My second day in the Alps will take me to renowned routes and new ones I never anticipated seeing or riding. After a very short and chilly night at a great camping spot in Austria, there was a lot to discover today. I planned a trip across the Austrian Alps, then to Italy and the famed Stelvio Mountain Pass to complete my day in the Swiss Alps.

My resting spot was beside the mountain river. A great environment with a fishing restaurant nearby. Campingplatz Mountain Camp in Pitztal was its name. The Pitztal is an alpine valley in Tyrol, Austria.
Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed during my visit, so I was unable to sample the delicious and fresh dishes.

Despite my eagerness to continue my journey, the rain prevented me from packing my camping equipment and setting out. I waited for the right moment while sipping some of my freshly brewed coffee. It was time to go inside myself and figure out what I wanted to do with my five-day road trip.

What I wanted to do was explore the beautiful Alps with their breathtaking passes and views. My Dutch neighbour told me he drove his van to one of Europe’s highest tarmac roads. He stated that it was fantastic and that he had a stunning view. Something that wasn’t too far away and was a must-see. Meanwhile, the rain had stopped, and I only had 15 minutes to pack my camping gear, get on my beloved BMW adventure bike, and ride out. I was quickly transported back to the majestic Alpine passes. Because the roads were so packed with motorbikes, it appeared like they were only for them. My paths…

I have to say that I completely understand why bikers visit these sites. The views are breathtaking, and the curvey roads seem to go on forever. For me, it’s the beauty, while for others, it’s the speed of flying down the asphalt curvey roads. Not in my case, but as you can see, I seek more within forest routes and passes that are equally or even more amazing.

I’m driving into the Ötztal Glacier Road as I approach the well-known ski resort of Solden in Austria. At 2,830 m, the Ötztal Glacier Road (German: tztaler Gletscherstraße) is Europe’s second-highest paved road. It is the route that connects Sölden to the Rettenbach and Tiefenbachferner glaciers in the Ötztal Alps. It was created as an extension to the existing Hochsölden road in 1972. The route ascends the Rettenbach Valley from Solden in Tyrol’s Ötztal Valley. The road swings south towards the top of the valley, at the foot of the Rettenbach glacier, and continues ascending via a ski tunnel; the second highest road tunnel in Europe; with the highest point of the road at the southern end of the tunnel.

What a sight to see. I felt like a mouse and was awestruck by mother nature.

It was a fantastic experience to be standing at 2800 metres and parking my motorbike among snow scooters and even snow. In addition, snow was falling at the time. It’s insane! My ride on this road with the gorgeous, powerful Alpine mountains next to me reminded me of why I came to these locations. Seeing these two gletchers already made my day, and it wasn’t even lunchtime yet. My next destination would be my beloved Italy. When I visit the north of Italy, it always feels like coming home.

So my journey continues…

I’m biking towards the Austrian border on some more Alpine mountain road crossings. It was so crowded with motorcycles, and I just wanted to ride in peace, so I picked some more tranquil routes. Rain showers began to fall at that point, and I needed to slip into the rain covers to keep my riding gear dry.

The aim was to motorcycle towards Italy’s Stelvio Pass. I had no idea where I was since I had taken some inland routes and had reached some really difficult tiny road passes. I begin climbing and continue climbing in lovely nature. Then, out of nowhere, I saw the sign Markings Stelvio… I followed the indications, and here I am. Soaked, but after so many years of wanting to be at the top, I finally made it. I had intended to ride it on a bicycle so many times, but I was never able to do it due to wrecks and health concerns.

I accomplished it today on my favourite motorbike.

I’m on top of the mountain, and the sun is shining brightly. What a sensation! The pass is located in Italy’s Ortler Alps between Stilfs (“Stelvio” in Italian) and Bormio in the region of Sondrio. It is around 75 kilometres from Bolzano and not too far from the Swiss border. The Umbrail Pass goes north from the western ramp of the Stelvio, and the “Three Languages Peak” (Dreisprachenspitze) above the pass is so named because it is the meeting point of the Italian, German, and Romansh language-speaking populations.

With this opportunity, I continue my trek towards the Swiss border in the Sankt Moritz area. Even though it began to rain fiercely, this day will be remembered. I was eager to reach the peak of the Stelvio after making so many preparations, and my health did not disappoint me today.
Okay, I was on a motorbike because I can’t cycle anymore, but the experience is for me the same.

Continue to pursue your goals. It could happen one day!
The secret to success is to keep believing.

Thank you