Day 6 - Schlanders – Ponte di Legno via Passi Stevlio e Gavia

Schlanders – Ponte di Legno via Passi Stevlio e Gavia

109 kilometers, 3480 meters climbing 

Two big climbs today, first Stelvio Pass, highest road in Italy, 5th highest in Europe. It is cloudy so we cannot see the top. I leave 30 minutes ahead of the mountain goats and Strava KOM hunters. There are 48 toranti to navigate

Steady climbing through the clouds is very meditative and relaxing. As I get higher up the Tim, Robin, Chris, and an interloper pass me

After a while the treeline ends and the clouds are starting to thin

The top is in sight and here we are wow

A shot at the top with my rain jacket halfway up my body after I had to get my phone out of back pocket

We have lunch I have some zuppa di verdura and brot. After putting on all my clothing layers possible, we have a lovely decent, where we shed our layers at the bottom for the next ascent up Gavia. 

It is another grind through the clouds. Miriam and I stick together for the most of the climb. We get above the tree line and it then proceeds to dump rain on us. My hope to get above the clouds and rain does not happen. It is pretty grim. 

We all regroup at the top and have a quick drink at the refuge. This is the pass where Andy Hampsten rode through in the snow to win the stage in the 1988 Tour of Italy 

The descent starts with narrow bad wet roads with spectacular views.

I shoot through a non illuminated tunnel with a bend inside it and literally do not see the light at the end of the tunnel for a good 5 seconds. It finally appears and I just keep going hoping the road is clear under my wheels. Eventually the center paint line reflects the light which I follow to safety. More twisty single file roads, very few motorists, desolation. Then the heavens really open up. A quick regroup before town and everyone is wet as a dog, aside from a few prudent van riders who wisely sat the descent out.

Felt good today, especially Stelvio, kept heart rate well in control. Gavia the rain was yuck. Looking forward to the ride to top of Lake Garda tomorrow the last day.