Some journeys test your limits – physical and mental – but reward you with experiences that stay for a lifetime.One such is a road trip from the warm climate of the Mediterranean to the freezing winds of the Alps – with elevation change of about 4,000 metres, and temperature difference of about 40-degree Celsius, in just a matter of four hours.If done on a motorcycle, it can be physically gruelling, mentally exhausting, but blissfully enlightening – as I realised riding the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally from Portofino to Cervino, via Milan.
Why Italy?
It’s one of the few places in the world where snowcapped mountains are within touching distance of deep blue sea, and where powerful two-wheelers are allowed on highways. My journey started by picking up the Multistrada from Bologna (Ducati factory) and riding southwest to Portofino on the Mediterranean coast.
Why Portofino?
It’s a picturesque fishing village so scenic that Microsoft has chosen it as a Windows desktop wallpaper. Spending a couple of days here can calm your mind before you head to the stormy north.The route takes you to Genoa – once the world’s most powerful shipping centre, and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus – before turning north. Although you can directly head to the Alps from Genoa, it’s suggested to make a stopover in Milan – the financial capital of Italy.
Why Milan?
A straight journey from a balmy Genoa to the freezing Alps can be stressful – Milan, with its mild climate, can recharge you. There are thousands of hotels in south Milan that offer free parking, and a direct tram connection to the Gothic city centre (Duomo cathedral and Sforza castle are a must-visit).
Towards Matterhorn
The fastest way is to take the Autostrada (expressway), and cruise at 130 km/h until you hit the Aosta valley and turn right. While that takes about three hours and 40 euros as toll, you can select ‘Avoid Tolls’ on maps, and not only save 40 euros, but also cruise on some of the most scenic roads in Europe. It takes about five hours, but every moment is both timeless and priceless.
Why Matterhorn?
While driving/riding towards the Matterhorn, you won’t see a single road sign with this name – the reason is the Matterhorn is called the Cervino in Italy. You also wouldn’t see the mountain until you’re in almost touching distance – as if the nature is guarding its most precious landscape.But once you see it – almost 5 km away, as the crow flies – its majestic aura can melt all your worldly problems, for the mountain is so otherworldly.Lying on the Italy-Switzerland border, the Matterhorn is one of the most famous mountains in the world – its image has been used on the wrapper of Toblerone chocolates for decades.
According to Himalayan standards, the Matterhorn isn’t really tall (4,478 metres above sea level, almost half of Mt Everest), but it has over a kilometre of topographic prominence (the height of the peak from the lowest point surrounding it), making it stand out like few other peaks in the world.The Swiss name comes from German words Matte (meadow) and Horn (peak) – because the peak looks like a horn – while the Italian name comes from Cervo (deer) and Corno (antlers).
Why the Multistrada?
It’s a motorcycle made for travelling the world, and can keep up with high-speed cars and trucks on highways, making it exceptionally safe. Priced in India at a hefty Rs 29.72 lakh, it’s got good fuel efficiency (20-25 km/litre) and ultra-long range (thanks to its car-like 30-litre fuel tank). Expensive it is, but worth every rupee – for it’s at the pinnacle of automotive engineering.
Why ride?
You can fly to the nearest airport and take a taxi, or you can take a train – the world is more connected than ever before – but riding has another-level charm. The first 2-3 hours on the seat are joyful, the next 2-3 hours can be painful, after that the body goes numb and enters a state of nirvana, when all you can see is landscape passing by and all you can think is ‘now’. Riding also connects you with nature – in places like this, all you will likely hear is the roar of the engine meeting the silence of snowcapped peaks.
