Stage 27 Venezia - Tramonti di Sotto

Radar Love

Hans Peter

Hans Peter (Rometsch) Germany, already to roll on a warm humid day. We are looking forward to today as we farewell the only flat section on La Bella, approach to and departure from Venice. Today we will reach the base of The Dolomite's, flat ride for 100 klm, then a climb to 400 mts in Tramonti di Sotto

Hans Peter is one of the pace setter riders, along with Trina who each day set a great tempo, not one for photos ice creams etc. Arrive at camp everyday early, pick of the camp sites, first at lunch and soup offerings.

Looking relaxed Steve

G'day Steve (Rogers) (USA), feeling great after his 17 Euro beer in Venice.

We follow the coast as we head east up towards Lido di Jesolo 22 klm from camp, this is the furthest point of the lagoon, from here we turn north towards the alps, passing through Crepaldo, Torre di Mosto, Torrate, (lunch) Provesano, & Meduno. 

Another puncture for Paul No 5 or 6?

After lunch we continue north and the first sighting of the alps emerge, we are both excited and nervous as it will be all climbing from tomorrow onwards over the next week.

Dolomites in sight (Alps)

The Dolomite's are a unique mountain range located in northeastern Italy. Their limestone rock formation give them a very distinct look with jagged peaks and sheer drops, clear water streams, waterfalls and turquoise lakes.
The are renowned for skiing in the winter months and mountain climbing, hiking, cycling, and Base jumping, as well as paragliding and hang gliding in summer and late spring/early autumn. The Marmolada Glacier is the highest peak in The Dolomite's at 3343 mtr.

The Maratona dles Dolomite's, an annual single-day road bicycle racing race covering seven mountain passes of the Dolomite's, occurs in the first week of July and is one of the most well known Granfondo rides

Meduno

We ride into Meduno with only 12 klm until the camp, a beautiful small town, there's a few bikes outside, it's David, Ype, Bob and Scott, we should stop for refreshments. It's Sunday 4th June and the Italian Moto GP is on, we have to watch this. 

Maybe an ale is in order. Good race Dovizioso wins (ITA) and Valentino Rossi finishing fourth.

As we head towards camp, clouds are increasing, possible rain. David, Ype join us for the final leg and as we descend into camp light rain is falling, so we pull into the site office /café for a hot drink.

Tramonti  is a small  but beautiful village situated on the Torrente Meduna River which flows through a number of lakes.

A special young visitor has joined us in camp tonight, Wilbert and his wife and daughter.

Campsite Valtramontina

The rains soon pass and Ype is soon into servicing and repair all the bikes that require attention after his own days ride.

How many bike riders does it take to change a ......?

The skies clear as we prepare to eat our evening meal, it has cooled down considerably, Wilbert has left crates of beer in the cool waters of the shallow fast flowing river.

Trina & David Hosmer

Trina is one of our two Olympic Athlete's riding in La Bella. Trina was introduced to cross country skiing by her then boyfriend David at university in the late 60's. Trina competed in the 1972 Winter Olympics in the 10klm event. She still competes in the Masters events and is a Nordic instructor. She also can ride very well.
Fantastic accomplishment Trina. Trina will be 70 next year and husband David is our most senior rider at 75. Wow!