Alps Switchback Challenge

ALPS SWITCHBACK CHALLENGE

The Alps Switchback Challenge is a 7-day Club Class Adventure designed for riders who wish to maximize their time riding the great motorcycling roads of the Alps while minimizing hotel changes. Riders will depart Munich for Pfunds, a municipality in the state of Tyrol, Austria. Located only 3 miles from the border with Switzerland, Pfunds is the Adventure Center which will be home for the duration of the tour. From the “biker-friendly” lodge, riders will be led by a local Ayres Adventures tour leader on some of the best riding the Alps has to offer. Riders will experience epic and renowned passes including the “Timmelsjoch” and the “Mighty Stelvio” with its 75 switchbacks.

The Switchback Challenge is ideal for single riders or for couples traveling two-up. Non-riding companions (or companions who do not wish to ride every day) can opt for an enjoyable day exploring Pfunds and relaxing at the hotel.

At a Glance Your Alps Switchback Challenge

Day 1 – Arrival in Munich

Welcome to Bavaria, the “beer capital of Germany”! On the official arrival day we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. If you arrive early, you can take a stroll to do a little sightseeing or try out one of the famous Bavarian biergartens. We’ll have a kickoff meeting in the late afternoon followed by our first dinner together!

Day 2 – Munich to Pfunds: 170 miles

Our first riding day offers a perfect opportunity to get accustomed to the bike and the riding conditions in Europe. We journey out on beautiful winding country roads through the upper Bavarian Lake country. Our first stop will be in the picturesque Bavarian village of Bad Tölz, the gateway to the Alps. We’ll cross into Austria where we will encounter and enjoy the exhilaration of our first alpine roads. At a look-out point high above the Inn Valley, we can stop to appreciate stunning mountain views from the extension deck. Curvy roads will lead us into Pfunds where we will find a picturesque alpine village next to the Inn River. History of the town dates back to the 1200s with some buildings as old as 400 years. The support vehicle will have delivered our luggage by the time we arrive at our “home” for the next four nights.

Day 3 – Loop into Switzerland – St. Moritz: 175 miles

A fantastic day lies ahead as we ride west into the Swiss Alps. Crossing the border into Switzerland, the fun begins with roads that give a clue as to why this tour is labelled “Switchback Challenge”! In spite of the exhilarating ride, it is hard to resist stopping to capture the picture-perfect landscapes of the Alps and the many alpine villages. We will enjoy Swiss hospitality in many of these charming villages along the way. A highlight of the today’s ride is the famous Fluelapass, which at an elevation of 7818 ft, offers breathtaking views of the striking Schwarzhorn and the alpine lakes below. We ride through Davos, the highest altitude town in Europe, and then cross the Julierpass to arrive at our destination, St. Moritz, one of the most famous holiday resort towns in the world.

Day 4 – Loop into Italy – The Mighty Stelvio Pass: 135 miles

Today is the day we conquer the iconic Mighty Stelvio! We leave Pfunds for Italy via the Reschenpass. At the top of this ancient pass, which was built at the behest of a Roman Emperor in the 2nd century, we’ll stop to view the artificial lake with a 14th century church submerged in its waters. Continuing into Italy we stop for refreshments in the beautiful old hamlet of Glurns, a cultural treasure tucked behind medieval city walls. From there, we begin our approach to conquer Passo di Stelvio, the mother of all passes. With 48 switchbacks up, and another 27 down, it is the second highest paved pass in the Alps. We will pass through Livigno, a once charming farm village which has grown in popularity as a tourist destination in recent years. It is a place worth stopping as it is a pretty town with duty-free status. On our return to Pfunds, we dip back into Switzerland to ride the wonderful Ofen Pass, named after the ovens used for ironworks in the area.

Day 5 – Loop into Italy – Timmelsjoch: 205 miles

Today we head back into the Italian Alps where numerous pass roads will make for a great day. We ride east toward the Inn Valley and start climbing to the saddle of Kuehtai, Austria’s highest ski resort. We head back into Italy via the Brennerpass, the most important north-south connection in the Alps. Next we climb the extraordinary Jaufenpass followed by the 8200 ft Paso di Rombo, also known as the Timmelsjoch in German. The summit of this toll road is also the border into Italy. The Timmelsjoch has become a mecca for both bicyclists and motorcyclists from all over the world. As the road is so famous among motorcycle enthusiasts, the owners of a nearby ski-hill decided it was a great location for a motorcycle museum. In a building of stunning architectural design, the museum showcases the culture and history of motorcycle riding with 170 classic motorcycles on display. Though we may be tempted to spend a considerable amount of time at this Top Mountain Crosspoint, it is a long day and so we must continue on our way. On our return to Pfunds, we take a relaxing ride through the Oetz Valley, formed by the main chain of the Alps. The Oetz Valley is famous for the discovery of Ötzi or “Iceman”, which dates back to 3,300 BC.

Day 6 – Pfunds to Munich via Steingaden: 185 miles

Our last riding day provides plenty of photo opportunities as we work our way back to Munich. The landscape transitions from high alpine to lush countryside, an area so beautiful that the last kings in the state of Bavaria made it their home. Passing by the crystal clear waters of Plansee Lake, we will see the hunting castle of King Ludwig. This famous castle is where “Mad” King Ludwig of Bavaria tried to imitate the famous French castle of Versailles. Before we loop into Ismaning, we will stop at the famous Pilgrimage Church of Wies in Steingaden, where in 1738 a miracle was said to have taken place. Dinner will be at an authentic Bavarian biergarten where we can drink to our time together in the Alps – Prost!!

Day 7

After breakfast, we will arrange your transport to the airport for your flight home.