Travels with Switzer: The Roads of Europe

Looking at the continental World Cup race series for downhill skating, the major travels are in North America (early summer), Europe (summer), and South America (fall). Each has its own exciting highlights and difficulties with various cultural understandings for our diverse mix of international people to go through.

Kaunertal

When it comes to travel style alone, the NorAm is possible, but difficult to be traveled by vehicle, and SouthAm is nearly impossible to drive and must be flown from location to location.

In Europe, load a car with good friends, road tunes, and a big ‘ole box of wheels! With only hours between each country and each mountainous region the time spent between race to race opens large opportunities for fun.

About to get rad

Personally, the times I have done the “tourist thing” in Europe, I realize I’d rather see old stuff when I’m old, than while my knees still ache for skating, not replacement.

The Dolomites

Thus for my fifth year on the Euro tour our car has climbed and dropped incredible amounts of vertical distance. This year’s in-between travels have been spent in Austria, Italy, France & Switzerland.

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Here is only a sample of the beautiful roads we skated and the ankle inspiring views we enjoyed.

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