Riding the Road to Spain: A Pit Stop at Lago Maggiore

After weeks of planning and packing, the day I’d been waiting for had finally arrived. The bags were strapped tight to my trusty motorcycle, and I hit the road with my sights set on Spain. But before I could reach my final destination, I had a pit stop planned – the beautiful Lago Maggiore.

Packing Up

I stood in my garage, looking at the loaded motorcycle that would be my ride for the next few weeks. My gear, chosen carefully for various weather conditions and any unexpected situations, was crammed into saddlebags, a waterproof luggage roll, and a rear luggage extension. The bike felt heavier than usual, but it was a reassuring weight and I felt prepared.

Germany to Switzerland via the Gotthard Tunnel

Image of the Gotthard pass, as a tunnel is quite boring to look at...

As I hit the road, leaving my German home behind, I felt a rush of excitement. The journey ahead included familiar highways and new routes, all leading me closer to my destination.

Crossing into Switzerland was straightforward, and I enjoyed the picturesque countryside. The Swiss landscapes, with rolling hills and lush greenery, were impressive. Soon, I was nearing the well-known Gotthard Tunnel, an impressive feat of engineering that would take me beneath the towering Swiss Alps.

Heading to Italy Along Lago Maggiore

Coming out of the tunnel on the Italian side felt like entering a whole new environment. Inside the tunnel, the air was stiflingly hot, so emerging on the other side was a literal breath of fresh air.

However, it was a bit of a letdown when I reached the lake because it was the first time I encountered traffic on the road. So, I ended up spending the last 30 kilometers in a stop-and-go situation.

End of the Day in a Small Town Near Lugano

As the day progressed, I finally arrived at my intended destination—a delightful little town to the west of Lugano. Although I had covered a substantial distance, I was also quite exhausted.

I picked up the apartment key and proceeded to locate my accommodation for the next two days.

After unpacking and indulging in a much-needed, lengthy shower, I decided to take a stroll around the town. I purchased some dinner and settled in for the night, looking forward to getting a good night’s rest for the adventures that awaited me tomorrow. Lago Maggiore had set the stage for my Spanish expedition, and I was eagerly anticipating what the road had in store.