This was one of our best touring rides that took in France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and Italy. The distance covered was 4,300km over 11 days, with vertical climbs and descents amounting to 77kms encompassed in over 70 passes. It was a test of endurance and if we had our time again would have put a rest day in, however that did not detract from a spectacular ride.
Starting in city of Lyon, the third largest in France with a population around 500,000, we hired our BMW touring bikes from Universal riders, who had a large range to choose from. Our choices were the 1200 GS and the 1200 RT which performed admirably over the tour. While in Lyon, check out the old town, the Cathedral and have lunch at Georges Bistro.
Itinerary
- Lyon to Chamonix
- Chamonix to Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Bellinzona to Solden, Austria
- Solden to Flattach, Austria
- Flattach to Bled, Slovenia
- Bled to Bolzano, Italy
- Bolzano to Bellagio, Italy
- Bellagio to La-Salle-les Alpes, France
- La-Salle-les Alpes to Nice, France
- Nice to Avignon, France
- Avignon to Lyon, France
- Testimonials
Tour Video
Day One Pics
The Daily Blog
A very warm day & the birds are singing. This morning we wander to the old town (Russ guides us into various dilapidated buildings … cos he’s a local guide). We take the Furnicular to Cathedral St-Jean. Boxy has lost his ticket for the return trip down. Cmon Russ, use your ticket & tailgate me. Through he goes & the gate shuts on Russ. Boxy proudly funds the replacement ticket, which he lost in the first place. 
Lunch at George’s. First brasserie in Lyon (1836). Boxy pours the wine & defines a new measure of equivalence – what’s mine is mine, what’s yours is mine. This arvo, picked up our bikes. It took a long time. But they are very nice! The bikes are back at the hotel & prepped ready for tomorrow. Russ advised that he has secured storage for our bags at the hotel whilst we are on tour. When asked how, he responded that he had threatened to put “Boxy of the uppercut” (Elizabeth Downs, Boxy’s place of origin, is a tough place) onto them.
Our helmets are all now paired for comms except Boxy who has designed a communication system as follows: 1 finger – I need a wee. 2 fingers – self explanatory. 3 – I need 
4 – My bum aches; I need a stop. 5 – I’ve seen a photo opp. 2 arms in the air – go on without me. A quiet night tonight (lots of laughs) getting ready for the big day.
Silver Foxes Motorcycle Club Australia 