Anglo-Italian Transalp owners meet-up 2009

[steveR]

Part 2. So, thoughts and impression and tips.

Fuel is damnably expensive in Europe, fill up in Lux if you can, else the UK is as cheap as anywhere I found in 6 countries. I went over budget because of the fuel usage and cost. Food is a little more expensive than here in supermarkets, Germany was cheaper than France. Avoid rural French filling stations...

I cooked largely with travel grub that I had purchased here before I went and then bought fresh fruit and veg in Supermarkets as I travelled. I again used the “wet” packs from Morrison’s along with dried pasta and the like for the main ingredients. The only “outside” food I had was in the Hotel and it really was super food. I reckon that food and camping days averaged €17/day, which is not bad. Hotel Steiner in Laives half board was €40/night and was a bargain and I would go there again tomorrow. The Khayam was as ever, excellent albeit a tad larger than I like, again, I packed too much clothing! Sleeping was transformed now I have ditched the Mummy bag and gone for a 2 season envelope bag combined with a fleece liner bag from Wilko at about a tenner. I can adjust for temp so easily now.

Europe is big and yes, big distances can be covered if you use the motorways, but they are not what I use a bike for!! After the French Tour earlier in the year, I felt I had got my planned daily mileage at a sensible level, but each day, I found I had to use some motorway for distance coverage as I was strapped for time. I had 9 days and in all honesty, my trip would have been better over 14 days. Satnav is great but do take a good map or two too as it allows quick detours rejigs more easily. I was really pleased with the speed camera alerts and I reckon that it was 44 quid well spent… Don’t ask!”

The Italian Tyrol is gobsmackingly wonderful and you should go there if you can, just once in your life. I will go again ASAP and if time is tight, I may well consider a fly/bike hire as it would work out about the same, or less and allow more time in the mountains.

Huge thanks again go to Maurizio for his great work in organising the Italian end, he was a superb host and run leader and I look forward to seeing him in the UK as I am sure will other xrv’ers who he has met already. It was sad that after his work more locals did not appear, but as the header says, “quality, not quantity”.

Now to plan next Spring’s trip… !! Pyrenees next I think.



Well, I had to slip this one in too

[YEN_POWELL]

Cheers Yen, I'll give it a whirl when I have 10mins free... one day!

I tried to do the rest but it won't let me save the rsults as it says that there are too many characters in the post. I will try again later, I may have to split the post into two (Part 1a and Part 1b)

[steveR]

I tried to do the rest but it won't let me save the rsults as it says that there are too many characters in the post. I will try again later, I may have to split the post into two (Part 1a and Part 1b)

That is what I did too!! I also chopped some of the text about and did a bit of needed proof reading

[Dee Duble Yuh]

Lovely part of the world. Thanks for the write-up!

[scorpio]

Huge thanks again go to Maurizio for his great work in organising the Italian end, he was a superb host and run leader and I look forward to seeing him in the UK as I am sure will other xrv’ers who he has met already. It was sad that after his work more locals did not appear, but as the header says, “quality, not quantity

Great write up Steve ! I wish to thank you for your nice words, I am glad we met. Unfortunately I decided to organize a meeting in the wrong period when most Italians get holiday and prefer going somewhere instead of participating a meeting few miles far from home. Then others gave up because of the low number of participants.
Well, I learnt the lesson !
Just after the ITT I was going to cancel this meeting because of it and because Germans and Dutch Transalpers did not write a word about this event on their forums (do not ask my why...maybe because they do it only for official meetings) but when you and Jason asked me to participate I changed my mind. I said to myself: "It doesn't matter how many bikers will come, the important thing is having a good time".
See you next year in UK ? I hope so...

Maurizio

[steveR]

Just after the ITT I was going to cancel this meeting because of it and because Germans and Dutch Transalpers did not write a word about this event on their forums (do not ask my why...maybe because they do it only for official meetings) but when you and Jason asked me to participate I changed my mind. I said to myself: "It doesn't matter how many bikers will come, the important thing is having a good time".
See you next year in UK ? I hope so...

Maurizio

Ans I know we were both delighted that you were able to keep the meetup going. I know we had a great time!

I hope we will see you over here next year, just bring the sun!

[steveR]

More on the "wet food" I mentioned and was asked about.

See this post Good camping grub in our sister Forum.

I know another forum member recommended using ready meals and I was surprised, but having used them on several occasions, I can see their appeal, and for under a fiver (including the VITAL beer) you will eat well and quickly at the end of a long day.