Alps touring without the hastle!

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I know from my previous thread that a number are already planning for next year (and beyond). While the Old Gits are off to Spain this year, while I was researching the options I came across this service which may be of interest:

www.bikepackers.co.uk

They pack you and your bike into a posh coach here in Blighty, then drive you both to Switzerland while you chat to your mates.

I've not used the service so can't comment on how good or otherwise it is but it may be attractive for any who want to go to the Alps but don't fancy 500+ miles trudging across France.

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Harry H said:

Seems like quite a nice idea. At £695 return it's also quite good value when considering the fuel,tolls, rubber and hotel savings.

My thoughts exactly!

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Harry H said:

black-k1 said:

Harry H said:

Seems like quite a nice idea. At £695 return it's also quite good value when considering the fuel,tolls, rubber and hotel savings.

My thoughts exactly!

Oh, and the chunnel fare. In fact it's probably cheaper than the slog on a bike.

I wouldn't say it's cheaper. This site puts the costs at about £100 each way ViaMichelin and the Chunnel/ferry will be, at most, £75. I don't think hotels, tyres, chain etc. will come to £425 (unless you have expensive tastes in hotels). Still a reasonable price if you don't like sitting on French motorways.

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s3fella said:

Irpony is that it goes to Switzerland, a wonderful country but one of the most unfriendly places for "spirited riding" anywhere in the world.

Now, if it went to Spain / Andora and the Pyrenees....

I'm with you on that. The best parts of Switzerland are the roads out!

Still, Geneva is not a bad start point to run down to the Med and back using the Route du Grande Alpes and the route Napoleon.

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moto_traxport said:

https://www.flybikefly.com

Another option. These chaps do the shipping service for No Limits foreign trackdays.

I think that'll be expensive by the time you add the cost of your air fare. Also you are without you bike for several days both before and after the trip. OK in winter but a bit of a pain in the summer.

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Harry H said:

Hooli said:

I think you'll find a lot of us use road tyres that last long enough for a road trip (7k ish out of my PR3s normally) & maintain our own bikes. £40 every 4k for an oil change & £120 every 30-40k for C&S.

And there's me thinking PistonHeads was full of company directors driving Lambo's and riding Desmodici's

It is, and they all spend Saturday afternoons servicing them themselves!