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Hi all, I just found out about this Rally in Bardoncchia Italy on the second weekend of July. Just watched some youtube clips and done a little light reading on it and looks great. I was planning a trip around that area around that time so it just seems I need to see what its all about.
Has anyone else done it or is anyone planning it this year?
Hi all, I just found out about this Rally in Bardoncchia Italy on the second weekend of July. Just watched some youtube clips and done a little light reading on it and looks great. I was planning a trip around that area around that time so it just seems I need to see what its all about.
Has anyone else done it or is anyone planning it this year?
I was there around 4 years ago. View from the top is nice. It´s amazing to see what kind of bikes people take to the top (not all of them are enduros or dual sport bikes )
hi I have been attending the stella on and of for the last 30 years a gathering of independent souls in a beautiful alpine village it should be on every adventures bucket list
Im looking forward to it, I saw on youtube some guy taking a GSXR 600 to the top, fair play lol!
So if I set the old sat nav for Bardoncchia to arrive on the Friday evening, would it be obvious where to go to get to the base camp area?
not very obvious BUT if you stand facing the railway station the road heading left will take you through a small tunnel immediately on the left on exiting the tunnel a road passing hotel sommelier take this road heading for Rochemelle past the village the road ends and trail starts about 3km climbing brings you to the wild camping site,if its too wet,windy,snowing back to the station this time head right,straight on at the3 roundabouts heading for Melzet proper campsite with all the usual facilities
Thanks for the tips, iv been looking on google maps and street view and watched some videos of the approach. And now with your tips I think I will get there. Im sure I will be able to follow other bikers as well.
Just to pick this up again, I realised yesterday that when the Stella is on in a couple of weeks time I'm going to be in the area so it would be silly not to go along.
However I know nothing about it, other than it's in Bardonecchia. Would anyone be able to post up some info - stuff like:
Is there a structure to the rally - like is there a fixed venue (like the Elephant rally) and if so, where?
Do you have to pre book or can you just turn up? I don't need accommodation as I'll be based about an hour or so away.
Is the ride up the Col marked from the centre of town- and which way is it anyway. Is it like an 11.00am start for everyone or can you just go when you wake up?
I'll be coming from the Briancon direction, probably early on the Sunday morning. Is it worth my while turning up on the Saturday other than to admire bikes and drink Grappa.
Lastly, anyone else from the UK going and if so what have you arranged. I'm going to be on my ancient 125 pink Suzuki so should be easy to spot.
Just to pick this up again, I realised yesterday that when the Stella is on in a couple of weeks time I'm going to be in the area so it would be silly not to go along.
However I know nothing about it, other than it's in Bardonecchia. Would anyone be able to post up some info - stuff like:
Is there a structure to the rally - like is there a fixed venue (like the Elephant rally) and if so, where?
Do you have to pre book or can you just turn up? I don't need accommodation as I'll be based about an hour or so away.
Is the ride up the Col marked from the centre of town- and which way is it anyway. Is it like an 11.00am start for everyone or can you just go when you wake up?
I'll be coming from the Briancon direction, probably early on the Sunday morning. Is it worth my while turning up on the Saturday other than to admire bikes and drink Grappa.
Lastly, anyone else from the UK going and if so what have you arranged. I'm going to be on my ancient 125 pink Suzuki so should be easy to spot.
None of the above BackofB.
The joy of the Stella A is that no one owns it; just go there and follow the crowds - go where ever your nose takes you.
The information above about the Hotel Sommelier (which is also the name of the peak/col at the top of the mountain where the track ends) is accurate.
Bikes turn up over the preceeding days; all depends on their own travel plans. By the Saturday the town is full of bikes and riders; by the Monday the town looks empty in comparison.
it is always on the second Sunday in July and this is the 50th year.
I had the privelage of meeting one of the two founders - the Brit guy - a few years ago; he turned up in a car from his place in France and walked with the aid of a Zimmer frame; the message is, go there while you are still able!
Mario Artusio was the other "founder"; no idea where he is nowadays.
ps yes, ride the track all day or whatever suits you.
Reputedly, it is opened by the Italians for about a week for this event; it is a walking route otherwise.
Watch out for the "crossers" who take their bikes there in vans - not part of the ethos.
The origional ethos was to ride a bike to bardo then ride it to the highest point were the snow becomes too deep to collect your rally badge then ride it home,for a lot of us this still endures. Mario attends by car he is growing frail but still gets there evrey year, the 3 days after the rally a safari takes place were guides take groups into the high alps for days adventure riding ,and yes all sorts of machines go up from the occasional gsx to vintage trials and the tossers on crossers, wont be there this year am riding back from istanbul as i write
Leo
The joy of the Stella A is that no one owns it; just go there and follow the crowds - go where ever your nose takes you.
The information above about the Hotel Sommelier (which is also the name of the peak/col at the top of the mountain where the track ends) is accurate.
Bikes turn up over the preceeding days; all depends on their own travel plans. By the Saturday the town is full of bikes and riders; by the Monday the town looks empty in comparison.
it is always on the second Sunday in July and this is the 50th year.
ps yes, ride the track all day or whatever suits you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by slartybartfast
The origional ethos was to ride a bike to bardo then ride it to the highest point were the snow becomes too deep to collect your rally badge then ride it home,for a lot of us this still endures.
Leo
Many thanks for that, most appreciated - and a particular thanks to Bertrand who, amongst other things, sent me a set of sat-nav coordinates for the route from Bardo to the top of the col. They work perfectly on Google maps so I've now seen where the route goes and I've just got to figure out how to get them onto my somewhat low rent hacker special TomTom set up. I'll do that as soon as I can remember where I put it
I also found a couple of old (80's) bike mags with ride reports about the Stella so if I can't do it now it won't be through a lack of info
With all the mention of "cheating" with MX bikes etc I'd guess I should leave the snow chains behind then. I don't think they'd help anyway as it'll be a miracle if I can get the bike up to anywhere near 9000ft.
Incidentally, the reports in the old mags considered even trail bikes to be cheating - it had to be a "road" bike + road tyres.
A mini adventure as the adverts used to say. I'll post up how it worked out when I get back in a couple of weeks.
Incidentally, the reports in the old mags considered even trail bikes to be cheating - it had to be a "road" bike + road tyres.
Correct.
You will see any amount of "collectable" bikes up there.
+ Sidecar combos, bandit 1250s etc etc.
Camping takes place at various locations, especially near water courses, and the Italian guy who sells the souvenir badges gets up there in a van; he sells the commemorative badges for a goodly amount but, IIRC, the price includes a panini.
He will be at the Refuge area and there will be many bikes and campers there; not all ride to the top from there, depending on the snow line this year for instance - the track becomes more knarly thereafter.
You won't need GPS; the track is funnelled by the mountains, increasingly so toward the col.
Hi all, I just found out about this Rally in Bardoncchia Italy on the second weekend of July. Just watched some youtube clips and done a little light reading on it and looks great. I was planning a trip around that area around that time so it just seems I need to see what its all about.
Has anyone else done it or is anyone planning it this year?
Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's thelist of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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I don't think they'd help anyway as it'll be a miracle if I can get the bike up to anywhere near 9000ft. 
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