EuroBlog 2018: Parting Shots

For the final leg of our trip, we packed up the bikes and drove west to Lago D'Orta. I have to admit it was nice to be off the bikes and relax for a couple of days. Had a nice visit our friend Francesca, and even played "tourist" for a change.

Francesca was in remarkably good spirits despite being hobbled by a horrendous ankle injury three months ago.

Francesca has learned some very creative ways of getting around,
including bunny hopping down the stairs, and literally "butt-hopping" to get back up!

Francesca played tour guide and we enjoyed long leisurely lunches by the lake.

Prosecco at lunch time? Why not!

Ferry captains at Orto San Giulio -- What's app, dock?

My newest discovery, the Aperol Spritz --
the perfect summertime refreshment

A toast to the conclusion of our Spring 2018 European adventures.
Time to start planning the next trip!

EuroBlog 2018: Haute Route & Passoni: A Passion for Cycling

With a little help from my friends... I could not have made it through the Haute Route without the encouragement of John and the new friends I made through the Passoni group.

Here is the "Lanterne Rouge" helping the last rider up Passo Gavia. 
For me, this image symbolizes the spirit and camaraderie we encountered
during the three-day Haute Route Stelvio.

Many thanks to Matteo for encouraging John and I to participate 
(not that it required much arm-twisting to get us to ride our bikes in Italy!), 
and for introducing us to such a great group of new friends 
who share our passion for cycling.

Passoni graciously supplied daily bike servicing, 
and even loaner bikes for those not lucky enough to have their own Passoni bikes (yet)

Many thanks also to our unofficial "support crew"-- Clive, Gary, Giorgio and Luca --
who were always nearby to offer us an encouraging word, a change of clothes, 
some much-needed food and water, and other essentials -- 
such as a ride in the support van!

After our final climb up Stelvio, the team gathered for a photo op, 
sharing a collective sense of accomplishment--and relief! 

Back at the Race Village, the Haute Route organizers did a good job 
of keeping us riders relaxed and our spirits high (literally!)

And of course I could never have accomplished any of this 
without the love, support, and encouragement of this crazy guy!

Until the next time, Arrividerci and Adieu!

EuroBlog 2018: Haute Route Stelvio, Third and Final Day

A festive atmosphere akin to the Giro d'Italia marked the third and final stage of the Haute Route:
an individual time trial from the town of Bormio to the top of Passo Stelvio, elevation 2757 meters above sea level

The fabled climb up to Passo Stelvio gains a total of 1549 meters over a distance of 21 km,
with +/- 40 hairpin turns

Considering the fact that I wasn't able to complete the first two stages,
I was relatively fresh for the Stelvio climb.

Looking back down the valley towards Bormio, about midway up the climb.
(I didn't dare take photos on the descent!)

John was slowed somewhat by the rigors of the previous two days,
but he caught up to me nonetheless. 

Just a few more turns... 

Success at last!

Pausing on the descent for a photo op

Incredible!

Postscript: Here's the video of my ascent. The GPS data apparently had a few glitches, probably due to the loss of satellite connection through some of the tunnels, but it's still fun to "re-live" the ride.

Relive 'Haute Route Passo Stelvio'

EuroBlog 2018: Haute Route Day Two

Day Two of the Haute Route featured brutal ascents up the Mortirolo & Passo Gavia. I pedaled solidly for 72 miles, logging over 10,750 feet of some of the steepest climbing I've ever tackled. But alas my legs and lungs gave up 3km short of the finish. Still, for me this was a personal best record that I'll be in no hurry to surpass.

John, of course, finished the entire route and cycled back to the hotel before my bike and I could be delivered by the Passoni van.

A few photos on the day:

It wasn't all suffering: The weather was perfect and the views were spectacular 

The Mortirolo Pass, relatively low at "only" 1852 meters, is notorious by it's steep pitches averaging +10%

Passo Gavia, at 2621 meters, is the tenth highest paved pass in the Alps.

Here is a video re-living my ride:

Relive 'Morning Ride'

EuroBlog 2018: The Haute Route Stelvio, Day One

After months of training, John and I finally arrived in Bormio to join the "Haute Route Stelvio," a three-day torture fest--I mean, bicycling event--including some of the most epic cycling routes in the world. For the first stage, I survived climbing through mist, rain and hail up to the first summit, Umbrail Pass (elevation 2501 meters), but opted to wait out the rest of the race in a cafe atop Stelvio Pass (elevation 2758 meters).

Doing this for my health? John shows me a preview of our upcoming bike routes

Proudly wearing our GNC bike kits from Whitefish, Montana, we are all set for Stage One.

Danilo displaying Day One excitement at the starting line

Santiago and John are all smiles before the stage begins (and before the foul weather sets in)

Unfortunately, the weather at the summit was more suitable for skiing than for cycling.

Rain gear proved essential on the day

Few spectators were there to await the arrival of the approx 300 riders in the cold rain

Congratulations all around to those that braved the elements to complete the ascent of the Stelvio.

Danilo was definitely thrilled that this stage was finally over!

John was easy to spot wearing his Great Northern Cycling kit, sans rain jacket

John finished in a respectable time, especially considering he had paced me up to the first summit
and then had to play catch-up to rejoin the rest of the peloton.

Definitely ready to get off the bike and into some warm dry clothes!

Here are some of the Passoni bunch, all suited up for the wet descent

EuroBlog 2018: Arrivederci, Colfosco

Alas, all good things come to an end. With several epic training rides under our belts (not to mention more amazing meals once again courtesy of master chef Marlene), we bid a fond arrividerci to our friends and head out to our next adventure in Bormio. Here are a few parting shots to recall the "Best Days Ever," Dolomite edition:

Happy Dolomite dairy cows

Lilacs in full bloom

The best part of our rides was often the "recovery" meal afterwards

John demonstrates the dessert disappearing act: Now you see it...

... Now you don't! 

Bye-bye, Val Gardena

And so long to the Sella Ronda

EuroBlog 2018: Reliving the Rides

Want to know how John and I trained for our "Haute Route Stelvio" weekend? Here are some videos that "re-live" a few of the rides we did that week:

Relive 'RIdIng the “Sella Ronda” — up and down four epic passes in the Dolomites'

Relive 'Another Round of the “Sella Ronda”'

Relive 'Four Passes: Valparola, Falzarego, Campolongo, and Gardena'

Relive 'Once More Around the Sella Ronda'

EuroBlog 2018: Hiking Day

Our trip wasn't all bicycling. Some of us actually took a day off from training to enjoy a 7-mile hike in the mountains outside Colfosco and Corvara.

On the trail to the Pisciadú waterfalls above Colfosco

Nice to enjoy the mountain scenery at a more leisurely pace

J & M pause for a photo op

J & M again.
The couple that cycles together also hikes together (sometimes)

From the waterfalls, Marlene and I followed a trail along the base of the mountains
back down to Corvara for lunch 

Wooden bicycle marks the gateway to Corvara --
so we were never far from a reminder that this area is a mecca for bicycling as well as hiking.