We’ve used John Hermann’s excellent “Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps & Beyond” as a route planning resource ever since our first overseas group ride in 2006 when we rode down to Chamonix and toured around the Alps. In the 4th edition, the one that we’re currently using, there are 89 suggested motorcycle trips and 322 Alpine and Pyrenean passes listed. Every pass is cross-referenced back to a trip report and all the trip reports contain detailed route descriptions that are written in the first person in an easy to read narrative style. All the trips have simple maps and there are plenty of photos to look at. In our opinion this book is the best and most complete resource for any motorcyclist looking to ride in this part of Europe, simply because all of the major roads and Alpine passes are described and reviewed, and every region of the Alps and Pyrenees is covered from Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy to France Spain and Andorra.
There’s perhaps some room for improvement. The maps aren’t particularly detailed and a general fold out map with all the suggested trips marked on it would make route planning easier when threading passes together. But this really is a minor flaw and whether you’re planning your first motorbike trip to this part of the world, or whether you’re a seasoned rider in Europe, you’d do well to read this book before you leave.
Our particular favourite is trip 52, “I Dare You; 17 Passes in One Day”. This inspired us to head to Arabba in Italy where we used it as the basis for our 18 passes in a day ride out during our 2009 trip to the Dolomites. This book is written by a biker with fellow motorcyclists in mind and although the maps could be better it would be unfair to mark it anything other than 5 stars because it’s so damn useful.
Rated: 
