Francois_Dumas Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 .... about motor touring the Alps. Because I am not content with what's out there in terms of literature so far. And because I just like to share my experience, use my photos, and maybe pay for our next Cappucino in Italy But I am intersted in hearing what YOU would want to see covered (assuming I can of course). Here are the Chapters I am working on so far: - Introduction - WHY this book (what's covered and what isn't) - How to get to the Alps - Traffic rules and regulations - Mountain riding techniques - Beginners, Experts, what's in a name? - Hazards - Some GREAT routes and places - GPS and maps - Information on the Internet Any input is appreciated...... Link to comment
Firefight911 Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 Good facts and interesting tidbits about the local area, towns, etc. Link to comment
motorman587 Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 How to prepare yourself, ie maybe some training, MSF refresher, track day etc........ Link to comment
ltljohn Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 How about something on local customs and courtesy. Like tipping and restaurant etiquette. Link to comment
Dave_C Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 How about an easy search format for taking on your trip, and using as a reference. Link to comment
Twisties Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 Weather/climate is under hazards? Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 10, 2009 Author Share Posted September 10, 2009 Weather/climate is under hazards? Very definitely...... mountain weather is quite different from what we flatlanders are used to :-) Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 10, 2009 Author Share Posted September 10, 2009 We try to eat like the locals. We always look for a "Stop and eat here" section when planning vacations. We NEVER would have found the poffertjes place you took us to. It was a very memorable part of our trip. Now Joyce is always on the look out for "those little Dutch pancakes" Although I am not culinary specialist.... :-) Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 10, 2009 Author Share Posted September 10, 2009 How to prepare yourself, ie maybe some training, MSF refresher, track day etc........ Don't think you need track days for MY riding and touring style.... but preparation definitely. I'll cover that, thanks :-) Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 10, 2009 Author Share Posted September 10, 2009 How about an easy search format for taking on your trip, and using as a reference. Not sure I understand you. You mean like a sort of roadbook? Link to comment
Username Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 And when will this book be done and published? I am in need of such a publication already You should also include a chapter on how not to fall in love with the place you are visiting and then try to move there. Then, a chapter on how TO fall in love with the place you are visiting and then try to move there. Seems to happen with European trips!! Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 10, 2009 Author Share Posted September 10, 2009 LOL ! Tough ones..... we are trying to move to a place we like and not very successful at that. So I am not an expert As for 'when'..... heck, I started a few weeks ago only and my last book took a year to write and to have edited. That was in a time when I did NOT have 3 jobs, like today... no promises I'm afraid. Link to comment
Kitsap Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 Actual riding time to allow for a given route. Link to comment
Twisties Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 Francois, What do you feel current offerings are lacking? What do you see as their strengths? Link to comment
ragtoplvr Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 You might include a chapter on what is available when things go wrong. Repair shop locations, local customs about repairs etc., do you tip the mechanic? tickets, customs, finding local lawyers, speeds where the ticket, and speed where you go to jail. Bonding out, fine amounts etc. Strange (from the USA point of view) regulations, like lane spliting, filtering, standing up, riding on one wheel (I would never do this of course), riding one handed, gear requirements. Camping, crime, off bike security, bike security. Out to country prescriptions, some countries over the counter might be regulated in another, not to mention local regulations on alcohol and some common herbal recreational substances (For the other hooligans ) Hospitals, and clinics, charges, some of that fancy European food might not agree with you. Towing, shipping etc. How to ship the souveners that will no longer fit on your bike home. Just where to buy some good rain gear after you discover yours was not packed. Rod Link to comment
Albert Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 Francois, I'd suggest including some links/phone numbers for various travel information. If it's like here in the states, each country probably has some contact information on where to check on construction projects, highway conditions, etc.. Weather was mentioned too so maybe a reference section. Good luck. Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 10, 2009 Author Share Posted September 10, 2009 Strong points of what is available is the sheer volume I guess. There are many books about travel, and even specialized on motor travel. Even for Alpine roads. I for sure will not be able, nor do I intend to, cover ALL the nice places and roads in the regions. However, most books I have seen and read on the topic so far are either focusing on (sometimes a lot of) specific PLACES (or roads), or on 'sporty riding', when talking about motorcycling. The 'regular' travel guides are mostly not relevant for motorcycle riders and the specialized motor books are focusing more on the (faster?) riding than on the 'touring' aspect of it. I have also not seen a book that appeals to me in terms of explaining what is different in the mountain world as opposed to the flatlands.... including difference in riding techniques, weather, speeds, hazards, traffic and route planning. Maybe there are, and I just haven't found them. In any case, I figure I'll have some fun in writing the book (and selecting illustrations for it) at the times I cannot ride here Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 10, 2009 Author Share Posted September 10, 2009 You might include a chapter on what is available when things go wrong. Repair shop locations, local customs about repairs etc., do you tip the mechanic? tickets, customs, finding local lawyers, speeds where the ticket, and speed where you go to jail. Bonding out, fine amounts etc. Strange (from the USA point of view) regulations, like lane spliting, filtering, standing up, riding on one wheel (I would never do this of course), riding one handed, gear requirements. Camping, crime, off bike security, bike security. Out to country prescriptions, some countries over the counter might be regulated in another, not to mention local regulations on alcohol and some common herbal recreational substances (For the other hooligans ) Hospitals, and clinics, charges, some of that fancy European food might not agree with you. Towing, shipping etc. How to ship the souveners that will no longer fit on your bike home. Just where to buy some good rain gear after you discover yours was not packed. Rod WOW !! I think research will take another year in addition. Seriously, very valid points and things I would never think of as living here. Some really have us grinning, others are indeed important. Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 10, 2009 Author Share Posted September 10, 2009 Francois, I'd suggest including some links/phone numbers for various travel information. If it's like here in the states, each country probably has some contact information on where to check on construction projects, highway conditions, etc.. Weather was mentioned too so maybe a reference section. Good luck. Yes, indeed. Quite a lot of those informations are already on my website, but I am finding more every week. Some excellent weather sites have popped up recently, for instance. Most are NOT in English, though..... Link to comment
Albert Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 I would certainly place an emphasis on your outstanding photography too. While I'm sure your intent is not to make a coffee table book, I think you could open a considerable market with non-riders if the book has a feel of a general travelogue. Think of the copies you could sell to doctors, dentists and repair shops for their waiting rooms. Link to comment
BFish Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 that market may dry up (sans repair shop) depending on health care reform. Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 10, 2009 Author Share Posted September 10, 2009 LOL, yes. Only literature you find typically in our waiting rooms are worn-out 12 months old glossies. Link to comment
ragtoplvr Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 WOW !! I think research will take another year in addition. Seriously, very valid points and things I would never think of as living here. Some really have us grinning, others are indeed important. I threw in a few to make you grin, where I work we have a young stunt rider (finally got him to quit practicing on the roads (mostly)) and a NORMAL activist who is wearing his hemp shirt today. As for me, well, If it were not for bad luck, I would have no luck at all. I am glad you appreciate the humor. I do hope the same things were funny on the other side of the pond though. Rod (Followed by rain, how it knows I left the rain suit behind is a mystery) Link to comment
motorman587 Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 How to prepare yourself, ie maybe some training, MSF refresher, track day etc........ Don't think you need track days for MY riding and touring style.... but preparation definitely. I'll cover that, thanks :-) Not to be rude, track days or a racing school is very good for street riding education. It teaches you how to take corners and how to brake in curves, in fact it can teach you how to take curves, of course, a little faster than MSF. It is a great tool if you find yourself a little hot in a curve. Link to comment
Whip Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 The Swiss bikini ski team is old news.. Soooo...... The Alpine Bikini ski team????? Link to comment
Firefight911 Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 The Swiss bikini ski team is old news.. Soooo...... The Alpine Bikini ski team????? And just to help the Senator from TX out in his statement, the below pictures are the teams to which he references! Link to comment
Paul In Australia Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 Can't wait for a first edition. Just your photos and maps will do me. Where do I pay ? Stop wasting time riding around and hurry up and finish the book. all the best PCH Link to comment
Bheckel169 Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 Might be helpful to know of local motorcycle rental stores in the area you've selected to research. We see plenty of the well publicized companies in our magazines but there have got to be some local shops who have better rates and a selection of BMW's or other sport touring bikes to rent. Bruce Link to comment
vizhip Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 For the routes, I suspect you will post the difficulty, but have you thought of adding speed limits, typical traffic and typical condition of the roads and scenery ??? Regards - -Bob Link to comment
Rideoften Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 .... about motor touring the Alps. Because I am not content with what's out there in terms of literature so far. And because I just like to share my experience, use my photos, and maybe pay for our next Cappucino in Italy Any input is appreciated...... Wow, bet you're sorry you asked. Anyway, if you're writing a book, turn on the spell check. It's Cappiccino, not Cappicino. Boy, we can be so anal. Ride Safe Rideoften Link to comment
Selden Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 Wow, bet you're sorry you asked. Anyway, if you're writing a book, turn on the spell check. It's Cappiccino, not Cappicino. Boy, we can be so anal. Ride Safe Rideoften Actually, it's "cappuccino", derived from capuchin, allegedly because of the colors of the monks' habits. Link to comment
Rideoften Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 Wow, bet you're sorry you asked. Anyway, if you're writing a book, turn on the spell check. It's Cappiccino, not Cappicino. Boy, we can be so anal. Ride Safe Rideoften Actually, it's "cappuccino", derived from capuchin, allegedly because of the colors of the monks' habits. I knew that, where the hell did the "i" come from? Glad I'm not the one writing the book. Ride Safe Rideoften Link to comment
Paul Mihalka Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 "Anyway, if you're writing a book, turn on the spell check. It's Cappiccino, not Cappicino. Boy, we can be so anal." Looks like we can all use a spell check... Link to comment
Rideoften Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 "Anyway, if you're writing a book, turn on the spell check. It's Cappiccino, not Cappicino. Boy, we can be so anal." Looks like we can all use a spell check... Okay, I'll go back to lurking. Ride Safe Rideoften Link to comment
SWB Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 Francis, I think you are looking at a "two-part" project, and included a searchable DVD. Part one is the formal book you envisioned, and part two are appendices with all of the details on how and where and "what's best". The latter will be easy (and cheap) to update (e.g. version 1, 2, 3, etc.) while part one information will be relatively timeless. Nice little project. You might also seek out a select few European collaborators who can accelerate your data collection by adding their own pictures, travels, and suggestions. Or, perhaps start a web site and invite contributors to volunteer current information on hotels, sites of interest, and so forth. Good luck, Scott Link to comment
Matts_12GS Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 How about an easy search format for taking on your trip, and using as a reference. Not sure I understand you. You mean like a sort of roadbook? Perhaps you could do the book, and then do a folding card (sort of like a map) that can be used apart from the book. Summarize each chapter, something like that. I think John's tips on local courtesies is a great idea as well. When we were in the Navy, we used to get a 1 page document that had simple phrases (restrooms, simple directions, What is this, where is that, etc) all designed to make us less likely to be unwelcome guests. It used to be presumed that most of the world would speak English, but that's not so much the truth it used to be. Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 12, 2009 Author Share Posted September 12, 2009 Lots of interesting suggestions, folks. Thank you !! Link to comment
Quinn Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 Got room for an appendex of motorcycle terms in different languages? What's the Italian word for final drive? Link to comment
vizhip Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 Got room for an appendex of motorcycle terms in different languages? You know... it might not be a bad idea to suggest a type of bike for some of the roads... and what type NOT to take on some of the roads... and where 2-up would not be suggested unless you are REALLY REALLY experienced at it... Regards - -Bob Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 13, 2009 Author Share Posted September 13, 2009 Got room for an appendex of motorcycle terms in different languages? You know... it might not be a bad idea to suggest a type of bike for some of the roads... and what type NOT to take on some of the roads... and where 2-up would not be suggested unless you are REALLY REALLY experienced at it... Regards - -Bob Actually, that's one of the things that started the idea in my head. The qualifications in most books are not making any difference between bike type, rider experience in terms of riding. You can be an experienced rider with 30 years under your belt ..... but only have ridden in Florida or Holland.... That makes you a beginner in many European countries and certainly in Alpine areas. Of course it is extremely difficult to cover for all possible combinations, but I do intend to EXPLAIN the roads and passes I know of. I'll rely on experience from some of my rider friends for roads I haven't done myself yet. And of course not all roads and passes will be covered in one little book. I have one that tries and find it very inadequate. Link to comment
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