Route Legend
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The Long Circle South
One rider. One motorcycle. One tent. No highways.
Solo motorcycle expedition across Western Europe
38 days, 6,545+ km across 5 regions. From the Rhine to Sicily.
A journey by ReneFollow the Expedition
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Long Circle South
Video logs, ride footage, and behind-the-scenes content.
Real-Time Tracking
Follow the route live via Garmin inReach during the expedition.
The Philosophy
The Route
Depart Basel. Penetrate the Alps.
Descend through mountain passes, inland ridgelines, coastal corridors.
Tuscany. Lazio. Campania. Sicily. Palermo.
Secondary roads only. Geographic transitions over direct transit.
The Method
Reject efficiency.
Select roads by topography, isolation, visual exposure.
Favor elevation, curvature, remoteness.
Avoid motorways unless structurally necessary.
Every deviation is intentional.
The Goal
Execute a continuous solo expedition.
Document each stage with geospatial accuracy.
Visual records. Written logs. GPX data.
Create a permanent record of the route, the conditions, the progression.
Full immersion in terrain, not arrival speed.
Recent Entries
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Long Circle South expedition?
The Long Circle South is a solo motorcycle expedition covering over 6,400 km from Basel, Switzerland to Palermo, Sicily and back. The route prioritizes secondary roads, mountain passes, and coastal routes through the Alps, Tuscany, and southern Italy, avoiding highways whenever possible.
When does the expedition take place?
The expedition departs on May 1, 2026 and spans approximately 36 days of riding across Switzerland, Italy, and Sicily.
Can I follow the journey in real-time?
Yes! During the expedition, you can track the rider's live GPS position via Garmin inReach, view daily ride logs with photos and route data, watch video content on the YouTube channel, and receive email updates by subscribing to the newsletter.
Are the GPX route files available for download?
Yes, GPX files for each route segment are available for purchase individually or as a complete pack. These files can be imported into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, or any GPS device for navigation.
What motorcycle is being used for this expedition?
The expedition uses a BMW R 1300 GS adventure motorcycle, equipped for long-distance touring with camping gear, navigation systems, and safety equipment.
Who is the rider behind this expedition?
René Gilvert is the solo rider, a Switzerland-based motorcyclist with experience in long-distance touring. He documents his journeys with detailed route logs, photography, and video content.