Bassano del Grappa to Fiera, 103 kilometers, 2900 meters vertical
We start the day out with a quick tour of the town, then right onto a 19 kilometer climb up Mont Grappa. I am squarely off the back, with my heart rate pegged. There are 27 switch backs to cover and I start counting them. Finally we are done, yet the top of the mountain is still above me, not fair.
I ascend some more, then look down at the road and clouds below (switchback #27 is long gone)
Lots of cyclists, motorcycles, cars, vans, etc. They all give me adequate space and respect, something always appreciated! I get to the top, admire the scenery, get a picture of my knackered self
The others are waiting around with empty coffee cups. I get a hot chocolate and Coke with a few other stragglers. Put on my 'gilet' (what they call a vest here), and arm warmers, and start the descent into lunch. We fuel up with Campagnolo sandwiches - ham, cheese, mayo, lettuce, and pickles on a warm bun (no Shimano or SRAM sandwiches on the menu).
Feeling much better for the next climb, I manage to hang with a 'B' group that forms. We make it to the top and John and Chris goof around with a memorial for Tullio Campagnolo, supposedly where he has his inspiration to make bicycle parts.
We start our next descent, snaking through switchbacks and several single lane alpine villages
There is amazing scenery all around. We drop into a valley, with a beautiful milky green stream to our right. We go through about five different tunnels as well, as my Garmin protests about lost signal.
We pull into the hotel together. A nice view before dinner.
Another tough day tomorrow.
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