Northern Italy in winter

Alfredo · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Karma :

Hi all, I hope you can help.

I'm in the process of taking my direct access test (I've got, supposedly two more sessions before I book for my test) and I shortly intend to get a bike. I should be moving to Northern Italy late September and I'll be staying there throughout the winter. I would really like to take a bike and not a car if I can avoid it, so I would be grateful if anybody could tell me about the road conditions in Italy's north during the winter, and if it would be ok to ride.

I don't intend to ride in the mountains but I am likely to be in the Milan/Lakes area. Are the roads frequently covered in ice and frost? If anybody can help or offer suggestions that would be most appreciated.

Alfredo

NSR Mick · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Jun 2005 Karma :

the mountains were stilll covered 2 weeks ago when I flew over them, Laughing

Milan ave temp for jan is about 4 degrees c.

edit: it snows too.
____________________
If you dont like the way that I ride.......Stop trying to keep up!!!

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

EuropeanNC30R... · Gay Hairdresser Joined: 20 Jun 2002 Karma :

It's pretty high around there still, not that far away up in the mountains I've seen snow in August.... I should imagine it gets quite interesting on a bike in winter.

Alfredo · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Karma :

Thanks for the replies chaps.

Hmmm, it sounds a bit chilly to me then. If you guys with your experience were going to the area and needed to do local commuting with a bit of weekend travel but could only take a bike or a car, what would you do?

On this matter, if any of you ride throughout the year and in winter over here, how do you find it? Do you do it out of choice? Are there some days where you can't ride because of the conditions?

Thanks.

Alex

mikcalcutta · L Plate Warrior Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Karma :

[quote="Alfredo"]Thanks for the replies chaps.

Are there some days where you can't ride because of the conditions?

Hi Alfredo.I' m an italian Biker now living in england. I've been different times in North Italy with my bike.
I confirm you that Lombardia region in winter is quite chilly....but not more that in London.Don t worry.It's not so common below zero temperature.The only real problem is fog (Romans call Milan people....."Nebbia" that just means fog Laughing

).Anyway, It's very difficult to find days where you can't ride in Milan-Garda zone because of the conditions.

UglyFish · L Plate Warrior Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Karma :

Hello guys, I am from Mantova, in the same region of Milan. I ride my bike 12 months a year, in any case the snow in the region comes only in December and January, the places in which you have snow in summer are the higher mountains, over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). There is a lot of beautiful roads in our region, go and see my pics of my bike tours on the Alps HERE.
Ciao,
Fil