The Splugen Pass

[iLB]

Climbing from the Swiss side into Italy, anyone on here done it? I think it promises to be the most grueling and rewarding day I've done on a bike and can't wait to get there http://andrewcater.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/the-way-back/

Hands up if this is you... https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Sp...oid=OfLuZXGW3x-Lld_rG-_S9g&cbp=12,32,,0,17.04

 

[oldfatfool]

Done this a couple of times in the car. Swiss side very nice, good road surface (or it was the last time 3 years ago). BE VERY CAREFUL if descending into Italy, the road is steep and drops through a lot of galleried and enclosed unlit tunnels. The road surface in these tunnels was absolute shite with pot holes that make British road repairers look like gods.

Nearly forgot, iirc one of the tunnels also incorporates an hairpin bend

 

[steveindenmark]

I agree with OFF. I have not ridden a cycle on these passes but I have ridden a motorbike over most of them.

The amount of cyclists you come across in these galleries and tunnels without lights is frightening. Some of the tunnels are very long, very dark and very twisty.

Make sure you are lit up like a Christmas tree. One light is not enough.

Steve

 

[iLB]

Thanks for the advice guys, lights will be on the bikes at all times... for whenever things might get a bit dicey. For tunnels I imagine we will cycle two abreast and take the lane.

Any thoughts on the best, touring weight friendly, kit to be carrying to wear if we get a bad day up there? Looks like we will have sunny weather and temps in the low 20's for the first week, but all bets are off at that altitude. At the moment I'm thinking leg warmers, rain jacket and gilet, some kind of hat maybe, maybe shoe covers, gloves... as a supplement to standard riding gear.Ideally you'd have full winter gear, but that's not going to happen in two panniers.

 

[steveindenmark]

I would really advise against riding 2 abreast in those tunnels.

Last September we had 30cm of snow overnight in St Moritz. It can get cold on the Northern side of the mountains but as soon as you start dropping down the Italian side it starts heating up quickly.

Just keep an eye on the weather forecasts.

Steve