Stage 32 Grosio-Como

Arrivederci Como, Goodbye goodbye to you

Grosio is in the region of Lombardy nestled in a beautiful valley. We start off in wonderful sunshine following the Adda River for 100 klm into the northern end of Lake Como. Over 1300 mts of climbing today with a length of 140 klm. It is mostly down hill though. Snow capped peaks on either side of the valley mountains 

Spirits are high amongst the group, so many thoughts and feelings about the five weeks together, the sights we have seen, the riding experience, the fun being on the road, the company of riders, the Dutch team, so many emotions.

After passing through many villages, Mazzo di Valtellina, Lovero, Sernio, Tirano for the first 14 klm, then onto a cycle path for a further 40 klm. It was quite a varied path, sometimes through woodlands, gravel sections, farmyards, twists and turns, wondering if we are on the correct route. Not easy to follow the course, checking our maps and Garmin and each other. The river was the constant, as long as we had this in view we knew we were okay.  

A little off track at times, bicycle path under repair in one section, where do we go? I find a way through a locals backyard past their kitchen and living room windows. Time for a cool drink boys. 

 Bypassing Sondrio an old Roman Military Camp, then Morbegno a lovely village in the Valtellina Valley. As we followed the valley down towards Como, high level clouds were increasing. It was still humid, now the last lunch stop with Ype, Dino and team. Wilbert ever present in the caretaker role sweeping in from the rear of the pack making sure the last riders are safe and on track, also photo shots for the DVD of the whole trip which will be forwarded to us all on our return to Australia. 

Is that an old Roman Bike Path Garry?

Excitement was building, Como not far away, all looking forward to seeing the lake hidden down the valley beneath these majestic slopes reaching up to the heavens.

Ross discussing the finer points of a Colnago to Olympian Bill Scott

The Adda is noticeably wider, must be close to Como

The Adda is a tributary of the Po. It rises in the Alps near the border with Switzerland and flows through Lake Como, then exits Como passed Lecco and joins the Po upstream from Cremona then outwards to the Adriatic

 Finally the Adda and the lake are one and the shores of Como are full of life, people swimming, sailing, on motor boats large and small. For the most part we follow the shoreline on the eastern side for approx. 20 klm until we reach the ferry terminal which will take us to Bellagio. We all gather at Hotel Olivedo and board the ferry all together. 

Your looking pretty relaxed Garry considering you've ridden 3000 klm. Time to get aboard the ferry Boys and girls for the 30 min trip where the lake divides, with Lecco and Lierna on the east side and Como on the right side fork in the lake.

 Ross also looking well pleased with himself after the epic journey. Ype and David White in the Bike Dreams van. All present and correct.

Tony below, from Patterson Lakes, had the fall earlier on in the tour and was hospitalised with some fractures. Robyn his wife joined us after Firenze on the bike, but Tony had to be content with logistical duties etc. for the remainder of the trip. Always affirming and encouraging others, helping with lunches set-ups etc. Greatly appreciated by all Tony.




Garry, Peter Pollard, Karen and Val all enjoying the boat trip on the shores of Como. Multiple small towns and villages dot the shoreline and extend up the steep slopes that make Como so special.

So we are disembarking for the final leg. Bike riding is very unpredictable as to how peletons form and if the pace is going to be medium, slow or fast. Well all of us synch together without communicating verbally and took off a very fast pace for the 30 klm remaining into the town of Como. This is a very undulating road, high up on the lake slopes with wonderful views. (We went like the clappers) only had a passing glance at George Clooneys Villa Oleandra in Laglio on the opposite side of the lake.

I really enjoyed the pace and excitement of the final run into Como. Stopped once more to photo Como and speak to Sarah back home, who was with Marie, Sue, Ann & Leslie in Adelaide.

 What a great sight after 3000 klm, Como and our final La Bella Stop

 Everyone arriving now, champagne from all the crew, celebrations, congratulations, hugs and high fives by all.

The Dutch sure are the worlds tallest people. The crew below. Jaap, Dino, Henk, Gerdi, Ype and all 6' 2" of me.

Local performer in the park. Below is the Tempio Voltiano (museum for Alessandro Volta)

A photo shoot for the girls who participated on the ride, Garry photo bombed, and the complete group on the shores of Lake Como.

Congratulazioni a tutti su un giro meraviglioso
Grazie a tutti per essere parte del mio viaggio

"Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day

Teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime 

Give a man a bike and he will realise what a waste of time fishing was."

  

Stage 31 Latsch - Grosio

.....Look up at the mountain
I have to climb
Oh yeah, to reach there. Lord my bike, has been a good friend But I won't need it when I reach the end

A beautiful sunny morning, at the breakfast briefing and handouts we are informed the weather looks bright and sunny all day. At 2800 mts Passo Dello Stelvio would not be pleasant with unfavourable weather. A continuation of the same bike path we started yesterday with 25 klm left on flat to very gentle inclines through endless fruit orchards, farmers busily attending produce for the coming season.

 Straight ahead lies the snow capped peaks we are about to climb, but first Ross has to attend to another puncture, watched on by Jim, Paul, Garry & I.

Jim informs us that all our American colleagues are very keen to contribute to our proposed gift to the Dutch Team. Thanks for your efforts Jim, greatly appreciated.

Ross this time, watched by Garry & Jim

Too beautiful a day for exertion, Think I will park my bike against this sign and watch...everything okay boys?

Passing through a few lovely villages as we leave the path and the Adige River at Prato Allo Stelvio. I sense some nerves, & trepidation at what lies ahead amongst the boys, such is the reputation of this climb, 26 klm  the top and 48 switchbacks....Boy oh Boy!

Stelvio is the second highest paved mountain pass in the Alps. In all 60 hairpin turns on both sides. Since the construction of the road in the 1820 s the route has changed very little.

We are advised when the weather is good every motorist, motorcyclist and bike rider will be on the mountain, also it is particularly challenging for motorists.


There she is right ahead. Ross & Jim ponder what challenges it may hold.

Once on the road we start to notice the gradient straight away. On the lower slopes a few vintage cars tackle the mountain. I wonder how they will handle the slopes, British Quality, a triumph of British engineering these cars, no leaks totally reliable!! I have complete faith in these machines.

Ooops spoke too soon there she is having to stop to cool down, oil and water temps staring to rise.

As soon as we hit turn 48, Stelvio is no longer visible, but the scenery is beautiful such as this fast flowing stream beside the road.

Garry below is negotiating the first numbered hairpin turn four & eight 48 how was it Garry? not too bad, 26 klm and 47 more to go!

Paul takes a rest straight away, no not really rather a great chance for a photo shot. Whilst on turn 48 a motorcyclist misjudged the corner and crashed into the wall exiting the turn. Ross scurries to assist, everything alright, yeah all good, a little shaken but Ross was able to assist in picking up her motorcycle on a steep corner, good work Ross. I think she will always remember turn 48 on Stelvio

One cyclist helping another

Top Gear named this the best driver's road in the world in 2007 whilst the presenters ascended to the top. It averages 8% gradient to the top with many parts into double figures. Also this year the Giro Italia rode the pass from the other side of the mountain.

 Plenty of snow capped peaks but Stelvio still not visible since the bike path. 

The 2013 Giro Italia was cancelled on this climb due to snow, so the riders had to finish lower down the slopes.

Sorry for capturing Ross's nose in the frame, but it was not to be missed. (pun) intended. Turn 24 we eventually could see the top. Wow, both daunting and beautiful at how much further we had to climb. Good chance for a break as a hotel was on this corner. 

Bill Scott (AUS) was here, Karen (Alaska), we could not resist the Apple Strudel. We also so a few Marmot's at approx. 60 mtrs. Below is a stuffed model in the reception.

We were talking with a few locals who were in training for a The Stelvio Marathon 2017, hard to believe but true. The first 16 klm begins on undulating roads through the valley, then the route climbs on asphalt, gravel and hiking trails. Finally from turn 24 where we are having a break, the race is on the road to the top.

Bill Scott from Benalla is a very quite unassuming character, good company, helpful and fun. Bill is the second of our Olympians, this time track and field unlike Trina who is a cross country skier. Bill competed in the 1980 Moscow Olympics in the 10000 mtrs in a time of 28 min 15 sec. His PB for this distance was 4 seconds behind the gold medal winner, which was just ahead of Lasse Viren. Bill has many Australian titles in his career and a PB for the marathon of 2 hr 11 min. Pretty impressive Bill, I take my hat off to you.

Here are some of the remaining 24 turns to the chalet at the top.

I personally did not feel any effects of altitude, perhaps I wasn't working hard enough, I felt normal. the view up on the summit is beautiful, crowds of people, cars, motor bikes and cyclists. Every possible Stelvio merchandise articles can be purchased.

I decide a hot drink and cake on the outside decking in the sun is the most attractive option for me.

Finally made it Numero Uno. Great effort boys. particularly Ross after only his second ride back in the saddle after all his setbacks. Bravo, Salute!

Above is the reverse view from the chalet looking back down the valley at turn 24.

Ype Relaxing after providing lunch

Local shops at the top

Chalet at 2860 mtr

The Pass down, Switzerland right and Italy left of the valley

Only 12 hairpins on this side but more tunnels to negotiate. Not long into the descent and we had to take our wind Gillette's off, as the temperature is climbing. 

A group of classic European sports cars pass us, Maserati, Ferrari, Porsche......

That's not snow beside the bar/kiosk but a fast flowing river generating hydro-power. There are also a number of abandoned toll buildings from a bygone era on the descent.

 There is Bormio down the valley about 1000 mtr below Stelvio and annually hosts the Alpine World Ski Championships. There are also many thermal baths in the area.

We reach Bormio and notice Martin & David stopped at the local bike shop. Martin running disc brakes on his bike finally ran out of pads. But that particular disc pad was out of stock. The shop owner called a local bike outlet in Livigno to see if he could supply. Good news he had the parts, bad news it was 10 klm back up the valley on the left.

I decided to accompany Dave and Martin to Livigno, and said I would meet the others back at base in Grosio.




 Very pleasant riding skirting around the villages on the contours of steep slopes. Put the bike in for the service, should be approx. 45 mins so we decide to walk down to a local café



David White was enchanted by the lovely lady serving us refreshments and used all his Western Australian charm and Flying Doctor skills to woo her, she returned the compliment with this cappuccino.

Pick up the bike and make tracks for the last 35 klm into Grosio, it was a very enjoyable ride running downhill most of the way on our penultimate ride into
the historic centre of Grosio the church of San Giorgio is a beautiful example of a 16th century church. Our hotel for the night was facing this church.

A big day and we celebrate with a large group of us in the local ristorante. One day to go, hard to believe we will be in Como tomorrow.