More of Italy

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Nev,    Once of  Fast group  ,then Main 1,  then Main 1.5,  then main 2  ( I can see a pattern forming here)   look out three”s here I come!

Following on from Jim”s trip to Italy , I have a few photos from my recent trip to the Italian Alps,some cycling some not. Like Jim we also stayed in Canazei and also Cortina D”Ampezzo, Bormio. I found the climbs here more challenging than any of the rides I did in France the year before. The Italians seem to like 13% quite a bit and are not scared to dabble in the low twenties.  Tre Cime Di Lavaredo climb was the most challenging I have ridden. The roads are good.

Stelvio was a great climb , I say that now but after two and a half hours climbing I do not think I was thinking that.

First ride in Italy .Parked at the lake and headed off .
First ride in Italy .Parked at the lake and headed off .

In Jim”s post he spoke of Passo Pordoi @ 2200m I rode up one afternoon, then about four days later I had planned to ride the route he spoke of ,this was two days before Jim”s ride, I climb to the top with two vests on, custom DST sorority jackets with my full finger gloves and knee warmers. It was snowing at the top just a flake type snow, it was freezing I hid behind a building out of the wind hoping the weather would change, it did it got casino pa natet colder. I said bugger this and jumped on the bike headed back to the hotel , hot shower and put on as many clothes as I could. I”m not as hard core as I thought. Even after an hour I would shiver all of a sudden. The route Jim took had some major climbs in it and even though it says 60- 70 Ks it is all hard work . Well done!

Still heading up Tre Cime Di Lavaredo. Hardest climb I have done.
Still heading up Tre Cime Di Lavaredo. Hardest climb I have done.
Heading to Tre Cime Di Lavaredo.
Heading to Tre Cime Di Lavaredo.

Tackled Passo Stelvio /  Passo Gavia /  Passo Giau / Passo Poredoi / Tre Cime Di Lavaredo and Di Ghisallo near Lake Como. All had hard sections ,all had great views , all had hotels at the top.

Looking down from Tre Cime Di Lavaredo.
Looking down from Tre Cime Di Lavaredo.
Northside of Stelvio coming up from Stelvio village. 48 Switchbacks/1450m/17k.
Northside of Stelvio coming up from Stelvio village.
48 Switchbacks/1450m/17k.
Southside of Stelvio coming up from Bormio. Still another 4 0r 5 ks to go to the top.
Southside of Stelvio coming up from Bormio. Still another 4 0r 5 ks to go to the top.
If only I had a SPR sticker.
If only I had a SPR sticker.
Why do we do it?
Why do we do it?
Cars and M/Bikes they all go as fast as they can on these roads.
Cars and M/Bikes they all go as fast as they can on these roads.
Nothing to do with cycling .
Nothing to do with cycling .
This is were all cycling trips should end up!
This is were all cycling trips should end up!

Things to pass on about Italy. Get the smallest car that will work for you,we had reverse out of a few turns to let buses get around. If you have a car always make sure the hotel has parking as it is always a problem. Allow more time for driving and riding thru the alps as the roads are tight . Take a small back pack for a warm jacket and gloves,Scarf. The weather changes so quickly ,it can be lovely down at the kick off point then cold and grey at the top.

There is so much to see!

3 thoughts on “More of Italy”

  2. Great pics, Nev, thanks. Well done on the climbing too, you managed to get up to some mighty high places – unfortunately you have managed to make my bucket list even longer!

  3. Nev- Mate, these pics are AWESOME!! Made me very jealous indeed. If only I could train our 18 month old and 3 year old girls to knock out a mountain stage…I’d be there with bells on!!

    Cheers
    Martin

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