Monday 26th June 2017 - Italy Day 18

Amazing day for our last day in Bormio.  Unfortunately, I'm sitting around trying to cough up a lung :( 
I think I will start planning for a return in 2019.

Sunday 25th June 2017 - Italy Day 17

Thunderstorms.  It’s been raining most of the night.  Fortunately a rest day planned for today anyway.
Some more photos from during the week.

Climbing The Stelvio

Down The Stelvio

Colin descending into Bormio

Giacomo cruising at the front

Down The Gavia

    Returning to Hotel Funivia

   Through the tunnel

Saturday 24th June 2017 - Italy Day 16

Today was “The Gavia”.  13.5km at 6.5% (Maximum 14%) This is is typical “Italian” stats – when you are riding, it feels more like 7-8% the WHOLE way PLUS some steep bits.

It was very busy at the top with Jens Vioght running an event today.  Add in a gazillion motorcycles (it’s Saturday) plus a few freaked out car drivers – it’s much safer in the coffee shop.

Friday 23rd June 2017 - Italy Day 15

Todays ride went via the Bernina Pass into Switzerland.  There is a choice – a 35km climb or a highly recommended train ride with a short 4km climb.  Needless to say “The Train” for me.

 

 

Without doubt the most amazing train trip I have even done.  Add in a bike ride with only 14km of climbing and 84km of descending (yes 84!!).  What a great day out.

Thursday 22nd June 2017 - Italy Day 14

My first organised ride since we arrived at Bormio.  The Stelvio.  The fantastic weather has continued since we arrived. Quite hot days for riding and no need for the small suitcase of wet weather gear I packed.

As usual, very busy at the top with cars, motorbikes and cyclists busy with cameras and “making photos”.
Best of all was catching up with our favorite guide, George.  He did offer to push me up if required (he may have said “Push me OFF”).

Wednesday 21st June 2017 - Italy Day 13

No real improvement, so no riding for me.  Went for a slow walk around town.

Tuesday 20th June 2017 - Italy Day 12

Attempted a short ride.  U-turn after 4km. Sitting an eating Gelati was more my style today.

Monday 19th June 2017 - Italy Day 11

Sick.  Blocked left ear, head cold, coughing and spluttering everywhere.  Managed a short walk to the market. 

Sunday 18th June 2017 - Italy Day 10

Bormio has it’s own climb which starts just outside our front door – Bormio 2000. 

Of course the views are spectacular.

And a great look at our “home” for the next week or so, Hotel Funivia.

Saturday 17th June 2017 - Italy Day 9

After a rest day yesterday, it was travel day today.  Great sights along the way, including Lake Como

Of course, somebody may have missed it…

So, it’s back to Bormio after a 2 year absence.

Lot’s of riding and climbing mountains ahead. It’s time for Rule #5 -

Video Highlights of Week 1

Thursday 16th June - Italy Day 7

The wine tasting tour.  One moderate climb with the normal “Italian” Specifications – 12km at 7% (which means most of it is above 8% and some short sections above 10%).  Needless to say – it wasn’t easy.

Followed by some Italian wine and food at the vineyard.

It’s been a big week so far, 370km with almost 5000m of climbing.  I’m ready for a long afternoon nap.

Wednesday 15th June 2017 - Italy Day 6

A bit of a rest day – with flat riding and a trip on the ferry.  Unfortunately, it was very hazy and humid.

Great coffee at the coffee stop.

Tuesday 14th June 2017 - Italy Day 5

The hardest climb of the week – Monte Baldo.  The first 10k’s is brutal – not much under 10%. Plus, there were roadworks happening on the normal route, so a shorter but steeper section followed.
It beat me.  Michele picked me up in the bus – saving me 5km of pain.
The downhill was great – hitting 79km/h on one of the straight sections.

Monday 13th June 2017 - Italy Day 4

Breakfast at 7am to get ready for a longer day on the bike.  They allocated us the craziest guide at the hotel, Michele.  We got along well…

Colin was in his element – Mountain Goats like Mountains!!

Lots of narrow Italian back roads including a short 18% section that sent my heart rate soaring.  The view was worth it.

As the temperature climbed to over 32 degrees, we stopped for coffee, then later a stop for gelati. 

Sunday 11th June 2017 - Italy Day 3

Across the road from the Glam Hotel is Milano Centrale train station.  We had a 90minute train journey to Lake Garda.

On arrival The Garda Bike Hotel is just a short walk from the station.  We assembled our bikes, did a quick walk, had some lunch and then went for a ride.

It was a glorious Sunday with lots of people on the water, on the beach and on the roads.  You definitely need to keep your wits about you.

Saturday 10th June 2017 - Italy Day 2

An early arrival into Milan.  We dropped our bags at the Hotel and went into Duomo.

We wandered the Milan shopping centre before the real crowds arrived.  In fact, most of the shops were not open.  We went to get some gelati – but “It’s not available until 11am”.  We are not good shoppers.

After an afternoon nap, it was an excellent gelati just around the corner at Lux. 
Our stay at the “Glam Hotel” was excellent.  The free buffet dinner (just pay for drinks) was perfect after a busy day of walking Milan. We will be returning on the 28th June.

Friday 9th June 2017 - Italy Day 1

Colin and I left Melbourne with 3 weeks of Italian riding, food and beer to enjoy.