a loaded bike and wearing full gear, but what a difference to ride a bike in the sun.
Down to the next camp stop and this place was great but the weather had taken a turn for the worst and, as soon as they started to put up the tents, down came the rain. As soon as they were up the rain stopped! Stoves and jetboils were fired up and dinner was served, lamb something-or-other that night. Beer was sourced from a local bar so that made the dinner go down a bit more easily. Brian burnt the bottom out of his jetboil stove that night, what a mess that was!
Day 2 photos
Day 3: 10th May 2009
Lichtenstein, Switzerland, Austria
The next morning was an early start as the team had a lot of miles to cover, so tents were all packed up and they were ready for the off. Breakfast was soon sourced at one of the many service stations, where they met an elderly German gentleman who spoke excellent English (and understood Scottish!) who told them the best route. Taking in Luxembourg, they were heading southwards again towards Germany, then into Switzerland and by now they could see the Alps.
Slight glitch - got lost! - heading through Zurich but soon found the road again thanks to Nick's Satnav. Back on the road to Lichtenstein where they fueled up as the next stop was Austria.
The Alps now dominated the skyline and not a cloud in the sky. This was biking heaven, tunnel after tunnel, one of which was ten miles long.
There was a small charge for using the tunnels but well worth it and basically it's the only way you can go. Finally Landeck was getting close, their base for the next four nights. They were heading towards the Enzian Hotel which is situated right in the heart of the Alps and is surrounded by 5 international borders. The hotel also caters for bikers and rents out the entire range of BMW bikes, starting at the princely sum of 20 Euros a day.
Checked in and up to the room, stunning place with fantastic food and the views from the room were breathtaking.
Bikes are all catered for with their own parking area and bike wash. Superb!
Day 3 photos
Day 4: 11th May 2009
Again the day was toasty hot with not a cloud in the sky. The food was awesome - Budgie was in his element with smoked salmon for breakfast. They decided to take one of the tours that are organised by the hotel and they were grateful that they did as they would have never found the roads they were taken on. Wee Tie Strap decided to have a relaxing day at the hotel where they serve cakes and coffee in the afternoon, all for free.
Jim, Ian, Nick and Craig went on the tour with other guests. The tour guide that day was a man from Venice named Renato and riding shotgun at the back was his friend Alfredo, also from Venice. First stop was to fuel up, about 20 bikes pulling up at the services. Then it was off the main road and a steep climb ("Hairpins R Us") to a toll.
Onwards and upwards they climbed. Jim's Satnav was reading around 5000 feet above sea level. Glencoe at its highest point on the road is 1220 feet above sea level and they were still climbing until they reached a stunning lake.
The hairpin bends were amazing and even the standard of the roads at this height is excellent. There were wild marmots running about everywhere on the hill.
At the summit they were 9430 feet above sea level where they had a great lunch in the ski resort, people were still skiing and snowboarding up at this altitude.
The descent was as good as the ascent, then on to another pass around the Alps where they reached 7500 feet above sea level.
Back to the hotel to freshen up and then another 4 course dinner. Craigy returned his loan bike Beemer as the Truimph was still out of the game with popped fork seals, wee Tie Strap was sitting waiting for them with ice cold beer. After dinner they were all sitting at the bar (as usual) where they met some Scottish people from Alyth in Perthshire. A massive thanks to George, Linda and Alan for the donation to the charities.
Day 4 photos
Day 5: 12th May 2009
Italy, Slovenia
The following day they were off on another tour, still with glorious sunshine and the whole team on rented bikes. Jim on a BMW K1300S (awesome bit of kit), Craigy had a K1200RT, Nick had a BMW Adventure, Tie Strap took an F650GS and wee Budgie (AKA Barry Sheene) rode an 800ST. Renato led them all out, heading to the hills and again stunning views on every bend, it was hard to keep their eyes on the road because of the gorgeous scenery.
Into Switzerland and again into the mountains, absolutely amazing. Home to the hotel to freshen up and yet another 4 course meal then back the bar, as you have probably guessed. They made good friends with the folks from Alyth, Renato, one of the top brass from the world of BMW and a few people from London. One of the guys from Alyth used to be into body building and said he could do a trick - hanging onto a poll at a right angle. He showed the team and there's a photo to prove it!
Day 5 photos
Day 6: 13th May 2009
Czech Republic
Day 6, you guessed, it was sunny again. The team were on their own so the map was laid out and then they were off. Heading to Innsbruck on the hire bikes then to Vienna. On to the borders of Slovakia and the Czech Republic then into Germany. They got lost somewhere around a lake and then stopped for lunch in a great German pub. Off again and it began to rain - not bad really as it was the first time in three days.
Onto another fantastic road and yet again they got lost but it was well worth it as they found one of the nicest biker roads ever. Jim thinks it was in Germany heading back into Austria - the twisty bits were superb and full knee-down action, plenty of bikers were riding it hard.
Back to the hotel and handed back the hire bikes (reluctantly) then off for dinner and beer. Klaus, the owner of the Enzian Hotel, was giving a talk that night and the team were all invited back to the Enzian so - beware Klaus, they will be back!
Day 6 photos
Day 7: 14th May 2009
The team were booked on yet another tour which took in Switzerland, Italy and Austria. They met a couple from Moffat - originally from Africa - who own a hotel in the border town, more on this in another story as a few of the team have already frequented it. Anyhow it was breakfast al fresco then head for the mountains with around thirty bikes.
Breakfast was superb, sitting in a field between the mountains in Austria in May.
So then they were off on the tour - Jim, Maximus, Budgie, Nick and Brian. It was the first time Jim had ever ridden through a vineyard; no wine, just fantastic scenery.
Stopping for a cup of tea at a cracking pub they decided to follow Klaus on his tour over to Italy. Klaus likes to be in the lead on the bike and it's up to you to keep up!
Up into the mountains they went, over a pass and the road was brilliant, a biker high yet again. Climbing into the snow they went, stopping at the summit for lunch.
Down into Italy from there and stunning scenery again. Two pizzas later they were heading back to Austria and the hotel, this had been a long day but well worth it as Jim says that this was one of the best riding days of his life, and he thinks the rest of the guys would agree with him!
Day 7 photos
Day 8: 15th May 2009
Departure day for the team as they were booked on the ferry back to Calais, so it was a long haul back up the road. Said "farewell" to all of the new friends and hit the road, they were off.
This was the Friday, non-stop ride all the way to Dover. The worst roads heading back were in Germany. They were still in France on the Friday evening and were all very tired so they agreed to try and find a hotel. Satnav set up, they found one 40 miles south of Calais. When they got there the place looked like a doss house. They were all starving so they made a detour to the downtown part of the place, sh!t hole thats the only way to describe it. Craigy, Nick and Brian ordered kebabs and chips, Jim decided to give it a miss. They got back to the hotel and, as soon as they had a look at the rooms, they decided to get out of France asap.
Day 8 photos
Day 9: 16th May 2009
To Calais and again Jim almost hit another suicidal asylum seeker running across the motorway. They only had to wait for ten minutes to get onto the ferry and a seat with heat and food.
Off at Dover, 20 miles south of London the guys agreed that they should stop at a Travel Lodge for some sleep because it was getting dangerous; they had been riding for over 16 hours.
Jim says: So thats about it folks, we had 9 days of fantastic roads, 7 days of sunshine, great digs and hit 13 countries with no hassles. Fantastic company with so many laughs and memories. Thanks guys for the ride and if I could do it again tomorrow I would meet you lot at Strathy Park!
Sponsors
"Another Way Around" is a non-profit-making group; all proceeds go to charity.
Participants in fund-raising activities pay their own expenses and some costs are covered by sponsors. We are very grateful to them.
Contact Jim Mitchell or Ian Mitchell for more information.
