My marketing friends tell me that it is essential for my website to have a few kind words from people who have toured with me, so I show several below. They are unedited.
Dennis – Alberta Canada
Tour – 10-Day Awesome Austria Tour – September 2023
Personal motorcycles – BMW K1300GT
Rental motorcycle – BMW R1250RS
What a fantastic trip!! I really enjoyed meeting everyone, great group with which to share the experience, eh. The size of the group and the skill level of everyone was exactly what I hoped for. I enjoyed everything about the tour and agree with all the other comments.
- I like that we can count on a wide selection of prime motorcycles. We definitely benefit from Charlie’s relationship with the shop. Swiss pricing but not a big deal in the scheme of things. And I wish we had a shop in Calgary with that selection of accessories.
- The hotels and restaurants were exactly what I am looking for in terms of value and location. Hard to believe the deals we received in Austria and Italy. A lot of standout meals and I thought the Hotel Bernina and Adler were particularly good. And my best hot chocolate ever at the top of a pass of all places.
- The length of the riding days was good, and I liked that we had time for a little sightseeing and a cocktail before dinner.
- And the roads, Charlie! No way we see that kind of selection and hidden delights with another tour operator.
I have done two trips with Charlie now and am dreaming of the next one. Next year?? I guess that says it all about the tour for me. I am hooked on European riding.
Shawn and Janell – Iowa
Tour – 6-Day French Loop – September 2023
Personal motorcycles – Honda Goldwing
Rental motorcycle – BMW R1250RT
We have been on 2 tours with Charlie. Prior to our first tour, Charlie was very knowledgeable in helping us decide which motorcycle to select. We rode as a couple on both tours and his recommendation was spot on. Charlie handles all of the reservations and goes beyond what is necessary to help with travel plans (arrivals and departures). He is also very knowledgeable with local attractions and history. The tours we were on varied in the number of riders and the number of couples, but no matter, he is able to adjust. This tour is advertised a riding tour, and it doesn’t disappoint. The pace is brisk, yet Charlie is very cognizant of making sure to allow all to catch up when necessary. The route selections are the best of the best. We are deciding on our 3rd tour as we speak. ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Paul – Colorado
Tour – 6-Day French Loop – September 2023
Personal motorcycles – BMW R1200RT
Rental motorcycle – BMW F900XR
Charlie has these testimonials going back a few years and if you read them as I did before signing up for my first tour you will get a good sense of what you will experience when you do your tour. Note how consistently satisfied everyone is with their trip. Join the club.
Andrew – Massachusetts
Tour – Extended 8-Day French Loop – June 2023
Personal motorcycles – Kawasaki Concours 14
Rental motorcycle – BMW S1000XR
I had the good fortune of meeting Charlie in the parking lot at the Thun BMW rental shop while I was there for a repair on my BMW RT – 2nd solo Alps tour. The light went on immediately… what a great way to bring friends along on a tour while leaving the details to Charlie! My instincts proved correct! Our group of five friends had a superb 8-day tour all over the French Alps… picturesque villages, high passes, lovely little hotels and everything in between. Charlie has a wonderful appreciation for the sites, the culture, the people, the food and most importantly… he can ride! He’s seen and done it all in his 23 years across the Alps. What a pleasure and indeed, what an honor to tap that kind of experience. Can’t wait to do it again.
Jim – New Brunswick, Canada
Tour – Essential Alps – September 2022
Personal motorcycles – Triumph Trophy SE, BMW R1200RT
Rental motorcycle – BMW F900XR
When I first started to seriously research motorcycling in the Alps, I was initially surprised, almost overwhelmed by so many choices. But I was immediately impressed by my contact and communications with Charlie: his very personal touch and his many years of operating his tours. His enthusiasm was contagious, so I was hooked and signed on.
When I learned a few weeks prior to our tour that four of the seven motorcyclists were repeat clients – I took that as a very good sign and a confirmation that I had made the right choice.
When we sat down at the coordination meeting prior to starting the tour, Charlie covered all the rules of the road thoroughly – and then he addressed the unique early cold wet weather which would impact the itinerary. Straight forward and honest. Now I was really impressed. Little did we know, at the time, that he would have to arrange for five consecutive nights of alternative destinations and accommodation. Here again, his knowledge and his contacts paid off for all of us. Not a single complaint.
While we may not have been able to go up and over some of the intended Alpine Passes, Charlie came up with the a variety of routes and hidden gems that we enjoyed to the fullest. Brisk riding on the narrowest of roads, tight and blind corners, mostly lacking centerlines, we all marveled at how he had ever discovered them in the first place. And one day was all discovery for him and us which made it even more exciting and appreciated.
We ended on a real high as the last three days were comfortable and sunny, with the famous switchbacks to Alpine heights, the passes, the views, the fellowship. Riding in Europe is so different from anything in North America, often so much more technical and demanding which made it all so worthwhile. Charlie can take full credit for improvising and adapting to ensuring our group still had the most fantastic memorable tour. Thanks Charlie.
Kevin (and Toni) – Arizona
Tour – Alps Select – June 2022
Personal motorcycles – Kawasaki Versys 1000, Kawasaki KLR 650, Husqvarna 501
Rental motorcycle – BMW K1600 GTL
Where to begin…
I’ve wanted to ride the Alps ever since I spent a week driving them in 2002. The entire time I was there I was wishing I was on a bike, but I got out of motorcycles for a few years and didn’t get back into them until 2018. My wife Toni loves to ride pillion, and we were going to book a ride with Charlie in 2021 but COVID put a stop to that, so we booked the Alps Select tour in June 2022.
We arrived in Thun a couple days early and did some sightseeing before Charlie and another group returned from the French Alps tour. Five of these riders continued on to ride the Alps Select tour with us. There were a total of 7 riders and they were a great bunch to ride and spend time with. We spent very little time waiting on anyone; everyone was an accomplished motorcycle rider.
Renting the BMW at Moto-Center Thun was fast and easy. We rode two-up on the orientation ride to get used to the bike. The K1600 is magical; its maneuverability and quickness belie its weight. Toni was comfortable for 12 long days in the saddle. Probably our next bike…
The ride…
We can’t recommend Charlie’s rides highly enough. The pace is brisk, but not race-like and the roads-how best to describe them? When you’re riding the passes, you may not get out of first gear much; the switchbacks are TIGHT and narrow. About 80% of the roads have no centerline stripe. The most we spent on highways was about an hour or so at a time. And the scenery? It boggles the mind. The Swiss Alps and Italian Dolomites are breathtaking. Riding in the Alps is like nothing I’ve ever ridden in the States. Granted, my riding has been limited to the western states; the Colorado Rockies and the Sierra Nevadas are beautiful, but they just don’t compare.
Charlie himself is friendly, professional, and extremely knowledgeable, and one of the nicest guys you’ll ever know. His knowledge of the Alps is simply amazing; if one pass is unexpectedly closed; he knows another way over the mountain. We started riding about 9:15 a.m. and got to the hotel about 4 or 5 in the afternoon every day. We stopped at wonderful places with magnificent views for strudel every day (Charlie loves his strudel) and equally great places for lunch.
The hotels on the trip were first-rate, as were the restaurants, and the food is phenomenal. Charlie books all the hotels and makes dinner reservations for the group which makes for a seamless trip. Two of the hotels included four-course dinners with the room fee.
Toni and I wouldn’t change a thing! This was such a great experience that before we left Switzerland, I booked a solo Essential Alps tour (8 days) for Sept. 2022. I’ll be riding a lot of the same roads and seeing the same sights, but that’s just fine: I don’t know how you’d ever get tired of riding the Alps. In addition, Toni and I are linking the French Alps with the Austrian Alps tours in Sept. 2023. I think we’ll make plans to go back and ride with Charlie every year; I don’t know how I can give a higher recommendation than that! Book a ride with Charlie; you won’t be disappointed!
Thanks again Charlie-see you soon!
Randy – New Jersey
Tour – Swiss Loop – July 2022
Personal motorcycles – KTM 990 SMR, H-D Road King Classic, H-D Road Glide Special
Rental motorcycle – KTM 1290 Duke GT
My name is Randy Rega and without getting into too much about myself, I’ll simply say I’m a bit more experienced than the average guy…or girl. This is precisely the reason I returned to ride Charlie’s tours. I’m the guy that requires a higher level of riding compared to most and can only find that level on Charlie’s tours. People talk about the Dragons Tail and other similar roads here in the USA but in reality, they pale in comparison to Alpine roads. Whether it be the Swiss Alps, the French Alps or the Italian Alps, there is absolutely no comparison.
Charlie does ALL the leg work. You just need to show up and ride…it’s that simple. He handles every aspect from bike rental (fantastic people) to restaurants and hotels. He knows the best roads and where to find the best scenery. His attention to detail is on point and aside of his excellent bike skills, he’s the perfect guide. One thing I really appreciate about Charlie is his ability to assess your level of skill. In my case, we have an understanding…he says,”Alright Randy, we’ll meet you at the top” which makes the experience all the more pleasurable.
As long as I can ride I will be a client of Alps tours by Moto Charlie. I have interviewed and contacted numerous motorcycle tour groups throughout Europe and I will tell you that none of them have the attention to detail that Charlie does. When it comes to affordability, no one beats Charlie’s rates. Especially when you consider his history and knowledge of all things Alps. I believe most of his clients would be happy to pay more. Hopefully he doesn’t see this and raise his rates. Lol
In the end, Charlie is THE GUY and I’ll be a lifetime client.
Ride on…….
Ex-WSBK Factory Buell Racer
Randy Rega
Jon – New Mexico
Tour – Alps Select – June 2022
Personal motorcycle – BMW R1200GS
Rental motorcycle – BMW R1250GS
I have ridden the Alps many times but have never been part of a tour group before. This was such a great experience and I’m so glad I chose one of Charlie’s tours.
Unfortunately, my luggage was delayed with all my riding gear in it. Moto-Center Thun was able to provide me with everything I needed so I wouldn’t miss any riding. They have a huge selection of helmets, jackets, pants, boots, gloves, etc. They have all brands and all sizes, so I was able to “gear up” with everything I needed that was well-fitting and comfortable.
Charlie has created some amazing routes that let you experience the best of Europe. With Charlie leading and navigating, you’re free to just enjoy the riding, the roads, the passes, the views…and just soak it all in. You never have to worry about routes, refuel stops, coffee breaks (with strudel of course!), missing points of interest or missing any amazing viewpoints. It’s all provided, worry free!
Our group was fun! Everyone rode their own pace and was able to really enjoy themselves. All the hotels were outstanding. After every amazing day of riding, our group toasted, laughed, dined and laughed some more as we all recounted the incredibleness of the day’s events.
Any riding in the Alps is fun but if you want to focus on the pure joy of riding and eliminate all the headaches, this is the way to go. I should have done this sooner and will definitely do it again. Thanks Charlie!
John and Brigette – New Hampshire
Tour – Swiss Loop – July 2022
Personal motorcycles – H-D Road King, Suzuki Vstrom, Triumph Thruxton + Others
Rental motorcycle – BMW R1250GS
I highly recommend touring with Moto Charlie! With it being our first time motorcycling in a different country and also visiting a country overseas for the first time, Charlie made the experience amazing. It was beyond our expectations. We were impressed with Charlie’s knowledge of the country. The motorcycle we rented (BMW1250GS) was a great fit for riding two up. It was very comfortable which was a large concern going out for the first time on a 7 day motorcycle tour. Charlie was very good about making stops every so often to give breaks and not spending long periods of time on the motorcycle. This also allowed us to utilize the bathroom which was also a concern. The stops were also specific so it allowed everyone to be able to capture the beauty you were seeing while driving. It was nice to have a well experienced motorcyclist when navigating through the switchbacks. It can be a little intimidating. I will stress this tour is not for someone who is new to motorcycling. The hotels he selected were all excellent. Our favorite was the base hotel in Thun. For someone who always does the research and plans vacations it was so refreshing and nice to have it all done and to just enjoy the experience. We will certainly be using Moto Charlie for future tours!
Jim – Maryland
Tour – French Loop and Awesome Austria – September 2019
Personal motorcycle – Honda CTX1300
Rental motorcycle – BMW F750GS
Moto Charlie comes through again.
As usual, Charlie’s tours offer the pace, the routes, the scenery and the accommodations that are all first rate. On this, my encore trip with Charlie (see my 2018 review below), I was pleasantly surprised to visit places not usually included on the standard tours, while still hitting a ton of the good stuff.
The French Loop far exceeded my expectations for scenery and riding thrills. The passes in France are high, tight, fast, twisty and huge fun when ridden with Charlie. Being with skilled riders makes the Alps experience come alive and a Moto Charlie tour delivers every time. If you have alpine aspirations, the Cols de la Madeleine, de l’Iseran, d’Izoard, Agnel and the Grand-Saint-Bernard, dare you to ride them. Don’t miss your chance to see them with Charlie.
By popular request, Charlie graciously extended the Awesome Austria tour, which allowed us to visit some off beat destinations and spend more time exploring along the way. Old town Innsbruck, Hallstat, the Nockalmstrasse and Grossglockner as anticipated, were crowd pleasers. Toss in the Stelvio and several other great passes in the vicinity, and you have the ride of a lifetime.
If you are an experienced rider with a lust to see the Alps, the only question is “What are you waiting for”? Charlie’s tours are the small batch brews of the class. His sense of adventure and depth of experience cannot be found anywhere else. For a tour with a personal feel at an affordable price, you can’t beat Moto Charlie!
Matt – Massachusetts
Tour – French Loop – September 2019
Previous rentals – Yamaha Fazer 1000, Triumph Tiger 800, BMW R1200R
Rental motorcycle – BMW F750GS
This was my 2nd tour with Charlie (see my 2017 review below). As usual the pre-trip communication was excellent and the arrangements were made well in advance. Charlie accommodated guests who arrived a few days before the official start of the trip as well as myself and one other person arriving the day before.
Thun is a great start/end point for the tours as you are right at the edge of the mountains. I’ve done several of my own trips where you rent the bike in a big city and have to spend a lot of time getting out of traffic and congestion whereas in Thun you are 5 minutes from farm land cruising and very close to some lower mountain passes.
The roads and passes for this trip were excellent with minimal highway riding. The hotels selected and knowledge of nearby restaurants was also excellent. I highly recommend Moto Charlie for a uniquely small motorcycle tour organizer.
Thanks again for another great trip!
Randy – New Jersey
Tour – French Loop – June 2019
Personal motorcycles – KTM 990 SMR, H-D Road King Classic
Rental motorcycle – KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
So, I’ll start by saying this or any Alps Tour was on my bucket List. I’ve raced in Europe (FIM WSBK 24 hr Endurance Series) but never had the opportunity to actually ride in Europe. That said, 4 other friends were also very interested in the same. After doing hours and hours of research, all my friends backed out leaving me to go it alone. At first, I was a bit hesitant as I’m a fairly aggressive rider and in the event something happened, I wanted some form of support (ie: friends).
Moving forward, I found Moto Charlie. Charlie was as professional as one could be. Everything was detailed and documented so there were barely any concerns. Any remaining concerns were answered. I reached out to a few other organizations but liked the personal feel of Charlie’s program. Not only is it a smaller group (not constantly waiting for a dozen slow guys) but Charlie’s pricing is right on point and I could not have been more pleased. Honestly, finding reasonable airfare to Zurich was a bigger hassle.
Upon arrival to Zurich, Charlie pretty much detailed every move. Granted I had to ask 1 or 2 questions but in retrospect, it was only my unfamiliarity that caused this. I’m a bit ADD/ADHD so paying attention to Charlie’s instructions would actually have been the right thing to do. Charlie gave me the info of another guy arriving the same day as me so I reached out to him and we hung out that night and had dinner. Once Charlie arrived, we went to pick up the bikes and gear we rented. This was a fairly easy process. A suggestion to all….ask Charlie to recommend a bike that’ll cater to your riding style.
Prior to arriving, I asked Charlie about the possibility of riding to Interlaken to see the beautiful lake scenery. Charlie was more than happy to oblige so 3 of us spent the majority of that day in Switzerland touring and had a nice lunch. I couldn’t have been happier.
Onto the rest of the week….Charlie rides well so you newbies should stick close. He knows the roads and some areas need to be respected. The group of guys I rode with were all skilled and could not have been better. A few of us traded bikes just to see how they felt. From all walks of life, careers, countries, etc. everyone was having a great time.
I HIGHLY recommend Moto-Charlies Alps tours. Everything from the hotels to the food was enjoyable and Charlie handled everything. That means you simply ride…what else could you ask for.
In closing, I want to sincerely thank Charlie for all his hard work and professionalism and I fully plan on making another ride again in the future.
Daniel – New Jersey
Tour – Alps Select – June 2018
Personal motorcycles – BMW R1200R
Rental motorcycle – BMW R1200RS
I guess you could figure out how to tour the Alps on your own, but why would you want to? Charlie makes it so easy.
I didn’t know a thing about the details of my trip except where to show up and when. And from the moment I arrived in Thun, the entire vacation didn’t require an ounce of my own thought. Charlie took us to get brand new rental bikes which perform fantastically. Charlie took us on the most interesting roads, many of which I don’t think I could have found if I lived there. Charlie took us to wonderful restaurants with terrific views and food and service. Charlie booked us rooms in quaint owner-operated hotels that were modest on price but big on ambience. Basically, Charlie makes sure you have the time of your life without giving it a second thought, or even giving it a first thought, because he does all the thinking for you. And also, he is a super cool guy who is very easy to get along with.
I am exceedingly happy I chose Alps Tours by Moto-Charlie and can’t wait to do it again.
Jim – Maryland
Tour – Alps Select – June 2018
Personal motorcycle – Honda CTX1300
Rental motorcycle – BMW F800R
Moto-Charlie’s tour style perfectly matched my expectations for an Alps motorcycle adventure.
Pre-trip emails from Charlie tell you what to expect, where to go and what to do when you’re there.
Fast paced, scenic roads that are technically challenging and fun.
Great bikes, hotels, views, food, info and company.
Charlie’s check ride preps you for the types of roads and the style of riding encountered in Europe.
The ease with which Charlie leads a group, speaks to his years of experience but also to his easy going attitude.
He always remembers that this is your tour, and seems to see the experience with fresh eyes.
Charlie is a rider. He will go as long as someone wants to roll. Hardcore riders and the rest of us all went home satisfied.
Charlie’s encyclopedic knowledge of the back roads rival that of the locals.
If you want to get off the main roads no one beats Charlie.
I’ll be back.
Matt and Judy – Alaska
Tour – Alps Select – June 2018
Personal motorcycle – Yamaha FJR1300
Rental motorcycle – BMW R1200RT
An Alps tour has been a lifelong dream for me. I first heard about such things in the 70’s. I have talked about it with my wife, who rode in our earlier years, and being adventure oriented, was all in. I found Charlie and started interacting with him and quickly found him and his tour to be the right fit for us.
My expectations were very high and Charlie and the tour exceeded them on every level! His extensive experience of the roads, the people and the cultures, was astounding. The logistics, planning and communication – impeccable. Charlie’s easy way and dry wit had our group cutting up and joking all along the way. All we had to do was show up, eat well, enjoy incredible rural settings, charming hotels, ride as hard as we wanted and drink in stunning scenery – I don’t say that lightly coming from Alaska.
To us, one of the most memorable and unique things is how Charlie made the whole thing feel like a bunch of friends off on an adventure together. The sentiment we shared with our riding group: we came together as diverse strangers, bonded over our love of riding and parted friends. What a rare and beautiful thing.
Chris – New Jersey
Tour – Alps Select – June 2018
Personal motorcycle – Honda Shadow 600 VLX Deluxe
Rental motorcycle – BMW F800GT
I was referred to the Moto-Charlie Alps tour by a friend who was very interested after seeing the extraordinary detail included in the website. Needless to say we were not disappointed but in fact floored by what the tour really had to offer.
All the guess work in organizing the tour was already laid out and easy to understand. The price breakdown really helped put things into perspective making the decision to go to the trip in the first place a very decisive process. The pre-trip stressors that usually would be present before leaving any vacation was non-existent. I can say with great confidence it was because of the earlier statements that made this possible. So yea, before, during and after, the trip was like cutting into warm butter “smooth.”
The trip itself was stunning! Truly a MUST go for any motorcyclist and/or traveler alike. The view throughout was nothing I have ever seen before. Pictures do not do justice for what you see and it’s because of this I would go again in the future especially through Charlie’s tour service.
Would recommend anyone to embark on this tour if they have the chance, don’t miss it!
Ward – Ontario Canada
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2017
Personal motorcycles – Ducati Multistrada 1200, Yamaha FJR 1300
Rental motorcycle – BMW F800GT
Having been on your trip twice it is probably fair to say I am (wildly) enthusiastic [See 2012 comments below].
I especially like the pace. I almost never felt we were lagging or under riding the conditions. First trip I struggled to keep up. This trip was right at my level (5 years more experience).
Trip planning was good. You send out lots of info before the trip and a summary after…all my questions were answered and done with a sense of humor which keeps things light.
I think you have maintained a good balance of cost versus value without being extravagant in areas that are not important to me (like 4 star hotels) yet the hotels all had character and/or location.
The bikes are expensive but they are in good shape and ready to ride and are well suited to the mountain riding (I had the 800 BMW) with good insurance.
You cannot control the weather but you keep a balanced perspective about it and are ready to “lead on” when conditions are safe. (i.e. No snow or ice on the road).
In summary – Thanks Charlie
Hana – Ontario Canada
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2017
Personal motorcycle – Kawasaki ZX-1000
Rental motorcycle – BMW F800R
There is a saying – if it’s not broken don’t fix it. Your tour was fabulous, simple as that.
The information you provided prior was useful, the right amount of experienced riders, your charming personality and wicked sense of humor, the routes and the breathtaking passes you chose, the food (I gained sooooo much weight…:) all made your tour exceed my expectations.
I sincerely want to thank you for all your efforts in making this trip unforgettable for me.
Matt – Massachusetts
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2017
Previous rentals – Yamaha Fazer 1000, Triumph Tiger 800
Rental motorcycle – BMW R1200R
Having planned and organized motorcycle tours through Europe among my friends for the last 10 years, I was concerned about joining a tour with novice or slow riders that would impact my usual riding experience or safety (i.e. unpredictable riding behaviors, bad decisions, etc.). My impression from Charlie was that his tours, and his engagement with customers prior to a tour, would minimize the chances of this happening. There will always be some variance in rider skill in every group, but my impression was that everyone was close enough skill wise such that no one appeared agitated.
Having just completed 8-days of the Top 10+ Tour, I was very impressed and would absolutely do another tour.
Rick – Minnesota
Tour – Alps Select – June 2017
Personal motorcycle – Yamaha FJR 1300
Rental motorcycle – BMW R 1200RT
When my wife and I agreed I could do another Alps trip this year, I went back to my list of possible tour companies and looked at the various options for tours, costs, and dates. I put all the information in a spreadsheet to compare and I kept coming up with selecting Moto-Charlie. Initially I was a little concerned that Moto-Charlie is really a one person operation. He does it because he really enjoys riding the Alps and he knows them very well. Charlie looks at these tours as the opportunity to ride motorcycle in a beautiful area with some friends that enjoy riding motorcycles as much as he does. After exchanging some e-mails with Charlie and also a phone conversation, I felt comfortable that Charlie really knew what he was doing and that this was the right tour for me this time. Sign me up!
From the beginning, I knew Charlie was very well organized and a good communicator. He provided regular e-mails on various topics to help us prepare for the trip. He provided details about what to pack, how and where to get the required train tickets, the hotel list and many other pieces of information. There were no surprises. Charlie went out of his way to ensure I had a motorcycle that I was happy with for this trip when at first I was hesitant about the availability. Everything went just as Charlie said it would.
During the tour, Charlie’s many years of riding in the Alps were obvious. He knew the roads like he lives there. How he even found some of the roads we drove I don’t know. He credits it to his 30+ years of riding there and the time he has spent exploring the area and continually looking for better and different options. Every day he had a great route planned. When plans needed to change (like when the bike crash happened on Stelvio), he provided a new route option without a second thought. Only a few times did I see Charlie need to pull out a map or use some navigation assistance via his phone. His ability to remember places, roads, and routes was amazing.
If anyone is considering touring in the Alps, I would highly recommend you check out Moto-Charlie. Review his website, send him an e-mail and get some information. You need to sign up early as he strictly limits the number of bikes on each tour and he sells out early. You won’t be disappointed; I wasn’t!
Patrick – California
Tour – Alps Select – June 2017
Personal motorcycle – Honda Goldwing
Rental motorcycle – BMW K 1600GTL
Charlie Newdorf, a.k.a. Moto-Charlie brings to each tour a distillation of his 30 years of riding the Alps. No two tours are alike. While the goal is the same – to ride some of the highest passes in the Alps – Charlie effortlessly tailors the ride to his groups; weather, time available, and skill level of the riders are all factored in his daily routes. Many are off the beaten path. And sometimes, he might even take you on a road new to him, too.
Small, motorcycle friendly hotels with breakfast (sometimes dinners) are picked for their reasonable costs (around $130) and central locations. The Krone Hotel-Restaurant in Thun is a perfect illustration. Just below a 12th century castle, nestled between the cobble-stoned town square and the Aare River, the elegant two-hundred-year-old building offered all the modern conveniences inside; delightful rooms, updated bathrooms, adequate outlets and Wi-Fi. And just around the back can be found a myriad of restaurants, bars, cafes and shopping; Old World meets New. Not all the places are quite like this, but they’re never dogs and all are charming. Charlie knows places we might not find on our own.
It’s difficult to describe the depth that the tour brings – the camaraderie, the culture, the strudel, the unforgettable scenery. Led by our fearless leader, the exceedingly calm and competent Moto-Charlie, the unique experience of motorcycling through the magnificent Alps unfolds. It all makes for amazing memories.
Thanks Charlie – can’t wait to do it again.
Merv – New Zealand
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2015
Personal motorcycle – BMW F 700GS
Rental motorcycle – BMW F 700GS
Although I had ridden the Alps on my own bike 10 years ago, it was a fleeting visit and I always wanted to do it in more depth. While my inclination was to tour independently, advancing age made me decide that something organised might be a more sensible choice and I eventually settled on Charlie’s tour. It turned out to be absolutely the right decision.
His knowledge of the Alps, sense of humor and general ability to bring a group together made it a very special couple of weeks. The others in the group were great fun to be with, whether on the road or around the dinner table in the evenings. The routes that Charlie conjures up are brilliant, often taking you down smaller roads to places that you probably wouldn’t otherwise see, the pace was comfortable and the scenery was magnificent. Even the weather was generally cooperative and a ride over the Brenner in snow and 0 (zero) degrees C was all part of the fun.
Everything about the trip, the bikes, the hotels, the food, the scenery was the best. I enjoyed it so much that I’m planning on another tour in 2017.
Bill and Lois – Washington
Tour – Alps Select – June 2015 and TOP 10+ – September 2017
Personal motorcycle – BMW R 1200RT
Rental motorcycle – BMW R 1200RT
For some time we had been talking about riding the Alps. After much research and considering going it alone, we concluded it would be nice to have a guide with knowledge of the roads and accommodations.
Riding in large groups has never interested us, but Charlie’s website suggested a different approach that looked like the right fit for us. It was definitely the right decision; we had the trip of a lifetime! Charlie’s experience and thorough interview process in the months leading up to our tour resulted in a group that was well matched in riding style and ability. He led us on roads and to places we would have never found on our own. Each day opened up new vistas that we thought couldn’t get any better! The stops were just right and we enjoyed the espressos, strudel and other goodies along the way. The hotels were charming, comfortable and with meals that always left us happy.
It’s clear that Charlie has established great relationships with the owners of the hotels we stayed at and we felt welcomed because of it. We also appreciated his willingness to try new places (for strudel of course!) and his flexibility. We experienced a brake problem mid-tour on our bike which needed immediate attention. Charlie made up a quick route plan to the nearest BMW dealership incorporating a new route he had wanted to try. It turned out to be one of the group’s favorite days of riding! He has the right temperament to handle the different personalities and unexpected things that inevitably come up. We appreciated his great sense of humor and excitement over riding the Alps after all these years.
We would HIGHLY recommend Charlie’s tours if you are looking for a great experience.
Mark and Katherine – New Zealand
Tour – Alps Select – June 2015
Personal motorcycles – KTM 690, Tiger 800XC
Rental motorcycle – BMW R 1200GS
Looking for the trip of a lifetime we couldn’t have chosen better. Charlie provided a quality experience in every way.
The accommodations were unique, very comfortable and perfectly situated. The hotels, food, bike hire and routes could not be faulted and everything ran like a Swiss watch. Problems such as mechanical failure and medical attention were seamlessly included. As we were very fortunate with the weather Charlie’s extensive knowledge of the routes and flexibility produced the “wow” factor every day. I could not believe every day was better than the last. Even coming from a country with spectacular scenery the pictures do not do the vistas justice. The tour was run at a leisurely pace with plenty of time for rest stops and photo opportunities (much appreciated by the pillion) yet still covering the distance. Charlie’s good humour and extensive knowledge of routes and history also enhanced the stops and after dinner chats.
The riding exceeded expectations and I had a grin from ear to ear most of the time. As first timers to this region (as we were) I could not imagine a less stress-free option. I now have the confidence to do this solo but, as long as Charlie is doing these tours, why would you bother?
Bob – New Hampshire
Tour – Recon France – September 2014
Personal motorcycle – BMW R1200GS
Rental motorcycle – BMW R1200GS
This was a great tour of the French and Swiss Alps. I’ve previously toured many parts of Europe by motorcycle, primarily with my wife. We planned and mapped out routes and found hotels and restaurants on our own.
Riding with Charlie made it a lot easier. He took care of all of the details. Hotels and food were always good to excellent. Breakfast and dinner were generally at our hotel. Lunch and coffee and strudel stops were frequently on top of a pass, with time to relax and take it all in. Not having to plan the trip allowed me to focus on the riding, and the riding is spectacular! And you need to focus on the riding because it is frequently technical and quite challenging. From narrow, rough single lane, obscure passes to perfect, smooth, high speed sweepers, and hairpins and more hairpins, you really need to stay focused on the ride. The scenery is spectacular, but slow down or stop if you want to take it in!
The rental bikes are all current year models in excellent condition. With the exception of a flat tire, there were no motorcycle issues. The rental shop may have limited numbers of specific models available, so reserve your bike early. I’m typically not crazy about group riding, but we were all there for the same reason, got along great, and the pace was perfect. Once you’re out of the towns and villages (where they have speed limits and speed cameras!), OK to wick it up and have some fun. Europeans like to drive and ride fast, and safe passing is never an issue.
Charlie has great knowledge of the roads and passes, and loves to ride. I would not hesitate to recommend a Moto Charlie tour, and hope to ride again with Charlie in the Alps.
Steve – Vermont
Tour – Alps Select – June 2014
Personal motorcycle – BMW R1200R
Rental motorcycle – BMW K1300R
This Moto-Charlie Alps tour was my first time in Europe, as well as my first escorted motorcycle tour, so I can’t really compare it to other tours. But in terms of my own satisfaction, this rated an A+.
It had everything; good choice of bikes, an easy and quick rental arrangement, great roads, amazing scenery, and at the end of every day, a hot shower, delightful meal, and a clean, comfortable bed in a nice hotel. Thanks to Charlie’s thorough planning, the whole trip went seamlessly from start to finish. If you’re an experienced rider looking for a world-class riding adventure, Charlie can provide it. This is riding as it’s meant to be, just mile after thrilling mile, and not a care in the world.
You can spend a lot more, but you won’t get better value.
Links to a couple of Steve’s Tour videos:
Steve’s/Karine’s June 2014 Alps Tour Video
Steve’s Schilthorn Cable Car Resucue
Mark – Massachusetts
Tour – Alps Select – June 2014
Personal motorcycle – BMW F800GT
Rental motorcycle – BMW F800GT
I had the pleasure of attending Moto-Charlie’s Alps tour in June 2014. Having visited northern Italy on several occasions as a tourist and student, I knew I had to return someday to ride the twisties.
Prospective Alps riders should be forewarned that Charlie’s High Alps tours are strictly for experienced riders. You will want to ride fast, yet safely, because your touring experience will be more enjoyable knowing you are expanding your riding skills and pushing your personal limits. I highly recommend an MSF Advanced rider training session prior to the tour if you are at all uncertain of your skill-level. While these are not tours which emphasize opulent hotels, support vehicles, or extensive opportunities to smell the roses, Charlie’s incredible knowledge of the roads, lodging, and places to dine is outstanding.
Even better is his laid-back and nonjudgemental attitude toward tour members while at the same time being able to accommodate special requests and diversions, such as the opportunity to enjoy a haybath or scenic dining.
I stumbled upon Moto-Charlie’s website just as I was about to commit to an Alps tour with one of the big-name tour operators. I am very glad I chose to ride with Charlie; his leadership style reinvigorated my enthusiasm for two-wheel travel to the point where I am off to Southeast Asia next spring. I appreciated his straight-forward wit, Yankee charm, and extensive biking knowledge. Now if I could only convince him to lead a tour during the winter months to a warm location…
Frank – California
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2012
Personal motorcycle – Ducati ST2
Rental motorcycle – BMW F800R
I discovered Moto Charlie seven or eight years ago while researching Alpine motorcycle tours and his approach appealed to me. While I knew that I wanted someone with detailed knowledge to show me the best that the region has to offer, I was looking for a less “corporate” experience than some of the big companies provide. I also knew that doing it on my own I was bound to miss a lot. Charlie struck exactly the right balance. With the emphasis on riding, an amazing variety of roads, great lunch stops and hotels, and a minimum of adult supervision I saw and did things that would just not be possible with a big tour or on my own.
I took me years to pull the trigger and take this trip. What I found was a true motorcycling paradise, the best riding in the world. If you’re even remotely considering such a trip, I’ll pass on the advice that my wife gave me, for which I’ll always be grateful: “Go, the time is now”.
The problem, of course, is that what starts out as a “once in a lifetime” trip becomes an “I’ve got to do this again” obsession. After more than ten years of dreaming about riding in the Alps, and six months of actual planning, my expectations were extremely high, perhaps unrealistically so.
Thanks to Moto Charlie they were exceeded in every way. I’ll definitely be going back, and when I do, it will be with Charlie.
Ward – Ontario Canada
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2012
Personal motorcycle – Ducati 1200 ST Multistrada
Rental motorcycle – BMW F 800ST (Voted Best Bike For The Trip By Our Group)
My 3 riding “amigos ” and I were looking for a new adventure since we had traveled the home roads, eastern USA and the Blue Ridge area. They had much more riding experience but I was a quick learner as I was returning to Motorcycling in retirement. Like other trips, we were going to arrange everything by ourselves. On investigation, this started to get complicated organizing things from another continent and in different languages.
We met Charlie online with a follow up by phone. He had many of the answers we were looking for and we saw him as an extension of our group, but bringing all the experience and knowledge about routes and hotels. We felt we could have found many of the same passes but realized on the trip that we couldn’t “flow ” from pass to pass as easily as he did. We counted 75 passes at the end of our particular adventure. Personally I think we would have done only 50-60% as much if we were on our own, keeping in mind the time to find affordable accommodation. Over coffee, I saw a major competitor (E) ride by with about 14 bikes in tow putzing along and was glad that was not me. We rode at a pace that constantly challenged me and improved my riding. There was not a boring second.
For me, this was the trip of a lifetime and a big bonus to have it arranged so smoothly by Charlie, without feeling like he was holding us by the hand. One particular one-lanner we found while Charlie was exploring and maxed in my mind how steep a road can be with constant narrow tight switchbacks and still get passenger vehicles up the hotel at the top! The Swiss Alps provide an ever-changing canvas of beauty and variety of weather for bikers. The cost of the trip became very secondary as I review the stunning pictures that I took travelling thru the Alps.
The trip was way better than I expected. Thanks Charlie.
John – Queensland Australia
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2007
Personal motorcycle – Ducati 1098, BMW R1200R
Rental motorcycle – BMW R1200R
This was my first organized Motorcycle Tour and I had some reservations about doing one i.e. could I do it better on my own etc.
My first contact with Charlie was by e-mail. The information he provided me with was easy to understand and accurate. The group got along great like they had all traveled together before. If you want to go off and do your own riding then there is no problem with that either. The experience of the trip for myself is difficult to describe in a manner that does it justice. Basically a motorcycle journey you will never forget.
One thing I went away from the trip with is knowing that Charlie does not look at this as a money making venture. He wants to share with you his passion to ride the best motorcycle roads you will find anywhere. The scenery is something that makes you want to stop all the time but then around another corner it’s as good or even better.
I am already planning my next trip there and we will be riding with Charlie again.
Bill & Kelly – Missouri
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2007
Personal motorcycle – Harley, FJR 1300 and More
Rental motorcycle – BMW K1200 GT
The trip was truly amazing, everything we hoped and dreamed of. The riding in the Alps is fabulous, and the scenery is unbeatable. We really enjoyed the pace of the trip, it was very much as described on your website. It was always a dream of ours to ride in the Alps, and your tour was the perfect solution for us. It was so nice not to have to worry about accommodations or finding the best routes, we could simply enjoy the wonderful scenery, marvelous food and great companions. We have done many US motorcycle trips on our own, but this was our first organized tour, so we were not sure what to expect. Right away we felt comfortable with the group and surroundings, and the entire trip felt like you were riding with a small group of friends. We all shared and enjoyed the experience and adventure together, as well as the love of motorcycling, so friendships were made fast.
Reflecting on the experience, we’re not sure there is anything about the trip that we would want to change. We have already and will continue to recommend this tour to others as the ideal way to experience the Alps on a motorcycle. The memories and pictures will last a lifetime, and we are already making plans for next summer with some of our new friends, from Australia!
Mark – Texas
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2007
Personal motorcycle – Triumph Sprint ST, BMW K1100 RS
Rental motorcycle – Honda CBF 1000 ABS
I took the 11-day Italian tour with Moto-Charlie. A fantastic riding experience. The roads were… incredible. Switchbacks, sweepers, tight technical riding. All of it against the beautiful scenery of the Swiss and Italian Alps.
I’m glad that I used Charlie’s operation for making the trip. His knowledge of the area and love of riding magnified the experience. Not a day, not a road, not a pass was wasted. And with Charlie taking care of the tour details, I got to focus on the riding and not about what roads to take or where I’d be staying at night. Charlie gives you the freedom to go off on your own, if that’s what you want to do. But with the area and riding he had planned on our tour, I never felt the need. The information he gives through his web site and E-mails made the whole journey go smoothly. The group I rode with was great. Friendly, interesting, good riders, and loved riding. It felt more like being with a group of friends instead of a tour.
If you’re wanting to make a European motorcycle trip, I definitely recommend Moto-Charlie.
Jim – Florida
Tour – Alps Select – June 2007
Personal motorcycle – BMW K1200LT, Yamaha FJR 1300
Rental motorcycle – BMW K1200 GT
I did the Swiss Alps tour this June and it was wonderful!!! I choose Moto-Charlie because it seemed like a no nonsense rider’s ride. I didn’t need vehicle support, liked the overnight stays in smaller towns with a more rural feeling, direct pay, and less cost for the trip.
I arrived one day early to adjust, but picked up the bike and started riding the first afternoon with Charlie. I rented a K1200GT an extra day, riding 12 days, and about 1800 miles. That doesn’t sound like many miles, but riding switchbacks on several passes a day, even at a harder pace, does not put on many miles. Then there are photo ops and lunch. We usually start riding about 9 am after brunch and quit by 5-6 pm. That was more than enough riding each day, since it is much more technical and challenging. In comparison, I will do 700-800 miles a day when traveling on the interstate.
Charlie is personable, helped with language differences when needed, was a good rider and rode quickly, as he indicates “European style”. It was nice having the bike rentals and hotels setup ahead of time. He not only took us on a lot of major passes, but several off beat one-laners that I never would have found on my own. I thought he did an excellent job as a tour guide and well worth his flat fee. There is no way I could have navigated myself and gotten in as much riding out of each day. He altered the trip one day so I could visit where my grandfather grew up east of Zurich.
Cost: I feel like the trip saved me at least $2000. Other tour operators add on a lot for solo riders, single rooms, and bike upgrades. My trip with Moto-Charlie cost a little more than listed mostly because I arrived one day early, rented a more expensive bike an extra day, and put on extra miles.
I was there to ride. The roads and Alps were incredible!!!!
Mark – Maryland
Tour – Alps Select – June 2005
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2007
Personal motorcycle – Norton Cammando, Honda VFR 750
Rental motorcycle – Honda VFR 800, KTM 950 Adventurer
I have been back home for 4 months, and I can’t stop thinking about the trip. Everyday, I look at a picture, think about a pass, daydream about a town, or read an article about the Alps. I need to get back there! Quite honestly, nothing could have prepared me for the experience, and the resulting feelings. What a trip!
The scenery, people, and especially the riding, are extraordinary. From the towns to the mountains, everything is picture perfect. Like nothing I have seen, or imagined, in the States. Words and pictures can’t do justice to the beauty and grandeur. After days of claiming this was the “best pass yet,” I found myself just smiling at Charlie when we stopped.
On top of the majesty of the place, the people are wonderfully friendly. Nearly everyone speaks English, and everyone is accommodating. It was not long before I fell in love with the country… and the people!
As for the riding, I won’t even attempt to describe it. Charlie’s analogy of an “endless track day” is a really good one. The roads are nothing short of phenomenal, and you will spend far more time leaned over than you will sitting up straight. It is a rider’s paradise!
Some advice…
Read Charlie’s website! This site does an excellent job of describing the trip and the experience. Charlie takes these trips because he wants to (the guy loves to ride)… not because he has to. This is not his livelihood. He is completely honest, professional, and thorough in his answers to your questions. He wants nothing more than to enjoy the trip with a great group of people.
This tour is focused on riding, with the sightseeing done from the seat. While Charlie is serious when he says, “this is your tour,” if you choose to spend your days with Charlie, you will be riding.
Be sure that your riding skills are very good. The roads in Switzerland have NO resemblance to the roads in the States. Many are quite challenging (especially with luggage), and to truly enjoy the tour, you need to have very good riding skills.
On a final note, I will DEFINITELY be taking another trip with Charlie. I loved the roads, the countries, the people, the scenery, Charlie’s quick paced riding style, and the way he approaches the tour. The trip of a lifetime!
John and Kim – Missouri
Tour – Alps Select – June 2005
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2007
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2015
Personal motorcycle – Yamaha FJR 1300
Rental motorcycle – Aprilia Futura, BMW F800 ST, BMW R1200R
We just returned from the 10-day Swiss tour with Charlie. What a tremendous time we had, and a fantastic group of riders!
As you have seen in the other posts, the scenery is spectacular. Each day’s scenery was a beautiful as the next. Charlie’s organization was great, and all the details of our trip flowed smoothly. We were especially impressed with the hotels we stayed in and the local charm of each region.
It was a relief to allow Charlie to navigate the local roads and maps, and just follow along. The pace was good, and there was a nice mix of challenging mountain riding, and great rolling countryside.
Our group was just the right size for us (11 bikes – 15 riders). We had a fabulous group of folks, and made some wonderful new friends. We had the pleasure of spending our 10th anniversary in a breathtaking location near the French border.
We would highly recommend Charlie’s tour to anyone looking to explore the Swiss Alps in a relaxed fashion, with a knowledgeable guide. We found the trip to be very cost competitive compared with the major bike tours of Europe, and we loved the idea of Charlie’s smaller group environment. We will savor our memories for a lifetime, and hope to start saving soon for our next tour!!
Jim – Vermont
Tour – September 2004 Intermot Tour
Personal Motorcycles – Ducati ST2, Ducati M750
Rental motorcycle: BMW R1100 S
If you have always wanted to do a motorcycle tour of the Alps, Moto-Charlie is the way to go. Charlie’s laid-back approach, knowledge of the great roads of the Alps (big and small), the selection of comfortable hotels with wonderful food and a small group of riders, all make his tour feel like you’re out riding with your buddies. The scenery is just unbelievable, the roads both fun and challenging and the cappuccino is outstanding. And attending the Intermot was an added plus. Charlie rides a good pace, makes sure that no one falls behind and really knows the roads and passes that make this tour so much fun. Each day was an adventure and this trip is one I won’t soon forget. After spending 10 days motorcycling in the Alps, it is easy to see why people can’t get enough and want to return.
Prior to the trip I had never met Charlie, even though we’re from neighboring states, but I can highly recommend this tour to anyone.
Feel free to browse my pictures by clicking here
Wilber – West Virginia
Tour – September 2004 Intermot Tour
Personal Motorcycles – BMW R1150 RT
Rental Motorcycle – BMW R1150 RT
Traveling with Charlie was a great experience! Weather and personal choices caused us to deviate from the planned itinerary a couple of times and he was readily able to make route modifications so that we got to where we needed to be at the end of the day. From a price/value standpoint he knows the best hotels, restaurants, and rest stops. He also knows the best locations to stop for photographs. His great sense of humor and depth of knowledge were instrumental in building a cohesiveness to our touring group, and he took a personal interest in seeing that our individual interests were accommodated.
If you’re interested in riding the Alpine passes, great and small, you can’t go wrong if you go with Moto-Charlie!
Jeff and Susan – Washington
Tour – Alps Select – June 2004
Personal Motorcycles – Honda CBR 954, Honda Blackbird
Rental Motorcycle – BMW R1150 RS
We took a 12-day tour with Moto-Charlie to the Alps in June 2004. This was one trip that was the most breathtaking adventure we have ever taken. Charlie was both professional and pleasant. He went above and beyond in making our trip the most memorable experience we could be ever imagined.
We had all of our accommodations prearranged by our host, and we were pleasantly surprised, and in awe of every place we stayed. His knowledge and suggestions ordering our food, selecting the shops, and where to go for entertainment was never a let down
My favorite place that we stayed at had the most spectacular view of the water, as well as a very quaint room. It was like a picture in a magazine. The view was the most spectacular, breathtaking sight that I have ever seen, and it still leaves me in awe when I even imagine it. The owner of this spectacular place is Adrian; he is the most wonderful and pleasant gentleman that I have had the honor to meet. His kindness and generosity to us gave me the warmest welcome that I have ever experienced.
I just want to give you ladies a heads up on the definition of the time frame for shopping. Charlie took me to this awesome town to shop; which was called duty free, but the definition time for my shopping is not the same definition time as my fiancŽe. For example: My definition time is all day, and my fiancŽe’s is two hours (be sure to pack your sneakers).
This trip was one that I would definitely do and want to do yearly. There is still so much more to see, and I am so looking forward to our next trip. I will definitely be wanting to visit Adrian’s place.
Charlie, you are the greatest host. Your pleasant personality and stories of your personal adventures you shared with us were enjoyable. You gave me the most memorable and pleasant experience riding in the Alps, and I am enjoying sharing my experience with friends and family.
Thank-you and I look forward to more trips and hearing more stories from you.
Susan
Charlie, you did a wonderful job setting up our itinerary with this tour. The shop you used for the rental bikes was a great selection that had a variety of bikes to choose from, as well as meeting any ones riding style. Very convenient to have the starting hotel right across the street from the bike shop, pickup and return went smoothly with your help. The roads and the scenery were the best part for me, definitely the best I have been on. I was most impressed with the skill level of the average auto driver. I felt much safer there then here in the US. We never had a complaint about the hotels or food so that speaks for itself. I also liked how flexible you were in the day’s events. My time riding with you was like riding with a good friend back home, felt confident with your expert skill level.
Thanks again and hope to do this again soon. For anyone entertaining a tour you may contact Charlie for my contact info if you wish to talk to me directly.
Jeff
Bob and Margie – Florida
Tour – Alps Select – June 2002
Personal Motorcycles – BMW K1200 LT, Honda Blackbird
Rental Motorcycle – BMW R1150 RT
Taking an Alpine motorcycle tour with Moto-Charlie was a well managed and designed tour with both a congenial and most accommodating host. Charlie is a wonderful person. He is concerned about your safety, your happiness on the tour and that your needs are being met in terms of your expectations in traveling the high Alpine country of Europe.
Having all of our first-class accommodations pre-arranged by Charlie made our hotel arrivals effortless and pleasurable stays. Being a great conversationalist, and Charlie’s “local knowledge” having ridden these roads for 20 years, makes him an outstanding Alpine motorcycle tour guide. Right from having the BMW bike ready in Munich through our return to the states through the airport, Charlie delivered. The single most important factor to us was that we never had to navigate through the Alps. We just followed Charlie, which when and if you go – you will learn is a godsend. For first timers like us, navigation would have been a real challenge and resulted in countless frustrations, wrong turns and endless miles to nowhere. It is not easy to follow the signs and get to your destinations on the back roads of Europe. Secondly, the riding is challenging and requires a lot of concentrated driving effort – at least for a first time cycle tourist in this region. Looking around and appreciating the scenery is best done from a full stop. Be prepared for long dark tunnels, endless blind curves and 100’s of switch-backs in the mountains with tour buses and trucks coming at you while riding next to sheer drop-offs – often without guard rails. The tour is not necessarily for the faint of heart, but the scenery is both a breath taking and awe-inspiring vista of the natural ruggedness and beauty of the Alpine countryside.
Even though it was June, we experienced everything from rain, sleet and hail to burning hot weather in the mid-90 degree temperature range. That made it difficult to pack, being limited to a tank bag and a pannier each, as were two-up on the bike. If you were alone, you would have additional room for a vented jacket along with a cold weather alternative, or a multi-purpose jacket and we would highly recommend this approach as we only came with leathers.
In closing, I’d say we look upon our Alpine Tour with Moto-Charlie as an adventure of a lifetime, and one that I’m sure not many of your other motorcycling buddies will have experienced. Margie and I would be happy to talk to you personally about the tour. Give us a call at 561-740-2528.
NOTE: They’re serious about talking to them. Feel free to call Bob or Margie if you want a first hand account of my tours.
Carl – New York
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2000
Personal Motorcycles – BMW K1200 LT, Suzuki GSXR 750
Rental Motorcycle – BMW R1150 GS
Just returned from a 10-day trip through the Alps with Moto-Charlie. Decided about 6 weeks ago that I would be able to ride the Alps and was lucky to find a reference to Moto-Charlie in the BMW rag. I viewed his web site (Moto-Charlie.com) and contacted him. He was able to make all the arrangements and include me on his September trip (Sept16-26). Charlie has been riding in the Alps every year for the last 16 years and has a wealth of knowledge about the Alpine roads. His tour is a low-key affair. For a fee, he arranges for the bike rental and hotel accommodations. He does not use a van, and everyone carries their own luggage. The cost is considerably less than the more established tours. One can go off on his/her own, but the smart move is to tag along with Charlie, who took us on a most interesting tour of the Alps. We rode most of the better known passes but also took routes that only a real Alps aficionado would know about. Charlie is a great rider and kept a pace that was always exciting but sane. A great time was had by all. If you are interested in riding in the Alps, check out his web site. The usual disclaimers–I have no involvement with the business and only know Charlie through this trip.
P.S. Riding in the Alps is a major riding experience that all serious riders must experience. It’s unbelievable.
Willie and Urs – Washington
Tour – September 2000 – TOP 10+
Tour – Alps Select – June 2002
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 2003
Personal Motorcycles – Yamaha DT 360, Ducati ST-4s
Rental Motorcycle – Ducati ST-4, Ducati ST-4s
When Willie and Ursula left the United States for Europe together we had absolutely no experience in motorcycling touring within that environment. In fact, our only tour prior to this together was a short trip to the eastern part of our beautiful state of Washington. While Willie was out on a kayak trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Ursula was cruising the Internet. She landed Moto-Charlie. The seed was planted. Upon my return, Urs was gone on a fishing trip to a lodge in Canada, passing the baton to Willie. I sought advice from Charlie pertaining to his comfort of having a couple of elderly folks joining him for a portion of his planned journey through the most beautiful motorcycling turf offered on our planet. Charlie responded by heartily welcoming us to join his merry band. This was subtly followed by a definitive form to fill out pertaining to the expertise of this throttle jockey and his back seat driver. Willie responded by suggesting to Charlie that it might be a cold day in hell before we were going to hold them up, but on the other hand we were mellow folks. I did manage to slip in all of my motorcycle racing experience in days gone by. Now, we are really old people within the realm of motorcycling. We had rented our motorcycle from BIANCOBLU in Milano and it was a ST-4 Ducati. Charlie favors BMWs on his tours. So we came in with a whole different mind set. Here is young Charlie (in Willie years) on his German steed, and there was Willie and Urs on our Italian stallion (two up, as it were). What a great time we had pushing and pulling between the offsets of Willie and Urs with more horsepower plus age and Charlie being one-up on a bike of lesser ultimate horsepower, but more torque. What we did is cruise, and we did that as rapidly as conditions permitted. Because we were on a different pace, we allowed the rest of the group to lead. This occasionally left us chomping on the bit, but Charlie knew the routes (plus many more) so we were charitable and didn’t pass him. In a nutshell, Charlie paces the group to challenge them, but will not leave anybody behind. He was our Mother Goose. No one knows the routes better. Thank you Charlie for the great trip!
NOTE: Willie and Urs stay for a month or so every year at an apartment just outside of Lugano Switzerland. They chronicle their European adventures, plus other exotic trips, on Willie’s website. WIllie and Urs are interesting people and a treat to ride with. Their website can be found below.
www.weathergod.com
George – Massachusetts
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 1997
Tour – TOP 10+ – September 1999
Personal Motorcycle – Ducati 916
Rental Motorcycle – BMW R1100 RS, BMW R1100 GS
I’ve known Charlie personally and professionally for many years. We ride together occasionally in the states, do track days, and talk motorcycles every time we get together. I’ve toured with Charlie twice in the Alps. The most recent tour had me on a R1100GS. My wife accompanied us in a rented Audi. Most days had us directly to the next hotel in 4 or 5 hours and my wife would ride with me on the back of the bike for the balance of those days plus full days during the 2-day stopovers.
Charlie seems to know his away around. He hardly ever looked at a map as we went up and over big passes, little passes, and took turns through the middle of towns that appeared to lead nowhere but wound up going over some memorable pass that was not evident on the map. Even though we would clip along at a sporting pace we never lost my wife in the car (she is fearless behind the wheel). We frequently got ahead of her going up and down the mountains as we used the bike’s speed and agility to pass cars and buses with abandon. The rule was that if we were going to turn off the current road we would stop at the turn-off point and wait for her to catch up. While we waited, we reviewed where we had been, planned which passes we were going to attack next and-most importantly-discussed where we would be having our next cappuccino (or espresso, in my case). This program seemed to work very well, as my wife always managed to find us.
Each trip with Charlie has been mostly over different routes with different hotels, and we have enjoyed them all. My wife and I personally like the small tour feel of Charlie’s trips and we like leaving the details to him. Just get to Munich, pick up the bike, and follow Moto. It’s addictive. The only problem is to figure out how we can go every year.