Starting in Switzerland/ Austria finishing in Venice

DTH

Hi Guys

We are putting a route together for a 6-8 day ride next year. Starting in Switzerland/ Austria finishing in Venice. We are flying out and our bike are being taken by our support crew in a van.Have any of you done this sort of route.

Anyone stayed at any good cycling friendly B&B's, cheap hotels.

We want to take in as many of the Italian Alp/Dolimite climbs as we can. Any ideas much appreciated...

Cheers

Dave

ridgerider

Hotel Labahorn in Grindlewald is in the middle of some spectacular scenery. It was full of Dutch mountain bikers when I was there, but they had a bike store and were washing the kit overnight for the riders.

andymiller

The Via Claudia ( www.viaclaudia.org)? . You an get good quality maps (free) from information offices along the route. The site also has a downloadable list of hotels, and B&Bs on the way.

bigjim

Anyone stayed at any good cycling friendly B&B's, cheap hotels.

I don't think they know the word cheap in switzerland

rhnb

Did something similar in the opposite direction about 8 years ago. Rode from Treviso (Ryanair's Venice ;-) to Salzburg.
Took in some great climbs (Passo San Boldo, Croce d'Aune, Fedaia, Giau, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Campolongo, Tre Croci, Tre Cime de Lavaredo, Grossglockner). We had panniers and took a 12 days, so bagless I reckon you could do that on 8 days ;-)
The Grossglockner is a fantastic way to get over into Italy - certainly an experience you'll never forget. Just pray for good weather 'cos the views are stunning.

If you take a look here it might give you some route ideas.
http://www.bikeit.eclipse.co.uk/bike2002/index.htm
Not sure if all the links to the hotels will still work, but they were all fine - great infact.

Cheeers... Allan.