We've had a fantastic couple of days - so much has been happening that it is difficult to recall all the special moments.
After our day off when it snowed the next day was indescribably beautiful so we set off to ride the Sella Ronda. This was special as it was probably the ride that initiated our trip to Italy after it was written up in one of the cycling mags.
Outside our hotel it was immediately into a 5 klm climb to the start of the ride - then into the 60 klm circuit which was described a - 4 times sharply up and sharply down. " If you can only do one ride in italy - then the Sella ronda would be the one to do." - so we were full of anticipation. After the snow fall on the previous day the scenery was magnificent. i cant seem to select the photos so will just have to include a few too many I think.
Unfortunately, Tim woke feeling quite ill as his cold had turned into a chest infection so he was unable to ride. he did however, drive as our support vehicle so it was very fortunate for us. There was great excitement at the finish of the ride; we were all pretty pleased with ourselves.
The following day we had a hair-raising drive to Bomio over the Passo Gavia. It was single lane traffic for (I think) 20 klms - with some sheer drops. We didn't realise what was ahead of us and by the time we realised it was not possible to turn around. Darren did a fantastic job of driving - held his nerve despite 3 very nervous nellys in the back seat - sara, jenny and myself. Fortunately we didn't have to reverse as each time we met a vehicle coming in the opposite direction we could see it in advance and pull into a small widening of the road. However, the anticipation at each hairpin bend was very quite nerve racking. Most of the drive was in 1st gear - Darreen hasn't driven a manual for years - let alone one that is set up for RH driving as well as driving on the RH side of road. Anyway - once we had made it safely we were please to have seen it but would never do it again.
Our time in Bormio has continued in much the same way - excellent food and wine with some great cycling. We conquered Stelvio on our first day - as rain was predicted the following two day. Its the highest mountain pass in Europe - 2570 m - 22 klms of pretty steep up-hill riding. It was freezing at the top but we were elated at completing the climb. Thee bike hotel has been fantastic. the bikes were all late model top range Pinerallos. (Mine & tonys were latest model and almost brand new). They have looked after us extremely well. there has been another group of cyclists from australia on an organised tour (about 30 of them); so the hotel provided a support vehicle and met us at the top with sandwiches and water. We were also able to put additional warm gear in the van so we could gear up for the ride down. It was almost as challenging as the ride up - more so for some as some of the girls from the other group opted to come down in the van. Once again there was much celebration at the achievement. Most of us girls - except Wendy - decided we had earned a day off the bikes the next day so took ourselves off to the Therme Baths - natural hot mineral springs with saunas, spas,. It was incredible too - too difficult to describe really - but a combination of waterfall and whirlpool features as well as some sections from ancient Roman baths. Great experience and great for tired bodies and legs. The others joined us after lunch for a couple of hours.
Today has been our final day on the bikes - we leave tomorrow for Malpensa airport and our trip home. We saddled up again to ride to Santa Christina - about half way up Passo Gavia. Tony, Wendy &Tony S did the whole climb. (Yes, even though we all had vowed never to do it again.) Darren opted to to Motorola (really steep climb) as well as Gavia. For the rest of us the 13 k climb and descent was a great way to finish - especially with the interlude for lunch on local fare - a combination of spinach, pasta and cheese served with several glasses of proscecco.
Tonights our last night and rumour has it that there are a couple of bottles of red, some chianti and lemoncello that needs to be finished off.
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