This morning seems like a long time ago. It was the last morning at our nice apartment. I ate yogurt and granola with a side of scrambled eggs. Jacinto had a serving of last night's chicken and veggies. We tided up, and were outside by 9:30. I wore tights. There's definitely a nip in the air. The wind blew all night long, and rattled the garage door type shutters. Our host met us downstairs to get the keys. He said we should be happy about the (head)wind, because that means it wouldn't rain. That's spinning a positive vibe.
We had a big climb to start - 6.5 miles of steep up. My computer said as much as 17%. I thought that might be bad information. But Jacinto said he stopped on the steep section for a photo, and couldn't get going again. He had to walk to the top. Then he felt guilty for walking. He coasted back down the hill, and rode up. As long as I'm under my own power, it counts, IMO. I did have to walk a section. The path got narrow towards the top. Riders coming down were going too fast (my opinion), and were too close to me. I stopped and didn't even try to start again. I walked to the top. Don't worry, there was more suffering to be had! There were 2,600 feet of climbing for the 19 mile day. I'd guesstimate 2,400 feet of that was in the first climb.
We've been riding the bike path since . . . Levico Terme? . . . it's a case of if you build it, they will come. I enjoy people watching - especially seeing all of the touring cyclists. We saw 4-5 groups of people touring together. I think touring companies? There's been many children riding their own bikes. I've heard people in the USA worried about the future of cycling. Cycling is just fine in Europe. Today one of the groups I saw was 8-10 teenagers with adults. Touring. The problem with so many cyclists is that the path needs to be wider. Especially on the steep part where the downhill riders want to go faster, and the uphill riders would like a little wobble room.
I was happy to make it to the top. Neither of us saw a sign, but we summited Reschenpass. I think that was our last big pass of the trip.
I wore tights today. It's 53 degrees in Nauders. It was raining when we walked across the street for lunch. We took a chance and showered first. They were still serving lunch. This took me into a google search on Austria and Germany and store/restaurant hours. Both countries have no work laws on Sunday. We will make sure to stock up on Saturday!
This entire piece from Venice north has been extra pleasurable. I like the bike path riding, and the mountain views can't be beat. This is the woman who lives in the Colorado Rockies speaking!
We cut a big riding day into two. That's how we ended up with 19 miles today. Tomorrow is 24 miles with less than 1,000 feet of climbing. We could certainly laze around and leave late. Check out at our hotel is 9:30!
Jacinto rides through the Glurns city gates. We only went a few blocks before we crossed out the other end. It’s a small town.
Today's ride: 19 miles (31 km) Total: 1,332 miles (2,144 km)
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marilyn swettWe both had to laugh at Jacinto coasting back down on the climb so he could ride all the way up to make up for his walking to the top! Way to go guys - you are such strong riders! Reply to this comment 1 week ago
