Warning Alpine Roads and Scenery, when mixed with the Stella Alpina Rally are known to cause Stellinitis. This disease creates an almost uncontrollable urge to return to the point of infection. There is no cure. The only relief known is regular visits to the infection site which can prove to be costly and create personal problems through the long term nature of this infection. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Friday - After disembarking around 9am, we push south through rural France before arriving at our first Hotel. Situated in the middle of the forest of Jura, near Champagnole, this country Hotel offers high levels of comfort and the possibility to steam away the miles in the Sauna, or take a dip in the pool before the evening session.
Saturday - After Breakfast we head south through Switzerland before again crossing the border back into France where the serious pass bashing starts. Using many stunning smaller and less well known passes (some un-surfaced for those that wish), we continue south through the Alps before crossing over into Italy arriving at our Hotel in Bardo.
Sunday - After breakfast it's off up the Stella to take part in the event itself. The Afternoon can be taking in the sights in Bardo, or more road or trail passes.
Monday - A free day to relax, do some shopping, have a few drinks, or go out on the bike exploring the wonderful road or trail passes this area offers in abundance.
Tuesday - After Breakfast we're off again, heading north/east over some truly high passes. A stunning days ride eventually ending up at our Hotel in the high Swiss town of Andermatt, bang in the middle of an area many believe to be bikers heaven.
Wednesday - A chance to chill and take in the mountain air, ride cable cars and mountain trains, Or join us for a spectacular days ride down to the famous Stelvio Pass, taking in many other gems along the way.
Thursday - A short day for those who wish back down into the French Alps to our next Hotel near St Gervais. This will give you opportunity to take in the ride of a life time up the Aiguille du Midi to 3843m. With truly stunning views over Mont-Blanc this place has to be seen to be believed. If that's not for you, a longer day will see us ticking off more of the loop of madness before making our way back around to the Hotel in time for an evening out.
Friday - After Breakfast we start our journey out of the Alps through Geneva. On through the Jura we head out north/west to our final Hotel near Troyes.
Saturday - Again, a good breakfast sees us on the road north heading for Calais, arriving around 2pm for a crossing to Dover. At this point, many will choose to split for home and hopefully make it well before dark.
I believe this European jaunt to be suitable for all, one or two up, both novice and veteran alike. It can be tackled on almost any bike (as long as it's capable of longer journey). Any trail riding, although easy, is optional. To help me with organising I'm afraid, as always, very advanced booking is required and maximum numbers (20ish) will apply. Due to the booking system at P&O the prices of the crossings will rise as the Ferry fills up. This is designed to encourage people to book and pay early (like some of the low cost airlines), so book early to avoid the price quoted rising as the summer approaches.
What does it cost?
Option 1, Solo - One person & one bike, in shared accommodation = UK £615. This includes a Hull/Zeebrugge crossing for one bike & one person in a shared en-suite cabin, a return ticket Calais/Dover, 8 nights Hotel accommodation including Breakfast, garage parking (where available), a guide and route cards for the duration of the trip.
Option 2, Couples - Two people (Couples) & one bike, with your own room = UK £985. This includes a Hull/Zeebrugge crossing for one bike & two people in a shared en-suite cabin, 8 nights Hotel accommodation including Breakfast for both, garage parking (where available), a guide and route cards for the duration of the trip.
It does not include, food (except for breakfast on 8 days), drinks, smokes, petrol, bikes, extra trips! (of any kind), spending money, tolls, tunnels or anything that does not appear in the included paragraph above, sorry! Due to the Ferry prices not being fixed (Fluid pricing again), this price could rise as the ferry fills. The earlier I receive your booking, the less chance there is of this happening.
1/ Paul 'sideways' Clarke (Sheffield) -BMW R1150GS Adventure - 2/ Carl 'Sandwich maker' Blackburn (Mosborough) - BMW R1150GS - 3/ Adrian Molloy (Huntingdon) - XRV750 - 4/ Nick Pickup (Barnsley) - XTZ750 - 5/ Sid Brown (Sherburn-in-Elmet) - BMW F650 - 6/ Mark Piercy (Lincoln) - TRX850 - 7/ Tim Marquis (St Peters) - KTM640 Adventure - 8/ Mr & Mrs G Binns (Sowerby Bridge) - XRV750 - 9/ George Ballantyne (Falkirk, Scotland) - Honda 600 - 10/ Jim Dobson (Bransby) - R1150GS Adventure - 11/ Allen Mitchell (Lytham) - XRV750 - 12/ Brian Crabtree (Clitheroe) - BMW650GS - 13/ Colin Townson (Clitheroe) - R1100GS - 14/ Colvin Beattie ( Donegal, Ireland) - Varadero - 15/ Steve Seddon (Bransholme) - R1150GS - 16/ Glyn Calvert (Brough) - XRV750 - 17/ Bob Jenkins (Barcelona, Spain) - R100GS - 18/ David Jones (Droitwich Spa) - XRV750 - 19/ Ian Barnard (Highbridge) - R1150GS - 20/ Mark Peatfield (Lincoln) - XRV750 - 21/Mr & Mrs Scott Green (Falkirk) - R1150GSA
The BTB.C Stella Alpina 2003
The BTB.C Stella Alpina 2000?
