Some dreams wait on a map for years. Ours came true at Stelvio on 2 July 2023. We wrote “We lived historic moments today!” because Stelvio was the last of the passes we had planned.
Where is the Stelvio Pass and how high is it?
Passo dello Stelvio is a mountain pass on the Swiss border in northern Italy, at 2757 metres. It is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps. Riding these roads at such an altitude is one of the rarest things you can do in a lifetime. The view is unbelievable and the feeling is impossible to describe. It was very different from the other passes: demanding, but one of the happiest crossings for us once it was over.
How did we approach Stelvio?
Through the Dolomites. On the way from Vipiteno towards Stelvio, magnificent roads and superb nature greeted us. Being on the road by motorcycle in that nature made us feel like part of it. We also rode Passo Gavia, another mountain pass in the Italian Alps at 2621 metres, described as the tenth highest paved road in the Alps.
Riding notes
Set your speed before each bend, look through the exit and open the throttle smoothly. Use engine braking on descents so the brakes do not overheat, dress in layers at altitude and stop in safe places to enjoy the view. Check the season and weather before heading into mountain roads.
Rider Healthcare and Galata Healthcare products suit long riding days, and Educated Moto Riders offers advanced and safe riding training as well as motorcycle tours for riders who prefer a group.
Read the full story in Turkish with photos and videos: Stelvio Geçidi Motosiklet Turu.