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TESTIMONIALS
My marketing friends tell me that it is essential for my website to have
a few kind words from people who have toured with me, so I show several
below. They are unedited.
John - Queensland Australia
Tour - September 2007
Personal motorcycle - Ducati 1098, BMW R1200R
Rental motorcycle - BMW R1200R
This was my first organized Motorcycle Tour and I had some reservations
about doing one i.e. could I do it better on my own etc. My first contact
with Charlie was by e-mail. The information he provided me with was easy
to understand and accurate. The group got along great like they had all
traveled together before. If you want to go off and do your own riding
then there is no problem with that either. The experience of the trip
for myself is difficult to describe in a manner that does it justice.
Basically a motorcycle journey you will never forget. One thing I went
away from the trip with is knowing that Charlie does not look at this
as a money making venture. He wants to share with you his passion to ride
the best motorcycle roads you will find anywhere. The scenery is something
that makes you want to stop all the time but then around another corner
it's as good or even better. I am already planning my next trip there
and we will be riding with Charlie again.
Bill & Kelly - Missouri
Tour - September 2007
Personal motorcycle - Harley, FJR 1300 and More
Rental motorcycle - BMW K1200 GT
The trip was truly amazing, everything we hoped and dreamed of. The riding
in the Alps is fabulous, and the scenery is unbeatable. We really enjoyed
the pace of the trip, it was very much as described on your website. It
was always a dream of ours to ride in the Alps, and your tour was the
perfect solution for us. It was so nice not to have to worry about accommodations
or finding the best routes, we could simply enjoy the wonderful scenery,
marvelous food and great companions. We have done many US motorcycle trips
on our own, but this was our first organized tour, so we were not sure
what to expect. Right away we felt comfortable with the group and surroundings,
and the entire trip felt like you were riding with a small group of friends.
We all shared and enjoyed the experience and adventure together, as well
as the love of motorcycling, so friendships were made fast.
Reflecting on the experience, we're not sure there is anything about
the trip that we would want to change. We have already and will continue
to recommend this tour to others as the ideal way to experience the Alps
on a motorcycle. The memories and pictures will last a lifetime, and we
are already making plans for next summer with some of our new friends,
from Australia!
Mark - Texas
Tour - September 2007
Personal motorcycle - Triumph Sprint ST, BMW K1100 RS
Rental motorcycle - Honda CBF 1000 ABS
I took the 11-day Italian tour with Moto-Charlie. A fantastic riding
experience. The roads were... incredible. Switchbacks, sweepers, tight
technical riding. All of it against the beautiful scenery of the Swiss
and Italian Alps.
I'm glad that I used Charlie's operation for making the trip. His knowledge
of the area and love of riding magnified the experience. Not a day, not
a road, not a pass was wasted. And with Charlie taking care of the tour
details, I got to focus on the riding and not about what roads to take
or where I'd be staying at night. Charlie gives you the freedom to go
off on your own, if that's what you want to do. But with the area and
riding he had planned on our tour, I never felt the need. The information
he gives through his web site and E-mails made the whole journey go smoothly.
The group I rode with was great. Friendly, interesting, good riders, and
loved riding. It felt more like being with a group of friends instead
of a tour.
If you're wanting to make a European motorcycle trip, I definitely recommend
Moto-Charlie.
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Jim - Florida
Tour - June 2007
Personal motorcycle - BMW K1200LT, Yamaha FJR 1300
Rental motorcycle - BMW K1200 GT
I did the Swiss Alps tour this June and it was wonderful!!! I choose
Moto-Charlie because it seemed like a no nonsense rider's ride. I didn't
need vehicle support, liked the overnight stays in smaller towns with
a more rural feeling, direct pay, and less cost for the trip.
I arrived one day early to adjust, but picked up the bike and started
riding the first afternoon with Charlie. I rented a K1200GT an extra day,
riding 12 days, and about 1800 miles. That doesn't sound like many miles,
but riding switchbacks on several passes a day, even at a harder pace,
does not put on many miles. Then there are photo ops and lunch. We usually
start riding about 9 am after brunch and quit by 5-6 pm. That was more
than enough riding each day, since it is much more technical and challenging.
In comparison, I will do 700-800 miles a day when traveling on the interstate.
Charlie is personable, helped with language differences when needed,
was a good rider and rode quickly, as he indicates "European style". It
was nice having the bike rentals and hotels setup ahead of time. He not
only took us on a lot of major passes, but several off beat one-laners
that I never would have found on my own. I thought he did an excellent
job as a tour guide and well worth his flat fee. There is no way I could
have navigated myself and gotten in as much riding out of each day. He
altered the trip one day so I could visit where my grandfather grew up
east of Zurich.
Cost: I feel like the trip saved me at least $2000. Other tour operators
add on a lot for solo riders, single rooms, and bike upgrades. My trip
with Moto-Charlie cost a little more than listed mostly because I arrived
one day early, rented a more expensive bike an extra day, and put on extra
miles. I was there to ride. The roads and Alps were incredible!!!!
Mark - Maryland
Tour - June 2005, September 2007
Personal motorcycle - Norton Cammando, Honda VFR 750
Rental motorcycle - Honda VFR 800, KTM 950 Adventurer
I have been back home for 4 months, and I can't stop thinking about the
trip. Everyday, I look at a picture, think about a pass, daydream about
a town, or read an article about the Alps. I need to get back there! Quite
honestly, nothing could have prepared me for the experience, and the resulting
feelings. What a trip!
The scenery, people, and especially the riding, are extraordinary. From
the towns to the mountains, everything is picture perfect. Like nothing
I have seen, or imagined, in the States. Words and pictures can't do justice
to the beauty and grandeur. After days of claiming this was the "best
pass yet," I found myself just smiling at Charlie when we stopped.
On top of the majesty of the place, the people are wonderfully friendly.
Nearly everyone speaks English, and everyone is accommodating. It was
not long before I fell in love with the country... and the people!
As for the riding, I won't even attempt to describe it. Charlie's analogy
of an "endless track day" is a really good one. The roads are
nothing short of phenomenal, and you will spend far more time leaned over
than you will sitting up straight. It is a rider's paradise!
Some advice...
Read Charlie's website! This site does an excellent job of describing
the trip and the experience. Charlie takes these trips because he wants
to (the guy loves to ride)... not because he has to. This is not his livelihood.
He is completely honest, professional, and thorough in his answers to
your questions. He wants nothing more than to enjoy the trip with a great
group of people.
This tour is focused on riding, with the sightseeing done from the seat.
While Charlie is serious when he says, "this is your tour,"
if you choose to spend your days with Charlie, you will be riding.
Be sure that your riding skills are very good. The roads in Switzerland
have NO resemblance to the roads in the States. Many are quite challenging
(especially with luggage), and to truly enjoy the tour, you need to have
very good riding skills.
On a final note, I will DEFINITELY be taking another trip with Charlie.
I loved the roads, the countries, the people, the scenery, Charlie's quick
paced riding style, and the way he approaches the tour. The trip of a
lifetime!
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John and Kim - Missouri
Tour - June 2005, September 2007
Personal motorcycle - Yamaha FJR 1300
Rental motorcycle - Aprilia Futura, BMW F800 ST
We just returned from the 10-day Swiss tour with Charlie. What a tremendous
time we had, and a fantastic group of riders!
As you have seen in the other posts, the scenery is spectacular. Each
day's scenery was a beautiful as the next. Charlie's organization was
great, and all the details of our trip flowed smoothly. We were especially
impressed with the hotels we stayed in and the local charm of each region.
It was a relief to allow Charlie to navigate the local roads and maps,
and just follow along. The pace was good, and there was a nice mix of
challenging mountain riding, and great rolling countryside.
Our group was just the right size for us (11 bikes - 15 riders). We had
a fabulous group of folks, and made some wonderful new friends. We had
the pleasure of spending our 10th anniversary in a breathtaking location
near the French border.
We would highly recommend Charlie's tour to anyone looking to explore
the Swiss Alps in a relaxed fashion, with a knowledgeable guide. We found
the trip to be very cost competitive compared with the major bike tours
of Europe, and we loved the idea of Charlie's smaller group environment.
We will savor our memories for a lifetime, and hope to start saving soon
for our next tour!!
Jim - Vermont
Tour - September 2004 Intermot Tour
Personal Motorcycles - Ducati ST2, Ducati M750
Rental motorcycle: BMW R1100 S
If you have always wanted to do a motorcycle tour of the Alps, Moto-Charlie
is the way to go. Charlie's laid-back approach, knowledge of the great
roads of the Alps (big and small), the selection of comfortable hotels
with wonderful food and a small group of riders, all make his tour feel
like you're out riding with your buddies. The scenery is just unbelievable,
the roads both fun and challenging and the cappuccino is outstanding.
And attending the Intermot was an added plus. Charlie rides a good pace,
makes sure that no one falls behind and really knows the roads and passes
that make this tour so much fun. Each day was an adventure and this trip
is one I won't soon forget. After spending 10 days motorcycling in the
Alps, it is easy to see why people can't get enough and want to return.
Prior to the trip I had never met Charlie, even though we're from neighboring
states, but I can highly recommend this tour to anyone.
Feel free to browse my pictures by clicking here
Wilber - West Virginia
Tour - September 2004 Intermot Tour
Personal Motorcycles - BMW R1150 RT
Rental Motorcycle - BMW R1150 RT
Traveling with Charlie was a great experience! Weather and personal choices
caused us to deviate from the planned itinerary a couple of times and
he was readily able to make route modifications so that we got to where
we needed to be at the end of the day. From a price/value standpoint he
knows the best hotels, restaurants, and rest stops. He also knows the
best locations to stop for photographs. His great sense of humor and depth
of knowledge were instrumental in building a cohesiveness to our touring
group, and he took a personal interest in seeing that our individual interests
were accommodated. If you're interested in riding the Alpine passes, great
and small, you can't go wrong if you go with Moto-Charlie!
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Jeff and Susan - Washington
Tour - June 2004
Personal Motorcycles - Honda CBR 954, Honda Blackbird
Rental Motorcycle - BMW R1150 RS
We took a 12-day tour with Moto-Charlie to the Alps in June 2004. This
was one trip that was the most breathtaking adventure we have ever taken.
Charlie was both professional and pleasant. He went above and beyond in
making our trip the most memorable experience we could be ever imagined.
We had all of our accommodations prearranged by our host, and we were
pleasantly surprised, and in awe of every place we stayed. His knowledge
and suggestions ordering our food, selecting the shops, and where to go
for entertainment was never a let down
My favorite place that we stayed at had the most spectacular view of
the water, as well as a very quaint room. It was like a picture in a magazine.
The view was the most spectacular, breathtaking sight that I have ever
seen, and it still leaves me in awe when I even imagine it. The owner
of this spectacular place is Adrian; he is the most wonderful and pleasant
gentleman that I have had the honor to meet. His kindness and generosity
to us gave me the warmest welcome that I have ever experienced.
I just want to give you ladies a heads up on the definition of the time
frame for shopping. Charlie took me to this awesome town to shop; which
was called duty free, but the definition time for my shopping is not the
same definition time as my fiancˇe. For example: My definition time is
all day, and my fiancˇe's is two hours (be sure to pack your sneakers).
This trip was one that I would definitely do and want to do yearly. There
is still so much more to see, and I am so looking forward to our next
trip. I will definitely be wanting to visit Adrian's place.
Charlie, you are the greatest host. Your pleasant personality and stories
of your personal adventures you shared with us were enjoyable. You gave
me the most memorable and pleasant experience riding in the Alps, and
I am enjoying sharing my experience with friends and family. Thank-you
and I look forward to more trips and hearing more stories from you.
Susan
Charlie, you did a wonderful job setting up our itinerary with this tour.
The shop you used for the rental bikes was a great selection that had
a variety of bikes to choose from, as well as meeting any ones riding
style. Very convenient to have the starting hotel right across the street
from the bike shop, pickup and return went smoothly with your help. The
roads and the scenery were the best part for me, definitely the best I
have been on. I was most impressed with the skill level of the average
auto driver. I felt much safer there then here in the US. We never had
a complaint about the hotels or food so that speaks for itself. I also
liked how flexible you were in the day's events. My time riding with you
was like riding with a good friend back home, felt confident with your
expert skill level. Thanks again and hope to do this again soon. For anyone
entertaining a tour you may contact Charlie for my contact info if you
wish to talk to me directly.
Jeff
Here are the links to the tour pictures taken by Jeff and Susan
Picture Set
1
Picture Set
2
Picture Set
3
Picture Set
4
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Bob and Margie - Florida
Tour - June 2002
Personal Motorcycles - BMW K1200 LT, Honda Blackbird
Rental Motorcycle - BMW R1150 RT
Taking an Alpine motorcycle tour with Moto-Charlie was a well managed
and designed tour with both a congenial and most accommodating host. Charlie
is a wonderful person. He is concerned about your safety, your happiness
on the tour and that your needs are being met in terms of your expectations
in traveling the high Alpine country of Europe.
Having all of our first-class accommodations pre-arranged by Charlie
made our hotel arrivals effortless and pleasurable stays. Being a great
conversationalist, and Charlie's "local knowledge" having ridden
these roads for 20 years, makes him an outstanding Alpine motorcycle tour
guide. Right from having the BMW bike ready in Munich through our return
to the states through the airport, Charlie delivered. The single most
important factor to us was that we never had to navigate through the Alps.
We just followed Charlie, which when and if you go - you will learn is
a godsend. For first timers like us, navigation would have been a real
challenge and resulted in countless frustrations, wrong turns and endless
miles to nowhere. It is not easy to follow the signs and get to your destinations
on the back roads of Europe. Secondly, the riding is challenging and requires
a lot of concentrated driving effort - at least for a first time cycle
tourist in this region. Looking around and appreciating the scenery is
best done from a full stop. Be prepared for long dark tunnels, endless
blind curves and 100's of switch-backs in the mountains with tour buses
and trucks coming at you while riding next to sheer drop-offs - often
without guard rails. The tour is not necessarily for the faint of heart,
but the scenery is both a breath taking and awe-inspiring vista of the
natural ruggedness and beauty of the Alpine countryside.
Even though it was June, we experienced everything from rain, sleet and
hail to burning hot weather in the mid-90 degree temperature range. That
made it difficult to pack, being limited to a tank bag and a pannier each,
as were two-up on the bike. If you were alone, you would have additional
room for a vented jacket along with a cold weather alternative, or a multi-purpose
jacket and we would highly recommend this approach as we only came with
leathers.
In closing, I'd say we look upon our Alpine Tour with Moto-Charlie as
an adventure of a lifetime, and one that I'm sure not many of your other
motorcycling buddies will have experienced. Margie and I would be happy
to talk to you personally about the tour. Give us a call at 561-740-2528.
NOTE: They're serious about talking to them. Feel free to call Bob
or Margie if you want a first hand account of my tours.
Carl - New York
Tour - September 2000
Personal Motorcycles - BMW K1200 LT, Suzuki GSXR 750
Rental Motorcycle - BMW R1150 GS
Just returned from a 10-day trip through the Alps with Moto-Charlie.
Decided about 6 weeks ago that I would be able to ride the Alps and was
lucky to find a reference to Moto-Charlie in the BMW rag. I viewed his
web site (Moto-Charlie.com) and contacted him. He was able to make all
the arrangements and include me on his September trip (Sept16-26). Charlie
has been riding in the Alps every year for the last 16 years and has a
wealth of knowledge about the Alpine roads. His tour is a low-key affair.
For a fee, he arranges for the bike rental and hotel accommodations. He
does not use a van, and everyone carries their own luggage. The cost is
considerably less than the more established tours. One can go off on his/her
own, but the smart move is to tag along with Charlie, who took us on a
most interesting tour of the Alps. We rode most of the better known passes
but also took routes that only a real Alps aficionado would know about.
Charlie is a great rider and kept a pace that was always exciting but
sane. A great time was had by all. If you are interested in riding in
the Alps, check out his web site. The usual disclaimers--I have no involvement
with the business and only know Charlie through this trip.
P.S. Riding in the Alps is a major riding experience that all serious
riders must experience. It's unbelievable.
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Willie and Urs - Washington
Tours - September 2000, June 2002, September 2003
Personal Motorcycles - Yamaha DT 360, Ducati ST-4s
Rental Motorcycle - Ducati ST-4, Ducati ST-4s
When Willie and Ursula left the United States for Europe together we
had absolutely no experience in motorcycling touring within that environment.
In fact, our only tour prior to this together was a short trip to the
eastern part of our beautiful state of Washington. While Willie was out
on a kayak trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Ursula was cruising
the Internet. She landed Moto-Charlie. The seed was planted. Upon my return,
Urs was gone on a fishing trip to a lodge in Canada, passing the baton
to Willie. I sought advice from Charlie pertaining to his comfort of having
a couple of elderly folks joining him for a portion of his planned journey
through the most beautiful motorcycling turf offered on our planet. Charlie
responded by heartily welcoming us to join his merry band. This was subtly
followed by a definitive form to fill out pertaining to the expertise
of this throttle jockey and his back seat driver. Willie responded by
suggesting to Charlie that it might be a cold day in hell before we were
going to hold them up, but on the other hand we were mellow folks. I did
manage to slip in all of my motorcycle racing experience in days gone
by. Now, we are really old people within the realm of motorcycling. We
had rented our motorcycle from BIANCOBLU in Milano and it was a ST-4 Ducati.
Charlie favors BMWs on his tours. So we came in with a whole different
mind set. Here is young Charlie (in Willie years) on his German steed,
and there was Willie and Urs on our Italian stallion (two up, as it were).
What a great time we had pushing and pulling between the offsets of Willie
and Urs with more horsepower plus age and Charlie being one-up on a bike
of lesser ultimate horsepower, but more torque. What we did is cruise,
and we did that as rapidly as conditions permitted. Because we were on
a different pace, we allowed the rest of the group to lead. This occasionally
left us chomping on the bit, but Charlie knew the routes (plus many more)
so we were charitable and didn't pass him. In a nutshell, Charlie paces
the group to challenge them, but will not leave anybody behind. He was
our Mother Goose. No one knows the routes better. Thank you Charlie for
the great trip!
NOTE: Willie and Urs stay for a month or so every year at an apartment
just outside of Lugano Switzerland. They chronicle their European adventures,
plus other exotic trips, on Willie's website. WIllie and Urs are interesting
people and a treat to ride with. Their website can be found below.
www.weathergod.com
George - Massachusetts
Tours - September 1997, September 1999
Personal Motorcycle - Ducati 916
Rental Motorcycle - BMW R1100 RS, BMW R1100 GS
I've known Charlie personally and professionally for many years. We ride
together occasionally in the states, do track days, and talk motorcycles
every time we get together. I've toured with Charlie twice in the Alps.
The most recent tour had me on a R1100GS. My wife accompanied us in a
rented Audi. Most days had us directly to the next hotel in 4 or 5 hours
and my wife would ride with me on the back of the bike for the balance
of those days plus full days during the 2-day stopovers.
Charlie seems to know his away around. He hardly ever looked at a map
as we went up and over big passes, little passes, and took turns through
the middle of towns that appeared to lead nowhere but wound up going over
some memorable pass that was not evident on the map. Even though we would
clip along at a sporting pace we never lost my wife in the car (she is
fearless behind the wheel). We frequently got ahead of her going up and
down the mountains as we used the bike's speed and agility to pass cars
and buses with abandon. The rule was that if we were going to turn off
the current road we would stop at the turn-off point and wait for her
to catch up. While we waited, we reviewed where we had been, planned which
passes we were going to attack next and-most importantly-discussed where
we would be having our next cappuccino (or espresso, in my case). This
program seemed to work very well, as my wife always managed to find us.
Each trip with Charlie has been mostly over different routes with different
hotels, and we have enjoyed them all. My wife and I personally like the
small tour feel of Charlie's trips and we like leaving the details to
him. Just get to Munich, pick up the bike, and follow Moto. It's addictive.
The only problem is to figure out how we can go every year.
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