Books & Maps
Books
8 Around the Americas on a motorcycle; by Werner Bausenhart (Ordering Info)
(ISBN 1-894508-02-5); Text in English; (240 pages - soft cover 15 x 23 cm)
This book is the day-to-day account of a trip by motorcycle around both North and South America - as far north as the end of the road in Deadhorse, on Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and as far south as the end of the road in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. It gives an insight into matters specific to motorcycle adventure travel: documents required, the maintenance of the bike, road and riding conditions as they affect the motorcyclist, border crossings, transporting the bike by air freight, and accommodation and security for the bike and rider. An appendix lists exact distances, and the names of secure campgrounds and hotels. The travelogue includes conversations with many of the fellow travellers Bausenhart met along the route. The book also touches on more personal questions. How does a family-oriented traveller obtain a leave of absence from a significant other who hates motorcycles? How does one overcome one's own fear of the unknown? The writer demonstrates that anyone with a strong desire to do so can indulge in motorcycle adventure travel. All that is required is a reliable motorcycle, a bit of money, and a lot of time.
Frommer's Driving Tours - Austria
(ISBN 0-02-860071-1);Text in English; (120 pages - soft cover;17 x 30 cm)
This book lists 25 tours that span from 2 to 7 days each. A detailed map for each tour lists attractions for all tastes along the way. There is at least one picture per page; all of them in color.
Frommer's Driving Tours - Switzerland
(ISBN 0-02-860070-3);Text in English; (120 pages - soft cover 17 x 30 cm)
This book lists 25 tours that span from 1 to 3 days each. A detailed map for each tour lists attractions for all tastes along the way. There is at least one picture per page; all of them in color.
Grosser Alpen Stassen Führer; by Denzel
(ISBN 3-85047-753-3); 19th edition; Text in German; (482 pages - hard cover 13 x 22 cm)
This book can be consider the bible of alpine road guides. It is aimed at the general motorist. The first section of this book lists the alpine passes by country and region along with the pass number and page. The next section lists all the alpine passes alphabetically by name with the type, height, country, grade, level of difficulty and pass number. The last section decribes each pass in the greatest of detail. There are numerous pictures both in B&W and color; about half of them glossy.
How to Tour Europe by Motorcycle by Phil Philco & Beverly Boe
(ISBN 0-87938-170-1); Text in English; (136 pages - soft cover 14 x 22 cm)
This book is for anyone who is thinking about touring Europe on a motorcycle. It does not go into any detailed trips but rather discusses the preparation required prior to touring Europe, what to expect once there. In general it discusses your numerous options prior to an undertaking of this type.
Motorcycle Journeys Through The Alps by John Hermann
(ISBN 0-9621834-6-6); Text in English; (223 pages - soft cover 14 x 22 cm)
This book is one of the best on the subject of motorcycle touring in the alps. 49 trips are outlined in an area bound by Munich in the North, Vienna in the East, Milano in the South and Geneve in the West. Each trip describes the distance involved, the terrain, the highlights and is rated by a one or two star rating. A map and numerous paragraphs describe each trip as well. All pictures are B&W. This book has now been replaced by Motorcycle Journeys Through The Alps - Second Edition by John Hermann.
Motorcycle Journeys Through The Alps And Corsica - Second Edition by John Hermann
(ISBN 1-884313-12-4); Text in English (303 pages - soft cover 14 x 22 cm)
This book is one of the best on the subject of motorcycle touring in the alps. 61 trips are outlined in an area bound by Munich in the North, Vienna in the East, Milano in the South and Geneve in the West as well as the island of Corsica. Each trip describes the distance involved, the terrain, the highlights and is rated by a one or two star rating. A map and numerous paragraphs describe each trip as well. All pictures are B&W.
MOTORRAD Reisen - Die Schönsten Alpen Strassen
(ISBN 3-7654-3394-2) Text in German; (128 pages - hard cover 25 x 31 cm)
This book also includes an 80 page booklet (soft cover 11 x 21 cm) that comes stored in a plastic pouch on the inside front cover. The book is divided into 5 parts covering Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. I would recommend this book to those that haven't a clue what awaits them in the Alps. The photography is excellent with at least one color photograph on every page. The booklet is filled with useful information and can be taken along while enroute.
MOTORRAD - Touren in den Alpen - Über 100 Rundfahrten; by Denzel
(ISBN 3-85047-754-1); 4th edition; Text in German; (336 pages - soft cover 12 x 18 cm)
This book can be considered the bible on motorcycle touring in the alps. For those that cannot read German, this book at least has excellent maps and numerous glossy pictures in B&W and color. For those that can read German, 104 trips are described in great detail; each with a route, the level of difficulty, time required, a map and numerous paragraphs. The book lists 35 trips in Austria, 8 in Germany, 8 in Switzerland, 36 in Italy and 17 in France.
Maps
For motorcycling in the Alps, look for maps with a scale of 1:200 000 or 1:250 000. This scale provides excellent detail without the need of having to carry too many maps along on the trip. For general travel, a scale of 1:500 000 or 1:600 000 is more suitable.
ADAC
The ADAC is Germany's automobile club and has offices located throughout the country. The following maps are specifically produced for motorcyclists. Each map lists two tours ranging from between 3 to 9 days and 600 to 2200 kilometers. Text is in German. These maps are to be used in conjunction with more detailed maps.
freytag & berndt
This company puts out very nice, detailed, colorful maps. Various maps and scales are available. For highly detailed maps (scales vary between 1:25 000 and 1:100 000, depending on the particular map), request the WK series of maps.
Die Neuen Strassenkarten Österreich - Serie in 7 Blättern; 1:200 000; (ISBN 3-85084-340-8) (7 map set at about the cost of 2 single maps listed above)
MICHELIN
This company puts out a very large range of highly detailed maps of Europe at a scale of 1:200 000. Other maps and various scales are also available.