Our adventure continues and we get on the road again, leaving the tranquil village of Grono in Switzerland behind. Todays leg of our European motorcycle tour leads us into the heart of the Swiss Alps and experiences such as the legendary passes around Ariolo. But the allure of the open road doesn’t end there; our journey takes us to the vibrant city of Strasbourg for a captivating urban pause. Join me as I relish in my favourite ride of the trip so far through the breathtaking Ariolo Pass and share the excitement of our future plans to conquer other Swiss passes like Susten and Furka.
The Ariolo Pass is a motorcyclists delight, echoes of our motorcycle engines bounce off the mountains and tunnels as we dive into the twists and turns of the Ariolo Pass. Each bend in the road unveils a new panorama of awe-inspiring landscapes that stretch out before us. As we meander through numerous switchbacks, we climb higher and higher, the temperatures drop and we find ourselves up in the clouds, where the impact on all our senses is invigorating. The Ariolo Pass is more than just a road; it’s a journey that fuels our love for adventure, beckoning us to explore and appreciate the raw beauty of the world around us. The views throughout were simply stunning and this proved to be the best ride of our trip so far.
Having experienced Ariolo Pass, there is an urge to return and conquer more of Switzerland’s renowned mountain passes. The names Susten and Furka Pass spring to mind as destinations waiting to be embraced. The promise of more hairpin turns, soaring altitudes, and sweeping vistas entices us to plan our future rides. These passes aren’t just destinations; they’re tick boxes on a bikers bucket list, each offering a unique challenge and a chance to connect with the road in its purest form.
Our journey for today isn’t all about the open road; our overnight destination is Strasbourg, an bustling French city that offers a contrast to the untamed beauty of the passes. The mix of modern architecture juxtaposed with the historic cobblestone streets, make for a perfect balance between history and modernity.
We did have a slight mishap with one of our party deciding to choke on his rump steak at our evening meal, but the hero that is Gaz, managed to dislodge the offending piece of steak with some swift sharp slaps to the back of our companion. Luckily all ended well and we slipped back to the hotel for a nightcap and to reminisce on the life and near death experiences of the day.
Conclusion:
Leaving Grono behind, we’ve come to appreciate the thrill of conquering the Ariolo Pass and the promise of future rides on iconic Swiss passes. The call of Susten and Furka fuels our anticipation, reminding us that our passion for riding and adventure is unwavering. The came Strasbourg, with its urban charms, provided a welcome respite, and showcased the multifaceted nature of our journey. However, the road continues to beckon, promising more passes to conquer, more landscapes to embrace, and more memories to create. Our motorcycles are more than just vehicles; they’re our companions on a quest for adventure, discovery, and a true sense of freedom.
As our European motorcycle tour has unfolded, we realise that it’s not just a physical journey; it’s a journey of the heart and soul, it’s a journey of friendship and trust and most of all a haven for camaraderie and laughter.
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