2014 'MotoWeek' write up

I just got back from a 7 night road trip, about 1500km around the outside of Switzerland. Here are just a few personal thoughts and notes.

I passed through the following regions:

Fribourg, CH
Bern, CH
Valais, CH
Piemont, IT
Lombardia, IT
Tessin, CH
Grisons, CH
Trentino/Sud-Tirol, IT
Tirol, AT
Vorarlberg, AT
Bavaria, DE
Baden Württemberg, DE
Alsace, FR
Franche-Compte, FR

You can see a list of gpx tracks displayed here:

GPSies - medb

Here are some photos from the trip (Lumix FZ200):

G+ Photo Album

Here are some video clips from the ride (Drift HD Ghost):




The weather was generally fair...not too hot, nor too cold, not a ton of sun, and just a little rain in regions. Crossing Timmelsjoch Pass there was a bit of light snow at 2800m.

I crossed the following high mountain passes, plus a few other smaller ones:
Grimsel Pass
Simplon Pass
Livigno Pass
Umbrail Pass
Stelvio Pass
Timmelsjoch Pass


I navigated using OSMAnd, on my Samsung Galaxy SII i9100. I preloaded maps to the SD card before leaving (mostly 'road only' maps). The phone is held in place using a ram mount on the steering head and the x-grips ram mount.

I planned my trip using GPSies.com, and then transferred the gpx files to OSMAnd.

Loading the routes as layers on the map, and then using the route for navigation directions worked well. I had just one moment on the autoroute near basle where I wished I had had better lane indications, and exit signals on the app. Otherwise, over 1500km of riding, this served as a great (free) no-data needed solution. OSMAnd also provides in app off line routing, and if you place the destination and waypoints precisely, it is quick, and can recalculate on the fly.

This gps solution, and a printed map of the days itinerary in my tank bag were a good combo. It also allowed me to keep the phone screen off as much as possible to conserve battery.

I used two external batteries on the trip to keep my cameras, phone, and laptop charged.

I had ordered a Timberwolf Tank Bag from Wolfman luggage, and it arrived just in time for departure. It was easy to fit to the K1200s with the three straps provided, and held in place nicely at all times. I also ordered the rain cover, which turned out to be worth it....and the backpack straps. The straps I would pass on if I had a second chance. For $22 you don't get any padding, they are relatively small, and they are not designed well...in the sense that the tank bag has a handle on the 'top' side, but when you attach the backpack straps, the 'top' is now the bottom. No big deal, but for the money you could just clip a shoulder strap to two hooks.

Tankbag contents:
  • Main compartment
    • Lowepro Camerabag
      • Energizer 10000 MAh external battery
      • Drift Ghost accessories
      • Pocket knife
    • Sunscreen
    • Pashmina Scarf
    • Cap 
    • Silk balaclava
    • Visor cleaners
    • Waterbottle
    • Inner lid compartment
      • passport
      • receipts
  • Map case
    • maps
    • external solar powered battery 30000MAh
  • Left side
    • sunglasses
    • earplugs
    • headphones
      • spare bike key
    • Right side
      • tankbag raincover
      • shoulder straps
    Duffel contents:

    • 4x Two day rolls
      • 1 t-shirt
      • 2 boxers
      • 2 socks
    • rain coat
    • polar fleece
    • down liner from ski jacket
    • change of pants
    • shorts
    • laptop
    • charger, and cables
    • toiletries
    • flip-flops
    Other gear:
    Aerostich roadcrafter light one piece suit - can't get over how great it is...with full pads inside it's a bit bulky, but super easy on off makes going from street clothes to full touring protection a cinch.
    Nolan N-105 helmet - quiet enough, stable, lockable flip up, with nice sun visor
    Alpine stars CR-4 Gore-Tex XCR Boots - super comfy
    Aerostich elk skin gloves - thumb squeegee is great! touch screen threading works well...


    Otherwise, I had a few nice meals, a tasty beer or two. The BnB's I booked were pleasant, and varied in budget and location. All were nice, and the owners pleasant and helpful.

    Only 'mechanical' issue was my head light going out on Timmelsjoch pass, but managed to change it at a local gas station for 4EUR...took 3 minutes.

    Will definitely do this again at some point.


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