Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Those Daunting, Heidi, Cold, Swiss Alps: Smack Dab in the Middle of Our Route.

Stelvio Pass
Photo Source Stelvio Pass

Yes folks you guessed it… this is the charming, picturesque, off the beaten track (though not really), back-road French Husband wants to ride along when we go over the Alps.

The Stelvio Pass with its sixty hairpin turns.

Gulp.

…and to think I was afraid of a little rain which seems like a breeze compare to riding along this scenic route.

http://bespokecashmere.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/stelvio-pass-road-redefining-switchbacks-2.jpg
Photo Source Stelvio Pass

I get dizzy just looking at these photos. Note to self: Pack a plastic bag a.k.a. Vomit Bag.

I hope our new, used, 2003 BMW has really, really, really, hyper-durable, strong brakes.

I doubt I will fall asleep on this part of the journey, I really doubt it, I can almost bet that I would not. Of course falling asleep might be the thing to do it would lessen the fear factor.

[stelvio3.JPG]
Photo Source Stelvio Pass

Staring at the computer screen, I swear this photo of the Stelvio Pass looks upside down, doesn't it? Man of man, doesn't this give a whole new perspective to the word "drop off"?

I thought out loud to French Husband, "Honey Darling, what if it rains? There doesn't seem to be a place to stop and let the rain pass by?"

He put his arm around me and in a sweet, little, whisper sang, "We'll get wet."

Dear Jesus, What have I gotten myself into?

http://www.grossglockner.at/static/cms/grossglockner/bilder/header/strasse_01.jpgPhoto Source Grossglockner Alpine Road


I showed French Husband the above image of the Grossglockner Alpine Road. I thought I'd offer him a scenic, less threatening, road other than the Stelvio Pass.

He loved it and said let's do both.

That's it!! I have learned my lesson, from now on I am showing him photos of small cafes on cobble stone streets, and windows of pastry shops.

Note: Off to buy a new helmet, rain gear and gloves. Oh Boy, shopping leather just my cup of tea.

Comments

37 responses to “Those Daunting, Heidi, Cold, Swiss Alps: Smack Dab in the Middle of Our Route.”

  1. Barbara Sydney Australia

    Oh Corey,
    You are so funny, and brave!!! But honestly after looking at those photos “WHAT ARE YOU BOTH THINKING”?
    It looks like somebody has drawn over a magical landscape with liquid paper!!
    What about a nice slow car instead of a bike?

    Reply
  2. Ana Jacas

    I suggest you buy some goggles that show an alternative view so that when you go round those bends you see a view that is calm, serene, and SAFE!! I think that you are still so brave and wish you luck, I think that if I had a ‘french husband’ I would probably go too.

    Reply
  3. Katy in Fort Worth, Texas

    Are ya’ll going back home the same way?

    Reply
  4. Gina Baynham

    mad, Mad, MAD !!!!!!

    Reply
  5. Merry

    NUTS!!! Even hairpins have nice rounded curves … this is madness!!! But if you must … hold on tight and don’t look. (What then, is the point?) If I had a French husband I’d stay home and wait for him. Under the covers. Praying. I’ll do that for you!

    Reply
  6. Alison Gibbs

    OMG tie yourself onto that bike or you’ll fall off. Goodness me that is going to be such an exciting ride
    Alison

    Reply
  7. Paulita

    Can you really fall asleep on a motorcycle? Won’t you fall off?

    Reply
  8. Anne A

    Hi Corey, yes what have you let yourself in for !!!! I am sure it will be fantastic, such an adventure 🙂

    Reply
  9. Jeanne

    Love you
    Love to hear all about your life
    Love and safe travels
    Jeanne♥

    Reply
  10. Penelope

    I can’t see the 3rd photo. Definitely scary road!! I think that I would say that I’d prefer to go to Venice, instead, Corey.

    Reply
  11. Rhonda

    I feel motion sickness just looking at the photo’s. You are very brave.

    Reply
  12. Lia

    I’m nauseous already…leaning into the turns, curving back and forth…way way above sea level…climbing up up up, speeding down down down…

    Reply
  13. Marie-Noëlle

    Well, Corey, you’re so lucky, aren’t you ? You’re going to travel on a motorbike !!! Imagine those poor Tour de France cyclists riding those roads on mere bicycles !!!
    Now hurry up getting ready and riding off… you might ride past them !!!
    Breathe and close your eyes !!!
    OR… follow the blue route that will show within a few seconds !!!
    http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=marseille&daddr=s%C3%A9ville&hl=fr&mra=ls&sll=37.387617,-5.998535&sspn=12.663882,28.015137&ie=UTF8&ll=40.597271,-0.307617&spn=12.106418,28.015137&t=h&z=6

    Reply
  14. Erin

    i could not even imagine traveling over this in a car…let alone out in the wide open on a motorbike. now i have flown over the alps into florence and rome and that was just fine 🙂
    have a wonderful evening.

    Reply
  15. Marilyn

    I thought you had photo-shopped that first picture! I’ve never seen anything like it.
    How many miles is the Stelvio Pass? How long do you think it will take to complete it?
    You and FH are definitely going on an adventure!
    Marilyn (in Dallas)

    Reply
  16. Diogenes

    My approach would be Easyjet or Lufthansa, €89.

    Reply
  17. Betty

    That sure puts the A in adventure!!

    Reply
  18. gracia

    How beautiful it looks though, how very, very beautiful.

    Reply
  19. martina

    Lombard Street in San Francisco-on steroids. That looks like a gorgeous ride Corey. Just think of it as prep for when you do a U.S. motorcycle trip and cross the Rockies. Better buy extra memory card and batteries for the camera!

    Reply
  20. Beverly

    Oh my goodness! I’ve been away for a few weeks, and when I first saw this post, I thought, “Oh, that road looks like the road that I had to drive on in the West Virginia mountains…” but I was in a car!
    I take it you’ll be on the back of a motorcycle!
    Hang on tight!

    Reply
  21. caren

    It will be beautiful, an adventure of a lifetime – however, I don’t think I would want to do it! How can you sleep on a motorcycle and how in the world could you throw up in a bag while riding- first you would have to turn lose of FH (scary) and hold the bag, while sick! Too much for me. I’ll keep you in my prayers….when are you leaving?

    Reply
  22. carol

    My husband toured just about all of Europe, including the Alps, on a bike. I just wish I knew him then. He met some wonderful people on his journey. I did it in a car with him and thought, many time, how wonderful it would be to be on a bike now. Enjoy – enjoy – enjoy!

    Reply
  23. Kathie

    Reminds me of some of the tortuous Northern California mountain roads — paved two-lane highways as well as single-lane logging trails cut by graders — that my parents took me on when I was little, in the Redwoods region, the Trinity Alps and the Sierra Nevadas. Do you recall any of those, Corey, or are you too young?
    Anyhow, I’d inevitably get carsick back when I was little (and those narrow roads were hot and dusty in summer back then!), so my parents made a deal with me: I’d let them know as soon as I started to feel nauseated, so they could stop and let me out of the car for a couple of minutes; sometimes all I needed was a whiff of fresh air and not to be in a moving car (and to stretch my legs). Do you think you could prearrange a mid-ride signal with Yann that lets him know if he needs to stop for you for this reason along the way? Maybe a message tapped on his shoulder in Morse Code?

    Reply
  24. Patricia

    Aren’t there safer ways to get across the Alps? A cable car, perhaps? I’m not sure I’d be game to the zig-zag carnival ride. Just remember, it is French Husband driving, so you’ll probably be just fine. Of course, he is the man who willingly jumps off cliff into the ocean and scales sheer rock faces for fun. Yeah, you’re doomed. Have fun!

    Reply
  25. Michelle M in KY

    Corey…ok…SCRATCH the post I just posted to yesterdays post…This looks terrifying. Maybe you should not have looked up ariel shots. Maybe the only thing you should pack is yourself…in bubble wrap, just to be on the safe side.
    I am just kidding…I still think this will be the time of your life…FH is an experienced driver and I do not think that he will let anything happen to either one of you. I wish you sunny skies, safe travels, and an air-cushioned behind. When do you leave?

    Reply
  26. Marilyn

    “helmet”??? You’re taking that road on a MOTORCYCLE? BIKE? I might have to pop a Xanax just to READ about it! 🙂 The photos are stunning, but I swear that squiggly thing you call a road looks like it’s been painted on just to scare the faint of heart. Safe travels! 🙂

    Reply
  27. Kel

    So exciting! This ride will give you practice for the winding roads in the Rocky Mountains whenever you are able to make the trip across the West.
    I get a chuckle out of your writing.

    Reply
  28. Tammy

    Oh my, those photos do make me dizzy! Best of luck! ;D
    Enjoying your blog via the book “Blogging for Bliss”.

    Reply
  29. Carol

    The scenery looks so beautiful!
    And to think I gulp when seeing the sign going to Big Sur, which reads something like…50 miles of curves and grades.
    You and FH will definitely be making some fabulous memories.
    I’m looking forward to hearing about the trip and seeing your fabulous pictures.
    Take care, Sweet Corey and FH!

    Reply
  30. kay

    Oh my God you must be mad…I wouldn’t crawl down that road on my hands and knees!!!….no ..no it’ll be fine!!! You shouldn’t let cowards stop you fullfilling your dreams….you go girl!!! xxx
    Ps. send message when you reach the end so all your blogging friends can breath again….

    Reply
  31. jani

    uh oh…..! rod says plz take a pic fro him from the edge…yikes corey
    good luck..shanti….jani

    Reply
  32. hhb

    I seem to remember some James Bond scenes taking place on that pass………in a rather flash sports car. I think if you are going to be a Bond girl on a bike you will need some long black leather boots!

    Reply
  33. Sylvia

    Corey, you must stop at the top of the highest mountain, spread your arms wide and sing “The Hills are alive with the sound of muuuusssic”…
    What a great trip to share with your hubby.
    Sylvia

    Reply
  34. Jill

    What an experience this is going to be for you! Embrace the adventure– and have him stop and take a few breaks along the way! (Otherwise you may need that plastic bag!)

    Reply
  35. Denise

    Corey,
    Your husband loves you! He’ll take care of you. I am so scared every time we travel on the Coast Highway in California. Big Sur scares me to death and yet every time we travel that road I live! Hug tight to the French Husband and blog the journey. I’ll be waiting to hear about it. I hate cliffs when driving but I love the views!

    Reply
  36. GunnersideGill

    But what am amazing experience.
    Take photographs so we can come too.
    GG

    Reply
  37. susanna

    So cool! I want to go with you!!! What a gorgeous location. Was that part of the Tour de France route? (My husband is addicted to watching that on t.v.). Corey, this is going to be an amazing trip for you both.

    Reply

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