Within a quarter hour, we will cross into Switzerland. The theme of the day is a sample of Swiss passes with quite different look and feel. We end the day heading down towards Bellinzona, which is in the Italian precinct of Switzerland, and the housing and environment changes considerably from the earlier part of the day.
Daily Highlights
- Nufenen Pass Nufenen Pass is the highest mountain pass with a paved road within Switzerland. It lies between the summits of Pizzo Gallina and the Nufenenstock. The pass road from Ulrichen in canton of Valais leads to the Bedretto valley in the canton of Ticino, linking Brig to Airolo. Elevation: 2,478 m.
- Gotthard Pass The Gotthard Pass or St. Gotthard Pass at 2106m is a mountain passin the Alps traversing the Saint-Gotthard Massif and connecting northern and southern Switzerland.
- Oberalp Pass Oberalp Passat 2044mis a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps connecting the cantons of Graubünden and Uri between Disentis and Andermatt.
- Arch Dam Santa Maria (Lukmaneir Pass) Located alongside Lukmaneir Pass, we can ride out onto the dam to spectacular views. Lai da Sontga Maria (Italian: Lago di Santa Maria) is a lake, located north of the Lukmanier Pass in Switzerland. It lies almost entirely in the municipality of Medel (canton of Graubünden),a tiny fraction of the south-west part of the lake belonging to the municipalities of Quinto and Blenio (canton of Ticino). The reservoir has a surface area is 1.77 km2 (0.68 sq mi). The arch dam Santa Mariaw as completed in 1968. The main road of the Lukmanier Pass runs along the eastern shore of the lake. The lake lies at a height of 1,908metres above sea level and is surrounded by mountains over 3000metres on both sides. The highest peak overlooking Laida Sontga Maria is the Scopi (3190 m), on the east side.
- Lukmaneir Pass Lukmanier Pass is a pass in the Swiss Alps. The road from Disentis/Mustér in the canton of Graubünden leads through the Va lMedel across the pass to the Blenio valley and Biasca in the canton of Ticino. North of the pass, the road runs along the east shore of Lake Sontga Maria. The Pass is kept open during the winter.
- Bellinzona Bellinzona is the capital city of southern Switzerland’s Ticino canton.It’s known for its 3 medieval castles, including the hilltop Castelgrande and Sasso Corbaro. Both have views of the city, the surrounding Alps and Montebello, the 3rd castle. Italian is the native language is Italian.
Daily Video Highlights
Daily Blog
A brief pre-game planning meeting & left Chamonix. Entered Switzerland shortly thereafter. No action on the border. This morning was a ride through a Glacial valley from Martigny. Climbed Nufenen pass (Mount Zermatt & Blanc in background). Lunch at the top of pass. This afternoon was just sublime Swiss countryside. Riding through lush valleys, small wooden villages with huge rock mountains around us. Then up through passes with a million curves on the road; Gottardo (Tremola Road with cobblestones), Oberalp & Lukmanier. A big moment this afternoon. Hydro tapped Russ & allowed him to lead the group for a couple of hours. It didn’t go unnoticed that under Russ’ leadership, we didn’t make a wrong turn or have to make a u-turn. Hydro has considered this an unfair characterisation given he has had to lead through some very agricultural areas & roads that had 10 hard turns/km whilst co-ordinating his various satellite devices. The inference was a drovers dog could have achieved what Russ did. Judgement is reserved. Arrived into Bellinzona about 5pm. It’s very warm. We are losing more than a few kilos. Dinner at a restaurant in town tonight.
Silver Foxes Motorcycle Club Australia 