As equally
renowned as their transatlantic cousins when it comes to the pursuit of
road-based excitement, the Europeans are a bunch who has contributed just as
much as, if not more as any other population towards the advent of motorcycle culture.
Pioneering as many individual saddlebags, biker jackets and full faced helmets as
the Americans, they also share our devout allegiance to the recreation in all
of its individual forms.
While mere
mention of the many different varieties of motorcycling is enough to inspire a
piece celebrating the wonderful variety of our chosen passion, this is an idea
best saved for another day.
Today, we shall
instead be taking a look at some of the best cruise roads the European
continent holds.
The
Transfagarasan Highway – Romania
Though tempted,
I chose against listing this road choice under its equally as recognizable
geographic locations of ‘Transylvania’. The fact that this high altitude Shorty
(just 21 miles long) is located in the worlds of literature and superstition’s
co-capital should be enough to inspire the more dark-hearted among you to start
planning your trip today. Though short, the Highway is action packed- with a
host of ancient Monasteries and Castles showcasing some of the best Gothic
architecture world over lining the route.
Trabzon to
Savsat – Turkey
A wonderful
route in the sense that it is relatively short and conquerable (180 miles), yet
it supplies many of the benefits of a road ten times of its size. Providing a
wonderful mix of lush green continental scenery and bone dry tracks which just
cry out for the employment of riding chaps, the road between Trabzon and Savsat
in Eastern Turkey runs largely parallel to the Georgian border and calls for
your most well-ventilated biker vest.
Antrim Coast
– Northern Ireland
A world famous
spot for all things biking, the Antrim Coast road runs for 60 miles of
beautifully rugged Celtic coastline and is perhaps one of the most motorcyclist
friendly places on our planet.
Legendary TT icon Joey Dunlop is believed to
have put in much of his practice on this route and there are a host of annual
competitions staged around the area to this day. It’s all in all a very
humbling journey, ending at the Giants Causeway just 20 or so miles over the
sea from Scotland. One piece of advice however: wrap up warm as it is Ireland;
don’t forget those insulated biker gloves.
Bar
(Montenegro) to Sarajevo (Bosnia)
A 250 mile road
which cuts through the heart of Eastern Europe, this route is tackled only by
the most sure of bikers. An immense journey that takes in mountain after
mountain and plateau after plateau,
isolation and
terrain pose the biggest problems here. An enduro bike is a must as well as
fully stocked range of motorcycle luggage.
Cabo de Gata
to Grenada – Spain
Yet another
rather short ride which does extremely well to include an intriguing array of
landscape, culture and climate changes over the course of its mere 130 miles.
From the heat of Cabo de Gata up to the cool yet pleasant surroundings of the
Sierra Nevada- this route is a must for any Spaghetti Western fans.
A stunningly
diverse part of the planet, Europe has a hell of a lot to offer a traveller.
From the baron Fjords of Scandinavia in the north to the tropical shores of
Greece, Italy and Spain in the south, there’s a lot more going on there than
most may care to believe.
Continuing on
from my last post about the old world, I hope we are all ready to take a look
at some more of the finest biking routes Europe has to offer. Once again, saddlebags
at the ready…
Saranda to
Vlora – Albania
Yet another
Eastern European gem, this route would surprise all who possess the conviction
to choose it for their next biking journey abroad. Commencing in the country’s
semi-tropical south, the road will see
you pass up into
the heart of one of the most scenic nations on Earth. A nation not long escaped
of an extremely turbulent history, this route is not for the faint hearted-
though pays off immensely for those who dare take it.
Furka Pass –
Switzerland
An extreme ride
for the most extreme bikers with the most padded of extreme riding jackets, the Furka Pass is a
section of road which has been separating the men from the boys since the invention
of the wheel.
A tightly coiled
route which scales an almost vertical mountainside, I for one think the crash
barriers there are in place solely to provide psychological support.
Regardless, the breath-taking scenery and the chance for some of the most
thrilling ride available on Earth.
Bergen to
Geiranger – Norway
A potentially
life altering motorcycle route, you’ll likely have to sacrifice those stylish riding
chaps of yours and replace them with something a little warmer. Earlier I
believe I mentioned ‘baron Fjords’, if this instantly struck a chord with you-
then this is your road.
Best spread over
the course of a few days, conquering this isolated and stunning road is an
ambition likely to require the very warmest of riding jackets. Passing on ferries over a variety of
Fjords, through tunnels, past glaciers and over mountains- this is a once in a
lifetime type route.
Cat and
Fiddle Run – England
The current
spiritual home of English motorcycling, the Cat and Fiddle Run tracks for just
6 miles through the north western English countryside. A rite of passage among
native enthusiasts, the route is notorious in England as being one of the
country’s most dangerous roads. Following several deaths on the short yet
challenging run, the speed limit has been cut dramatically- however this
appears to have failed in deterring bikers completely.
Amalfi Coast
Road – Italy
Known
colloquially as the ‘Road of a Thousand Bends’, the Amalfi Coast Road is
relatively short stretch at just over 30 miles and joins the vibrant Italian
cities of Naples and Salerno. Taking the route in the winter as opposed to
summer is advised- as it tends to become clogged up with tourists in the hotter
months. Beautiful countryside runs perfectly into either of the two old school
and highly cultured cities.
