Total noob doing Stella Alpina.

[gspod]

I've been touring Europe for over 20 years from weekend trips to 5 weeks. I've always had annual insurance as it's not much dearer than single trip. Now you may think that's a lot of money over the years but 1 simple slow speed off on some diesel in 2012 paid all that money back and probably for the next 20 years. The French will make you pay up front for everything and lots of things are not reciprocal France- UK but will be covered by insurance.

Shop around, health insurance is not expensive.

[gspod]

P.S it's not the same as the locals get. French health care is a complicated thing. I don't mean to be a bore but if you and your bike have to be repatriated, which can happen in an instant, you'll kick yourself for not paying that £80.

[PHILinFRANCE]

2 years ago 9/10ths of the way to the top and stopped by that drift

[P4ulie]

It was glorious when I was there but still the odd snow drift

I would add the photo but the site doesn't want to upload it

It might be slightly chilly at base camp come midnight but most of the pics are the best part of 1000 m above that, which makes a huge difference. A couple of whiskeys & you will sleep like a baby. Down in Bardo I was strolling around in a t shirt at night time (thumbs)

[africajim]

Hi there, Fiona and myself will be there, I'll be on the new Africa Twin, Fiona's on a CB500X, both white.
We're travelling from Spain to France then through Andorra on our way across to Italy for the Stella.
Hope to see you there mate, the craic's good! I've seen snow, tents white with frost, it's bloody cold up the hill! We're going to decide closer to the time as we usually use Bokki, but I'm packing the shovel,,,, just in case! Lol!
This was 2011, the only year I've ever got to the top, usually snowbound.

10072011319.jpg (76.5 KiB) Viewed 2263 times

[Mac 60]

Breakdown and health insurance are a must.

Alps in summer as cold as the Draggon - is this a windup?

1. I understand it's a must but is it a good deal or are there better options.

2. Basecamp is high. I've seen some videos from the rally and there was snow.

http://adventurebikerider.com/forum/26- ... 0&start=80

Looks colder than Dragon to me hmy:

Note ton self, need a warmer sleeping bag ! hmy:

[P4ulie]

Hi there, Fiona and myself will be there, I'll be on the new Africa Twin, Fiona's on a CB500X, both white.
We're travelling from Spain to France then through Andorra on our way across to Italy for the Stella.
Hope to see you there mate, the craic's good! I've seen snow, tents white with frost, it's bloody cold up the hill! We're going to decide closer to the time as we usually use Bokki, but I'm packing the shovel,,,, just in case! Lol!
This was 2011, the only year I've ever got to the top, usually snowbound.

10072011319.jpg

I think 2011 was a blessed year. I had a week on stonking alpine trails in glorious sunshine. Judging by everyone elses photos, that isn't the norm B)

Cracking photo (thumbs) I can't seem to post photos but my avatar is about 20m above the Italian / French border, you can see you were just below me (thumbs)

[daytona-supersport]

Breakdown and health insurance are a must.

Alps in summer as cold as the Draggon - is this a windup?

1. I understand it's a must but is it a good deal or are there better options.

2. Basecamp is high. I've seen some videos from the rally and there was snow.

http://adventurebikerider.com/forum/26- ... 0&start=80

Looks colder than Dragon to me hmy:

Note ton self, need a warmer sleeping bag ! hmy:

It's the bloody numpty on the four wheeled thing at front that is holding you all up. Chuck it of the side so you can get past. :laugh: :laugh:

Have used Bokki in past years but last year went for the posh bed and breakfast option.
The Bokki camp site surprisingly empty compared to previous years. I think the main reason for this was the high charges for camping. It's only a few Euro's more for a decent B&B or hotel in town. Just go along to the tourist info office and they will soon sort you out some decent digs if you have not already booked.

[oRICHo]

Me & 2 others are going, and maybe 2 more (yet to confirm).

I'm trying to plan a route now, and by route I just a mean a wish list of roads/passes that I'd like to take in on the way there & back.
Going to be both camping & B&B, probably B&B only at the Stella though.

Hope to see you all there.

[daytona-supersport]

2015. Went for a quick ride up on the Thursday when it was nice and quiet. Went up again on Sunday to sign up for a badge and to carry on up to the top. The summit is up through the gap. The flat bit with scattered rocks is a bit of a short cut to get around the snow blocking the trail.

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StellaBadge2015-1.JPG (84.87 KiB) Viewed 2263 times

ThursdayNiceandQuiet.JPG (168 KiB) Viewed 2263 times

Did a bit of damage to my already knackered wrist the week end before the Stella. The hospital wanted to put it in a cast, I said no, I'll strap it up. We compromised with a removable support thing. I used a wrist support for riding. Worked out OK.

WristSplintBack.JPG (123.49 KiB) Viewed 2263 times