American Motorcyclist
"It's pretty simple, really. If you even dream of riding your motorcycle in the Alps, you need John Hermann's book. The first edition has become the bible for Alp pass-baggers, and this newest, expanded edition includes more roads and new destinations, like Slovenia and Corsica.
"Hermann covers most of the known, and little-known, passes with a pleasant writing style and simple scoring system (two stars means a "must" ride). He includes invaluable information about local hotels, customs and motorcycle-specific information. He describes 68 individual day-trips (19 more than the first edition) that will make your mouth water and throttle hand twitch. It's a great guide and a good read." American Motorcyclist --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Autoweek
"A book for motorcycle riders that car enthusiasts can use. We found that what Hermann said was true--about the roads and about the towns and interesting places along the way. So here's a guide who can be trusted, and a guidebook for the enthusiast who has done his 155-mph sprint down the autobahn and now wants to follow the switchback stairways to the mountaintops . . . And for the drivers and riders alike, there's the "Alps Pass Bagging List" that includes 214 mountain passes--rated with stars--and where to find their routes in the book. Sure it might take a lifetime to bag them all, but what a lifetime it would be." Autoweek --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Bronwen and Eric Young
"We are writing to tell you how useful we found Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps and Corsica when we were touring this summer. . . . At the beginning of last April we flew our two BMW R1100GS's to Heath Row, London for what was to be a four month adventure throughout Britain, Scandinavia and the continent. . . .
"Beyond a doubt, the highlight of the trip was our month long tour of the Alps (July). In retrospect, I think we spent the first three months of the trip just waiting to get there! We entered through the 'east gate' from Vienna, gave the 'give your guardian angel a chance' sign a cursory glance, and never looked back. The first coffee of the day was at Kalte Kuchl where we began to realize just how extensive the motorcycle culture is in the Alps.
"We used your book as an invaluable guide to choosing our route for the next month. We have to admit that at first we were hesitant to follow someone else's advice so closely. We both have extensive European travel experience (without motorcycles) and are used to figuring things out for ourselves. It soon became obvious that your tips and advice were right on the mark. We rode seventy 'over a thousand metres' passes. From Austria to the Dolomites, up to Switzerland and then down into Southern French Alps, it was one thrill after another!
"Needless to say, we are plotting another trip. We're even entertaining the idea of keeping a couple of bikes over there. . . . Once again, thanks for putting out such a useful book." Bronwen and Eric Young --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
BMW Owners News
"For Anyone Planning, or just dreaming, of a first or nth ride in the Alps . . . Hermann's [2nd] edition is simply indispensable. And, if you're among the 2,500 who made the now sold out first edition one of Whitehorse Press's best sellers, you'll want [this 2nd edition] too." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly (July 2001) Book Review by Sev Pearman Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps & Corsica (Second Edition) by John Hermann
We here at MMM are warning you right now: do not read this book unless you can walk away from all responsibilities and ride the Alps. Author Hermann claims to be known as "King of the Alps." With over 23 years of Alpine riding experience, he is a perfect tour guide for what is arguably the best riding in the world. Hermann breaks up all of the delicious mountain roads into 68 day-trips. He recommends several hubs from which to plan your vacation. Only have a few days? Stay in one of the selected cities and ride two or three routes. This reduces the inefficient pack/unpack time that accompanies a daily hotel change. Have more time? Ride a hub's routes, and then travel to another hub. The best part? Each road, whether day-trip or transition, is a technical, breathtaking Alpine Pass! Hermann loads each route description with insider information especially tailored to the American motorcycle rider. Which (busy) passes to avoid. "Secret" little-traveled passes used primarily by locals. Which towns have motorcycle shops. Which towns speak little English. He tells you about the rifugios (Italy) and gasthaus (Austria,) motorcycle-friendly restaurants found at the top of most passes. Serving fresh salads and pasta, they almost always offer amazing vistas to accompany your meal. Mr. Hermann adds several sections on motorcycle insurance, tolls and practical advice to the traveling rider. Don't order hot chocolate in Switzerland. It is better in the Italian Alps. If in line, stand to the right of the person ahead of you. To stand behind is considered boorish. If you are still on the fence, he further tempts you with interesting destinations. Care to see the Matterhorn? How about the district from where Heidi originated? Remember William Tell, his son, and the apple? Put that on your next group ride bonus sheet! Finally, the text is clearly illustrated with concise scaled maps. Perfectly sized for map-pockets, they were carefully drawn with the rider in mind. Motorcycle Journeys easily fits into your tank bag, so you'll never be lost with it. Highly recommended, as is my request for "personal research" to substantiate this review. [Dream on. -Ed.] Verdict: Casual Reader--Read only if you can withstand the wanderlust. Gear Head--"Ach du Lieber! Ein caffe brun, bitte." Serious Rider--Better start figuring out what you're going to have to sell to get to the Alps... M.M.M. |