Our hotel is actually in Campitello di Fassa, just down the road from Canazei. I had a relaxing day with a walk around town, then a short bike ride to keep the legs moving. Then, we watched the Giro d’Italia where they went up the Monte Grappa, where we had just been two days ago. They were much faster than us, of course.
A lot of climbing today, featuring over 3,000 metres of uphill, with three passes on tap, Passo Rolle, Passo Valles, and the hardest, Passo Fedaia, with the last 5 or so km at over 10%. Special bonus was a snow flurry at the top of the Fedaia. Tomorrow is a rest day, so time to recover from the first 4 days here in the Dolomites.
Much drier than yesterday. Today was the big climb up Monte Grappa. The highlight was some people camping on the side of the road partway up the climb waiting for the Giro in two days. They were very friendly and offered me food and drink. I kindly declined the drink but happily accepted a salami sandwich. It was both tasty and delicious.
The top was foggy and cold, and that was where the lunch van was. I stuffed as much food into my mouth as possible as quickly as possible so I didn’t get too cold. Even so, my fingers were numb as I descended. They eventually thawed out and the rest of the ride was pleasant.
The word of the day was “wet”. The ride started off with mild showers and the first long climb was misty with diminished rain. After the descent I stopped for a cioccolata calda and that’s when the real rain started. The second long climb was delightful with a nice smooth road, a mild and steady gradient, and lots of switchbacks where I could get an occasional view of the valley far below.
Put my bike together and did a short ride through Verona and out in the countryside.
A short walk In Verona after checking into my hotel.
I am finally getting around to posting the pictures from my fun journey from San Jose to Oxnard that I rode on my bike last month (April 12-13, to be precise). A delay caused by a power outage as well as a week without home Internet.
I did most of the ride with my friend Jasmine with parts of it with other riders. The weather was nice, with warm temperatures during the day and cool, but pleasant at the coast.
The route took us past Pinnacles National Park (hence the name) and through some more remote sections towards Paso Robles. We then turned towards the coast to the overnight stop in Santa Maria.
The second day took us through Solvang and back towards the coast where we passed through lovely Santa Barbara and then further east to the finish in Oxnard.
I’ve done this ride 3 times now, and it’s still one of my favorite routes. I hope to enjoy riding it again in the future.
