Awoke early my neighbour (a scooter fanatic) had charged I phone so back in business. Called Liz and had a good catch up.
Just rode one of the classic Lake Garda region mountain bike trails
Mt Tramalzo: Summary:
"tight fire road swichbacks with 500'( more like 1-2,000 metres) drops at the corners moving on to technical singletrack. finally finishing on a screaming road decesent into town." advanced skills required 4 out of 5 stars.
Got a recommendation from a bike shop in Riva that this town had the best hire bikes and a great camp site in the lake both were correct. My relationship with the owner of Bikexpress - Uwe Shunke got off to a great start as he said my motorbike was his favourite bike. Not only does he ride motorbikes but he also rode the trail I am about to do on a Uni cycle! We discussed bikes of all kinds and he has an Africa Twin and had done some serious moto expeditions.
I hired a brand new Focus 29 er (Pat will be proud), helmet and repair kit for 25 Euros. Uwe also told me about the best trails and that the classic is the Mt Tramalzo, it had to be done.
What a buzz although pretty knackered mainly mentally as one mistake or crash on the descent would have been my last. Over 1100 metres of climbing.
Was passed on the outside of some bends by some very fast riders who slid around the bend foot out speedway style ... That's youth for you - no fear of death, I have too much to live for...
Uwe recommended the Ruf Garibaldi Refruge and said the owner an ex rugby player does cyclist specials meals. A good feed of pasta kept me going further uphill.
Returning around 4 pm made it almost a 6 hour day, but relaxed pace & stopped lots for pictures, video and food.
On return Uwe asked me about the ride we sat down and chatted about his business & life, & motorcycles and I bought him a coffee.
Uwe recommended his friends Pizza shop (had the local special) and said he had some more recommendations for my (our will bring Liz here...) next visit! Which sounded tempting.
As all camp sites are full Uwe recommended a wild camp site, details will remain confidential but as an added point of interest the wild black bear was spotted in the vicinity recently! As if I need any more risk to add to the day...lots more to do here however the weather changes tomorrow so will start heading back to the Pyrenees slowly.