Review
"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
Product Description
This second edition of Hermann's invaluable guidebook, like all books in the Motorcycle Journeys series, is the perfect size to fit in your tank bag so you can be sure not to miss any of the roads, mountain passes, or valleys this awe-inspiring region has to offer. The book contains detailed route descriptions, updated planning information (such as what to do about a bike, insurance, tolls, passports), and advice that will help you avoid hassles, inconveniences, and traffic so that not a precious moment of your vacation is wasted.
All of the Alps' and Corsica's important roads and passes are described and critiqued (two stars indicates a "must-ride" road). This second edition contains 68 individual trips (19 more than the first edition), each lasting about a day. Hermann covers every region of the Alps, so whether you want to focus on Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, or France (or Liechtenstein, for that matter), you'll find trips that appeal to you. From the Grossglockner to the Dolomites to the famous Passo dello Stelvio to the island of Corsica, every important road, pass, and scenic landmark is described with astounding attention to detail. You'll find information on everything from villages to shops and restaurants, to little-known spots where the views are particularly beautiful.
Known in many touring circles as "King of the Alps," John Hermann's 23 years of Alpine riding experience has led him to explore every nook and cranny of the Alps as well as every other part of Europe that might possibly have a twisty road. His informed, witty prose is dotted with local customs, history, and amusing travel anecdotes that are sure to enrich your journey. Hermann's journey is a never-ending search for twisty roads and breathtaking views. He is an acknowledged authority on Alps touring, and in this book introduces us to beautiful and exotic Corsica, a Mediterranean wonderland with roads comparable to the Alps and nowhere else. His wisdom and experience make this book an essential resource for anyone planning--or even considering--a European adventure.
