Stella Alpina

[africajim]

Well, due to the obvious lack of information on the Stella Alpina rally, one which has been attended by many from this forum, I will take it upon myself to ride down there and return with a comprehensive report for the XRV.org.uk website!
This Iconic rally seems to have fell by the wayside and needs to be dragged into the limelight again.

It's quite a task but someone has to do it! If anyone wants to join in or meet up on the way let me know. My plan is to sail from Newcastle, (I'm sure they'll not mistake me for a monkey!) sail to Ijmiuden in Holland, cross to Germany for a beer in Koblenz, down the Rhine and on to Switzerland, from there to the Col De Iseran and the Col De Mont Cenise to Bardonnechia. Back home across France and Belgium back to Holland.

As said, all's welcome, trip of a lifetime. My mate Eric and his missus Jean are coming along with Fiona and myself so should be a hoot! It's the middle two weeks in July for anyone interested.

[boboneleg]

We're off to the Pyrenees this year but next year may be a goer.

have a good trip

Bob.

[Snaphappy]

Let us know when you plan to be in Koblenz.
Beer (or coffee) tastes better down there

might be able to meet up

details on the Safehouse list

[africajim]

Thanks Bob, hope to meet up with you some time.

Might be a few changes to my plan though, DFDS Ferries are over £400 this year! That's over £100 more than last yr! I don't like paying through the nose for anything so possibly heading Dover Callais instead

Oh well, still hope to head down the Rhine though so might make Koblenz as planned, I'll try to make time to meet up Snaphappy. That's one thing with this touring malarky, the plans are always fluid!

[Annette]

Jim

If you're heading to Dover it will most likely be cheaper to get the Channel Tunnel. If you get the early train it only costs about £34.00. You then get a good day's run and should be able to get as far as Switzerland in one day.

Have a great time. We did when we went. If you want to take in any of the other trails around the area, keep a watch out for signs as the Italians are getting as bad as us Brits for trail riding

If you have a day to spare when you are down there, and it is the weekend, might be worth dropping Breeze a PM and seeing if the local AT club are having a run out. They are great fun to ride with and know some fantastic trails.

[Whealie]

Have a good one Jim. I was hoping to make it this year but my knee is shot to pieces.

I have an MRI scan this month and my appointment with the specialist is not till 8 July. I can ride but I cannot stand on the pegs, so no off-roading for me right now.

[africajim]

Thanks for the replies,

Annette, sounds good to me, I'll look into the tunnel then! Do I have to book or just turn up? A bit more advice on that please! I might give Breeze a shout, as you say, they have great runs down there and it will be the weekend. As I'm two up on the Vara I'm not planning doing too much offroad.

Wheelie, sorry to hear about your knee sir, hopefully you'll be able to hit the offoad next summer.

I'm not much further on with my plans, my good mate Craig had a stroke biginning of the week, he was flown to Aberdeen on Thursday to theatre so I've been coming to terms with that. Craig rides a 2000 RD07 @T, here's hoping any way. Get well soon Craig.

[Annette]

Jim definitely book. If you just turn up you have to pay the full price of aoubr £100 each way. And I know this because it just happened to us - 206 euros for 2 bikes

Pre-book, you can turn up 2 hours before or after and get on if there's space at no additional cost. If you're outside of that you will still get on but there MAY be an additional cost.

If we take the first one in the morning, we book into the nearby Travelodge and get the 6.30am train. Get a whole day's riding in then.

[Lord Vader]

Thanks for the replies,

Annette, sounds good to me, I'll look into the tunnel then! Do I have to book or just turn up? A bit more advice on that please! I might give Breeze a shout, as you say, they have great runs down there and it will be the weekend. As I'm two up on the Vara I'm not planning doing too much offroad.

Wheelie, sorry to hear about your knee sir, hopefully you'll be able to hit the offoad next summer.

I'm not much further on with my plans, my good mate Craig had a stroke biginning of the week, he was flown to Aberdeen on Thursday to theatre so I've been coming to terms with that. Craig rides a 2000 RD07 @T, here's hoping any way. Get well soon Craig.

As i told you before
Come and stay at my place45 min to the tunnel and you can get the early train
and as Anette says book in advance.Last year on my trip to James's place i booked the 5.45 train and got there early enough for the 4.30(or so) train.No extra cost

[africajim]

Annette,

Thanks for that info, I'll look into it in greater detail, but now know I'll have to book! Due to DFDS being so damned expensive it's put my plans off a little so I'm just looking into alternatives. Ok, checked tunnel, £110? Seems a bit much, P&O are 62.50, both return for both me and Fiona! Help please! I've always went from Newcastle and have never went from Dover area. I think I need more help from you!

Vader,

I am remembering your kind offer sir and would love to take you up on it. I'm unsure of my plans just now, due to one thing or another I've been falling behind with planning. I have one thing solid, I will be leaving Morayshire on Sat July the 4th. I'm unsure if I'll be in company or not, I know Andy is coming with his Blade but Eric appears to have his own agenda and is catching a ferry. Would you manage three people?

I'll get on with my planning! Thank you both for your input and assistance.