Back from our ride up the 'easier' side of the Stelvio from Bormio. Todays lesson. There are not easier anything when you are cycling these mountains. There is hard and harder and the hardest effing thing you've ever done. Today was hard and portions were harder. It's all mostly about the suffering in extraordinarily beautiful environments. Why else would 5,000 people on bicycles climb to the top of the Stelvio. This was madness. So many cyclistos with so many Italian bikes that I've never heard the name of before. Peach tarts and warm sweet tea served by local cycling clubs along the climbs. The summit was a swarm of old young men women who had ridden their bicycles to the highest pass in Italy. Fantastico. If this is not the heart of cycling then it is certainly the soul. The stats...5,600 feet of climbing in 20K. It's obviously not about the horizontal. And the descending today. No cars coming up the mountain means that I can pretend to my heart's desire about cutting the tangent and powering out of the corner, someone from Telecom on my wheel. Like I said, in moments I can have a large imagination. Tomorrow we climb the Gavia. The pass made famous by Andy Hampsten's heroic Giro exploits in 1988. Do the math, this is the 20th anniversary. Tomorrow will be especially memorable at the top of the pass, where we will have a picnic celebration. Again, back to the privledge thoughts, the sun seems to shine on my shoulders.
Just a few incidentals...Fitz, you made a mistake that may haunt you forever. Bidet's make great washer basins for used sweaty crusty cycling kit. The weather has been magnifico, this morning not a cloud in the sky with warm, but not hot temperatures. Early in the morning from our balcony we can watch the crags of the Dolomites slowly enlightened by the sun.
Ciao for now.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I remember both climbs well. We had not originally planned on the ascent up the Stelvio from the East side (your first ascent). If Andy has not told you the story, ask him about the 10m bus regulations for the Stelvio. Changing on the side of the road in a parking area at the base of the Stelvio, heading up in the fog, cold rain on the descent thru the tunnels-hairy for the first descent into Bormio. Closed Stelvio was a blast. Perhaps the best ascent was our third from the North after ride to Livigno Switzerland. Suspect you may repeat. Hope you enjoy the Gavia, a great climb and descent, especially if you hit the Mortirolo for the return.
You guys know how to rub it in. I was regretting not going before you even left! Nice job on the blog. Safe trip.
Post a Comment