The Route
Alps → Sicily → Alps
Secondary roads only.
Geographic immersion over direct transit.
Expedition archive · Basel–Palermo–Basel
Long Circle South
6,412 km solo motorcycle expedition across Italy.
Secondary roads only. Geography over efficiency.
Km completed
6,867
Expedition day
29 / 29
Region
Switzerland
Tracking
Finished
Conditions
from 17C to 35C
Active segment
The Circle Closes — from alpine silence back into the familiar lowlands
Today's dispatch
Latest field transmission
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Segment 9Italy294 km
Lauria – Tropea | Into the Calabrian Spine
Today was supposed to end with a tent near Tropea. That was the plan when departure began this morning from Lauria under clear skies and surprisingly warm temperatures. After days of rain, delays, rerouting, and shelter…
- Tropea
- 2 GPX tracks on file
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Long Circle South
Video logs, ride footage, and behind-the-scenes content.
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Expedition doctrine
The Method
Favor terrain.
Reject efficiency.
Every deviation is intentional.
The Goal
Create a permanent expedition archive.
Roads. Conditions. Progression.
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Route archive
Completed track in expedition orange · planned legs in gray · hover markers for field notes
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Itinerary
Select a day for route details, photos, and notes.Day 23 — Carovigno - Rest Day, Wind Day
23/05/2026|Carovigno, Italy
Rest Day
Day 24 — Carovigno - Termoli
24/05/2026|Carovigno — Lesina
308 km
Day 25 — Lesina - San Bendetto del Tronto - Leaving the South
25/05/2026|Lesina — San Benedetto del Tronto
375 km
Day 26 — San Benedetto del Tronto - Rimini
26/05/2026|San Benedetto del Tronto — Rimini
337 km
Day 27 — Rimini to Bassano del Grappa
27/05/2026|Rimini — Bassano del Grappa
267 km
Day 28 — Bassano del Grappa - Vipiteno
28/05/2026|Bassano del Grappa — Sterzing
313 km
Day 29 — The Circle Closes — from alpine silence back into the familiar lowlands
29/05/2026|Vipiteno — Schönenbuch
461 km
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.