Greetings from Bormio

There was only a modest amount of snow to see up on the Stelvio pass when we got up there this afternoon. The last time Graham had been at the place was about thirty years ago, much later in the year and he remembers far more extensive snow cover. An appropriate place to come to reflect on the impact of global warming; perhaps nice Mr. Trump should come and take a look at places like this as he continues his campaign to dismantle the global climate change agenda in order to save American jobs in 19th century industries...

Where's the snow?

The City Hotel in Merano where we spent last night, has the most excellent bike room down in the basement. They have pumps and all kinds of bike tools freely available for their cyclist guests to use and so after a bit of essential bike maintenance, we hit the road about 8. 

Once again we had the benefit of the brilliant network of cycle paths that weave through this part of the world, built with as much care and attention to detail as any road project, something the folks back home could learn from. Our course took us down 30 miles of these cycle tracks, along the valley floor towards the base of the Stelvio pass. We stopped at a great little restaurant by a fishing lake where for the first time this week Chris found some people he could talk to who didn’t argue back.

Making new friends

We got to the beginning of the road up the pass about lunchtime and after a quick stop to load up with bananas and water we headed off.

For the first few miles the road tracks along a powerful river coming down off the mountain, bird song and the roaring torrent of clear alpine water filled your senses for this part of the ride.

Beautiful day for a climb

As the climb got steeper and we got onto the famous 48 hairpin bends that would take us to the top of the pass, the accompaniment changed to that of enormous motorcycle engines thundering up the narrow road, something of which Mr. Trump would have approved, no doubt.

Better without an engine

We all went at our own speed, I found myself doing the same pace as Chris and we kept together all the way up as the legs got tired and the breathing got harder. It took us about 3 hours to get to the top. Traditional photos by the sign, posts of Face book and a huge German sausage in a bun as we waited for the others, Harley got in next and Graham a little behind him.

Made it...

The descent on the other side of the mountain was fabulous, all be it bloody cold. Fast, smooth and thankfully dry roads that just seem to hang off the sheer rock walls. The wind did catch me out from time to time on a couple of turns, suggesting that anything over 40 mph was probable not such a good idea!

Then there’s always that great levelling moment when you realise your fine athletic accomplishment is really not all that. For us it was when a group of roller skaters casually glided past us, on one of the steepest parts of their climb.

God! The young peole of today

Got to the hotel, the excellent Baita dei Bini in Bormio at about 6. Laundry, steak and beer and not necessarily in that order. Climbed a 2757 meter mountain pass today, not bad for a bunch of old men!

...and richly deserved

Keep you posted