EUROPE
You know, since we’re based in Europe, we do most of our ridings here. So, instead of detailing every single spot we’ve hit up, as we did in our other trips, we would like to take a broader view.
Check out these photos from our rides around the Old Continent, and here are some of our top tips for the road !
The wombats loved :
_ The Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
Nothing but an absolute gem for motorcyclists, offering an incredible ride through Austria’s stunning alpine scenery.
This iconic route cuts through the Hohe Tauern National Park, featuring 36 hairpin turns and reaching up to 8,215 feet. Pure bliss, with smooth, well-maintained pavement and thrilling twists and turns. You’ll be blown away by the panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and pristine alpine meadows.
_ The French Pays Basque and The Spanish Bardenas.
In the Pays Basque, you get these awesome coastal roads with killer views of the Atlantic and rolling green hills. Then, you hit the Bardenas Reales in Spain, and it’s like you’re on another planet with its wild, desert-like landscapes and crazy rock formations. The mix of twisty mountain roads and open desert stretches makes this ride an absolute blast. If you’re looking for an epic adventure on two wheels, this route’s got it all.
_ Scotland.
Scotland’s a biker’s heaven, dear wombats, with twisty roads and jaw-dropping views. Cruising through the Scottish Highlands, you’ll see epic mountains, chill lakes, and old-school castles. It’s one of the most the perfect spots for riders we’ve been to … when the weather is fine !
_ The Stelvio Pass.
Riding the Stelvio Pass is an absolute blast for any biker. This iconic route in the Italian Alps hits you with 75 hairpin turns, each offering insane views of snow-covered peaks and deep valleys. Climbing up to 9,045 feet is pure adrenaline, with tight twists and smooth stretches that keep you on edge. It’s one of those rides where the journey and the scenery are what it’s all about, making it a bucket-list run for anyone.
The wombats didn’t like :
_ Riding in Florence, Tuscany. Definitely feels like navigating a madhouse. The streets are narrow, chaotic, and filled with too many aggressive drivers who seem to have a disregard for traffic laws. Motorbikes zip through impossibly tight spaces, and pedestrians dart across the roads without a second thought. Add in the constant honking and the challenge of finding parking, and you’ve got a recipe for driving insanity. It’s a thrilling experience for some, but definitely not for the faint of heart.
_ We have mixed feelings about Switzerland (from a motorcyclist point of view, of course ! ) as Switzerland can be a bit frustrating. The scenery’s gorgeous, no doubt, but dealing with all the strict traffic rules and high fines can really take the wind out of your sails. And those speed limits on the winding mountain roads ? Kind of feels like you’re putting along. Plus, everything’s so pricey, from gas to lodging. Despite the stunning views, Switzerland can be a bit of a hassle for bikers.
The biggest bricks we sh** :
_ Cinque Terre, in Italy. There is a reason why tourists take the train or walk, and we learnt it the hard way !
First, the narrow, winding roads are not designed for large vehicles (even large motorbikes) and can be incredibly challenging to navigate, especially with the frequent sharp turns and steep inclines.
Then you’ve got these tiny, cobblestone streets in the villages that are packed with tourists, making it a nightmare to get through.
And finding parking ? Good luck with that. The region’s roads are prone to congestion, and the lack of ample parking spaces means you will struggle to find a safe place to leave your bike.
So, just do what everybody does : soak in the beauty of the Cinque Terre by strolling around on foot !