Thx Elaine & Phil, ‘twas indeed a †ough day!
Day #9 Mortirolo & Gavia. We split into groups; Gavia only (sensible) and Mort&Gav (crazy). General consensus was that Mort was not as challenging as Fedaia early in the week. I suspect that it was due to Fedaia being the 2nd HC climb of the day and was in the heat of the day. Mort was first climb, cooler and generally in the shade. That’s not to say it wasn’t hard, just less hard… Great climb but tough. Gavia was long, steady, and somewhat painful due to being the 2nd HC of day. Another beautiful climb with amazing scenery. The photos do not do justice to either or, in fact, any of the scenery across the week – truly amazing.
The Bormio story goes that Stelvio is the KING @ ~2700m, Gavia is the QUEEN @ ~2600m, Lago Cancano the PRINCESS @ 1900m and Mortirolo the BASTARD @ 1800m. (I have the t-shirt to prove it). If you mix the bastard and the queen … ouch!
Well that’s a wrap; 575km, 15,500m, and 32hrs riding on the tour proper (i squeezed another 200km around Verona, Sirmione, and Valpolicella)
We head to Milano, Lago di Como and other places tomorrow morning.
Absolutely brilliant trip. Italy Bike Tours were excellent; great guides (rider & non-riders), super support team, accom was v good – overall highly recommended if you are looking at a supported tour. (Vineyard crew you’ll love it!)
For me; off to Italy (opera, wine & food), France (more food), UK/Scotland (shows, food, scotch, sailing) !! See you in a month or so!
Ciao
R