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Not much planned for today other than a ride up the very difficult Stelvio Pass. The weather forecast was a little variable with rain/showers forecast throughout the day and a max of 18deg at 3pm.
After a very boring breakfast at the Eden Hotel I unpacked the bike and got ready. Lots of stuffing around really because I didn't hit the road until 1pm.
Plenty of sunshine for the first 5kms, made it really tough. My legs were not responding, perhaps general fatigue from 7 days in the Alps. It took me at least 40mins before I felt comfortable and into a rythym.
Plenty of picture stops along the way made the physical task a lot easier (rest opportunities). The Stelvio Pass road is certainly a scenic route. Lots of craggy exposed rockfaces, much of the road along a precipice with a sheer drop away. A number of tunnels to navigate plus contend with the speedy traffic (motorbikes and fast cars). More switchbacks than you've had hot dinners....and of course, the unrelenting gradient of the road. Many sections >10% with a couple of 14 & 15% sections.
About 6kms from the top, above the tree line, I spotted a couple of otters eating grass and caught a little video of them.
The further I rode the weather changed, the sun disappeared, a strong wind instead. At the top I had a chance to indulge in a Bratwurst roll - with Sauerkraut. The cloud was moving in so off down the mountain.
Made it back safely and with impeccable timing. Within 10mins of me getting back to my hotel down came the rain. I am writing this blog at 10:30 and it is still raining, frequent thunder and lightning.
I'm off to Verona tomorrow to do a spot of wine tasting at a couple of wineries that make Amarone.
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