Touring - 1 day/7 pass loop - Swiss/Italian National Parks

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Tim S.
09-15-03, 12:53 AM
This is one loop I've wanted to take for several years but weather, time, fitness, etc. never quite allowed for it. I finally pulled it off. Having lived here (Switzerland) for 17 yrs. and cycled the Swiss Alps, this is one of the most beautiful areas of Switzerland not often visited.

I don't expect to tackle 7 Alpine passes in one day again! - A bit too much for my comfort/fitness zone as I am no longer a "spring chicken" at 40. :)
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One day ride: Swiss & Italian National park region
Umbrailpass - passo del Stelvio - passo del Foscogno - passo del Eire - passo del Livigno - Berninapass - Ofenpass - July 2003
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URL (Photos, maps, text, etc.):
www.illustratedword.com/family/cycling.htm

- Tim

LarryJ
09-15-03, 03:45 AM
Sounds great Tim. I'm a bit envious. I can't go on any extended tours due to my wife's health problems, but I've been thinking lately of mapping out a loop route through a bit of the southern Appalachians here in Georgia. I may study the map you've linked to and see if I can put together a roughly equivalent route in north Georgia.
Tim S.
09-15-03, 11:06 AM
If anyone is considering touring the Swiss Alpine passes, I can highly recommend purchasing the CD: "Velo-Explorer: Schweizer Alpenpässe". From this CD you can can create your own routes to print out; view passes, creat loops, LOTS of charts/graphs/photos/video clips, etc.. Everything you need to plan your tour over the passes is on this CD. The entire CD is viewed through your computer's internet browser (MS Internet Explorer, Safari, Netscape Nav., etc.). Languages: English, German, French, Italian.

www.velo-explorer.ch (http://www.velo-explorer.ch)

This is their only road bike CD. They mostly have mountain bike CD and map planners for Switzerland.

...and no I don't get paid to endorse the CD. :)

- Tim

Roughstuff
09-15-03, 12:50 PM
A pass a day keeps the doctor away!!! That was my philosophy! In my numerous 3-month summer tours starting in the Alpes Maritimes of France and swinging over to the Grosseglockner in Austria, I think I have gone ovber every major (and countless minor) alpine passes at leastb once, from both directions, in every variety of weather. They are not that high by mountain pass standards, but they really pack a punch at the top!

roughstuff