Simply drive off – with heart, gut feeling and signposts
Markus has only been riding a motorcycle for three years. His biggest adventure so far happened right in the first year: the completeGrand Tour of Switzerland– a signposted travel route developed by Switzerland Tourism that passes the most beautiful places in Switzerland over approximately 1,600 kilometers.
Markus comes from the Zurich lowlands and remembered a signpost towards Winterthur. That's exactly where his tour began. He attached a bag to the pillion seat, packed the essentials and set off – the rough plan: simply follow the Grand Tour signs.
To be honest, I didn't prepare at all, he says. I only knew: If I follow the signs, I'll get somewhere eventually. After just four days he had completed the entire route – around 1,600 kilometers in total. On one day he even rode 800 kilometers straight. After that he took it easier, he says with a smile.
A quiet August 1st – and a birthday all to oneself
His very personal highlight? August 1st, his birthday. While the whole country was celebrating due to the national holiday, Markus sat in La Chaux-de-Fonds, on a hill in the middle of the old town, surrounded by strangers. The entire city was out and about, fireworks rose from the lake into the sky – and the people around him didn't know that Markus was having his birthday that day. "I enjoyed that nobody sang 'Happy Birthday'," he recounts. This tranquility, the anonymity – simply observing, enjoying, completely without expectations. For Markus, that was pure freedom. Holidays are often full of conventions for him – all the more beautiful to experience them in a different way for once.
From the exposed concrete cube to the Alpine passes
Markus has stayed overnight in very different types of accommodation – particularly memorable was a minimalist "cube" made of exposed concrete in Ticino,the ChromotelEverything is self-check-in, simple, functional – and exactly right. "I find it beautiful to live so modestly."
And the routes? Breathtaking. Particularly the region around Lake Lucerne and Andermatt left a lasting impression on him. "You realize again how beautiful Switzerland is. Often you search for adventure somewhere far away – when it's right under our nose."
Free driving – with responsibility
Of course it's sometimes tempting to just go full throttle. Especially on the country roads in the Jura. But Markus knows: "You feel so free – but there are rules. And that's a good thing too," he says with a smile.
Next trip? Based entirely on feeling
Markus is a spontaneous person. Big plans? Not his thing. Now two weeks of vacation are coming up – where he goes, he usually decides the evening before. Only one thing is certain: He never books in advance. "I just go with the flow."
Why one should take such trips alone at least once
"Being alone on the road is something special," says Markus. No compromises, no schedule, just yourself and the moment. For many, this might be unfamiliar – for him, it was exactly what he needed. "It helps to process things. And you realize how good it feels to simply put yourself first for once."
Would you like to be featured in the next Rider Spotlight? Then contact Sarah atsarah@thetours.ch– we look forward to your story!