Tour Planning
It's important to plan your tour using maps and other bikers' experience. Search the Internet for the names of the locations you want to pass, you might find other people who have done the same trip. Do not be afraid to contact them and ask for advices. However, in your own planning with maps and books keep in mind the following rules:
- Do not to ride alone.
- Crossing the Alps shall be done between June and September, otherwise there might be a high risk of finding too much snow on the high mountains.
- Do not ride for long hours the first day.
- Do not normally ride for more than 8 hours per day. About 1500 - 2000 m daily ascent shall be possible.
- Try to leave early in the morning from the valley (where it is also possible to find easier accommodation which does not require prior reservation).
- Do not underestimate rapid changes of weather condition on the mountains. Do not try to climb over a pass if the weather forecast is not good (another reason why it is advisable to start the daily stage from the valley).
Related Links
Planning
Check List
- What to think about when preparing a Transalpine tour (by Andreas Albrecht)
- Checklist from www.trail.ch (in German)
- Bike Touring Tips
- Progetto Annibale - Consigli utili (in Italian)