your touring stories and photos
EDAM's 2011 Tyrolean tour
around Landeck
In May 2006 I moved from my native
Switzerland to Scotland with my Scottish husband Forrie. Being in
my fifties and looking for a new challenge I had started
motorbiking shortly before leaving Zurich and continued in
Edinburgh with Direct Access. In November 2006 I passed my test and
then in November 2009 I (eventually) passed my IAM advanced test.
During the hardy winter runs (ice and snow included) I got to know
some of the Edinburgh Advanced Motorcyclists members a little
better and having told them that after touring plenty with Highland
Rider the length and breadth of Scotland I felt I was ready to tour
"abroad" or as in my case ride on roads on which I used to drive my
car. Therefore I was absolutely delighted when asked if I would
like to join the Euro 2011 Tour to Landeck in Austria!
Just before the tour my bike was badly
vandalized and I wasn't sure I would get it back in time. With the
help of Elliot (EDAM member) , who was kind enough to drive me to
Dundee, I got my bike back on the Friday afternoon and we were due
to leave early next morning for the Hull - Rotterdam ferry! During
our jaunt to Hull with Elliot leading and my following closely
behind we managed to lose the rest of the gang which was a sign of
funny things to come as this occurred more than once. Hitting the
German motorways I felt at home. A big bonus was that Elliot took
me down a road along the Rhine (having lost the others yet again) -
and for lunch we came across a very pleasant restaurant further up
in the hills where we enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine. By
the time we arrived in Austria we were once again a complete group
again.
The next day the novice (being me of course) was thrown in at
the deep end as we rode over the Stelvio Pass. My first hairpin
bend ever, made me brake all the way around and I managed to put
poor Jeff out of his line. I hope he has forgiven me! By the time
we got to the top I was shaking, but Chris comforted me by saying
that I had just ridden a pass which was he classed as "expert" -
thank you Chris for your positive attitude!
The next day I felt brave enough to leave the group and visit my
mother in Klosters, Switzerland. To get there I crossed
theFluelaPassto Davos and then continued on roads very known to me.
After a good lunch I headed for the motorway up to Feldkirch, back
in Austria, - then on to Bludenz after which I headed for the
Silvretta Hochstrasse - which is a toll road with a number of
hairpin bends. I gulped when told how many, as being on my own I
knew I would have to get it right. It was good practice though as I
took my time and I even got some real enjoyment out of the
experience.
The next few days saw us doing plenty more roads and passes -
taking us through Italy, Switzerland, Germanyand of course always
back to our base in Austria. Over the weekend some of us took it a
bit easier, while others ventured on to ride over the Grossglockner
Pass.
After 7 days in Landeck it was time to leave for home on the
Monday morning. This time we headed up the Mosellevalley which
included a few u turns - and losing some of the gang as usual - but
a great night was had by all in Ellenz as there was a local wine
festival in full swing.
The next day we made the Rotterdam to Hull ferry in good
time.
Photo: Silvretta pass, Austria