Just back from a great two week tour to Croatia, Slovenia and Italy

Well if I could bottle the weather we had on this tour, I could retire a rich man.  There is no doubt that Europe has been grabbing the best of the weather this year and as we started our journey across Germany in the low 30’s it looked like it was a case of here we go again.

Fortunately things cooled a little as we climbed up the Grossglockner. Always one of my favourites, it was difficult to concentrate on the roads as we were treated to fantastic views as far as the eye could see. A visit up the cobbled, ‘Bikers View’ was a must, although somehow I always expect to see the Hairy Bikers who did a cooking programme from there.

Arrived in Lake Bled to a royal welcome, unfortunately it was not for us, seems there was some politician attending a conference – however our rolling road block seemed to work in our favour and we were hastily found parking spaces to clear the road.

Next morning saw us at the Postojna caves where Val, John and I stayed by the bikes whilst everyone took the train to the bowels of the earth.  To be honest I was feeling pretty rough having picked up a cold which had by nose running constantly – it was obviously man flu and took several days to clear. Being a caring kind of person I thought it only fair to spread it between my customers, but not sure they appreciated it.

The sun continued to shine as we enjoyed the next 2 days at a 5 star hotel by the sea.  Several of us took a ride down the coast to the Roman Amphitheatre in Pula, whilst others enjoyed the coastal walk or just chilled out by the pool.

All too soon it was time to leave and for once the forecast was not good – a storm was sweeping across Europe and it was due to reach us as we returned to Slovenia. This it did as we crossed the border and tested the waterproofs to the limit, others had taken a different route to us and escaped the worst of it, feigning surprise that it had rained at all.. grrrrr

The storm actually was a blessing as the temperature dropped to the comfortable low 20’s and the heart haze disappeared leaving us with stunning views across the Julian Alps. Our ride-out took us up Mount Mangart on the highest road in Slovenia, perhaps not a wise choice considering the overnight snowfall, but what a fantastic road and what stunning views. We finally had to stop several kilometres before the top due to snow on the road, but it is definitely one for another day.

Our next two night stop was in the Dolomites, once again the ride there took us on some great roads and offered views that had everyone blown away, I have been there many times, but admit it was looking its best. A rest day saw a few of us ride down to see a friend at Lake Garda , whilst others went for walks or enjoyed the free passes we received to ride the ski lifts.

The Timmelsjoch was our next destination, but having ridden up the Jaufenpass to St.Leonard was advised that the pass was closed due to a rock fall, so reluctantly we headed south and took the Reschenpass into Austria.

Our journey through Austria into France was uneventful, the sun continued to shine as we passed through the Southern Black Forest, over the Vosges Mountains and onto our final night near Nancy.

We enjoy all our tours but this one was certainly up there with the best, without a doubt the weather played a great part, but great roads, fantastic scenery, good food and hotels and a good crowd of riders made it even better. Would we do it again? Certainly will, 2016 dates will be available soon.