Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps and Corsica [Paperback]

John Hermann (Author)

Book Description

Series: Motorcycle Journeys | Publication Date: July 2002

This third edition of Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps and Corsica is the creme de la creme of Alpine touring_now in full color. Maps, images, graphics, and witty and insightful text leave you no excuse at all not to buy this and go! Covering more area than any previous edition, author John Hermann, "King of the Alps," outlines 79 trips, including more great roads in southern France right down to the Mediterranean, and more great roads on the southern slopes of the Dolomites. This is the essential resource for anyone planning_or even considering_a European trip on two wheels. All of the important roads and passes are described and critiqued. Every region of the Alps is covered: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, and even special Alpine lookalike places such as Corsica and Slovenia. Each trip has a detailed route description, easy-to-follow maps, and unique photographs, all brought to life by Hermann's informed, witty narration. Local customs, history, and amusing travel anecdotes dot every page to enrich your journey.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A book for motorcycle riders that car enthusiasts can use. We found that what Hermann said was true--about the roads and about the towns and interesting places along the way. So here's a guide who can be trusted, and a guidebook for the enthusiast who has done his 155-mph sprint down the autobahn and now wants to follow the switchback stairways to the mountaintops . . . And for the drivers and riders alike, there's the "Alps Pass Bagging List" that includes 214 mountain passes--rated with stars--and where to find their routes in the book. Sure it might take a lifetime to bag them all, but what a lifetime it would be." Autoweek -- Autoweek

"For Anyone Planning, or just dreaming, of a first or nth ride in the Alps . . . Hermann's [2nd] edition is simply indispensable. And, if you're among the 2,500 who made the now sold out first edition one of Whitehorse Press's best sellers, you'll want [this 2nd edition] too." -- BMW Owners News

"It's pretty simple, really. If you even dream of riding your motorcycle in the Alps, you need John Hermann's book. The first edition has become the bible for Alp pass-baggers, and this newest, expanded edition includes more roads and new destinations, like Slovenia and Corsica.

"Hermann covers most of the known, and little-known, passes with a pleasant writing style and simple scoring system (two stars means a "must" ride). He includes invaluable information about local hotels, customs and motorcycle-specific information. He describes 68 individual day-trips (19 more than the first edition) that will make your mouth water and throttle hand twitch. It's a great guide and a good read." American Motorcyclist -- American Motorcyclist

"We are writing to tell you how useful we found Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps and Corsica when we were touring this summer. . . . At the beginning of last April we flew our two BMW R1100GS's to Heath Row, London for what was to be a four month adventure throughout Britain, Scandinavia and the continent. . . .

"Beyond a doubt, the highlight of the trip was our month long tour of the Alps (July). In retrospect, I think we spent the first three months of the trip just waiting to get there! We entered through the 'east gate' from Vienna, gave the 'give your guardian angel a chance' sign a cursory glance, and never looked back. The first coffee of the day was at Kalte Kuchl where we began to realize just how extensive the motorcycle culture is in the Alps.

"We used your book as an invaluable guide to choosing our route for the next month. We have to admit that at first we were hesitant to follow someone else's advice so closely. We both have extensive European travel experience (without motorcycles) and are used to figuring things out for ourselves. It soon became obvious that your tips and advice were right on the mark. We rode seventy 'over a thousand metres' passes. From Austria to the Dolomites, up to Switzerland and then down into Southern French Alps, it was one thrill after another!

"Needless to say, we are plotting another trip. We're even entertaining the idea of keeping a couple of bikes over there. . . . Once again, thanks for putting out such a useful book." Bronwen and Eric Young -- Bronwen and Eric Young --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Whitehorse Press; 3 edition (July 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884313329
• ISBN-13: 978-1884313325
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,560,504 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Travel > Europe > France > Corsica

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still the best resource for Alps Touring, November 22, 2000

By 

"ldcleve" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motorcycle Journeys through the Alps & Corsica, 2nd Ed. (Paperback)

I took John's first edition of this book and a map and rode the Alps and the Dolemites for ten days. We reviewed the routes and stops each morning and evening. This is a great resource if you are traveling in the area. I brought three other books on this topic and left them behind at hotels as the trip progressed, as I realized I did not need any other resources. Use this and an internet translator site (like Babelfish)and you can make your reservations in some of the same hotels that Edelweiss and other formal tour groups use.This new edition expands on the first by adding Corsica and updating the Alps/Dolemite section. It is a great read. John is the recognized authority on this area for those of us that don't speak other languages well, and don't live there.He is also correct in stating that the riding in this region is addictive.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have Guide to the Alps, August 27, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps (Paperback)

I took a packaged tour of the Alps in 2002. Thank goodness I took this book with me. This book had so much more quality information than the touring company, it was unbelievable! Each night, we would return from some awsome ride (not on the base or recommended route). It became a nightly ritual to review where we went. People, including the tour guide, wanted to know how I knew of these roads, I showed them the book.

Next time, I will just take this book and go, no tour company! I am a heavy rider, 30K miles per year, close to 400K miles ridden.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive book on traveling in the Alps & Corsica!, February 22, 2000

By 

Thomas R. Mooney (Chula Vista, California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motorcycle Journeys through the Alps & Corsica, 2nd Ed. (Paperback)

Don't leave home without it! No one should go to the Alps or Corsica without this 2nd revision in hand. It contains a wealth of additional information and is virtually a complete rewrite of the first edition. It should rightly be called "Journeys Through the Alps & Corsica" because it is indispensible for all travelers regardless of mode of transportation. Traveling the recommended routes by motorcycle may be more fun but every piece of information is invaluable whether you're traveling by car, van, truck or bus. Following the recommended routes will put you in touch with the real Alps & real Corsica as well a provide an enormous amount of cultural and historical background. Highly recommended for all travelers.