Stage 28 Tramonti Di Sotto - Cortina d'Ampezzo

I've seen it raining fire in the sky
You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky Mountain high, Cortina d' Ampezzo. Rocky Mountain high....

Joan

A big day of climbing today, 119klm and 3500 mtrs of ascending. Immediately we are out of the saddle into the mountains, heavily forested, quiet and winding.

We admire the views and photo opportunities abound, there goes David (flying doctor), Postman Pat (Jim Craddock) and regular as clockwork, the steady tempo of Joan Donohoe, pass us by.




The scenery is spectacular. This part of the Dolomite's was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the First World War. The Piave River also flows from these mountains into the Adriatic near Venice, and was the scene of a number of famous battles in the Napoleonic Wars and also in WW1 which was the last major Austro-Hungarian attack on the Italian front


We pass through the village of Ampezzo, then a long 30 klm climb to the peak of Sella di Razzo (1760mtr) passing through tunnels, riding alongside turquoise blue lakes, dams, ravines. Lunch at the pass Vigio di Cadore, cool and cloudy, but lunch is welcome. We are able to eat inside the chalet which is warm and run by a lovely middle aged couple. A few locals in for their lunchtime pint and food. We linger for awhile and order hot drinks before heading down the mountain.

Shortly after leaving Paul has a puncture, Garry and myself were slightly ahead but did not realise they were not behind us until approx. 5 klm down the mountain. We waited for about 15 mins and realised something was up so decided to ride back up the mountain to see was wrong. 

After climbing back up for a few klm they were on their way down.

A cave in the hillside

The downhill run is dry but cool at first, but improves as we descend.

Out of one of the many tunnels, which are not busy, but poor lighting, cobbled, winding and climbing make it a little uneasy with cars coming from behind us.

The next section after a 20 klm descent, we approach Vigo di Cadore and then another 30 klm climb towards Cortina Passo Tre Croci. This became very steep for the last 7 klm hitting 14% for long stretches and after 3000 mtr of climbing so far, was telling on our legs. An opportunity for a coke was too strong to pass, so we took a short rest and on our way again.

The ride felt an endless grind up & up. Passed a photo shoot for the new Bentley Soft Top Coupe, this small interlude did not bring any relief to the tired legs.

Garry John West Webster

Despite our fatigue, the views did still manage to leave us in awe at natures beauty.

This part of the Dolomite's is well known for its popular winter sports, accommodation and apres-ski scene. The town is located at an altitude of 1224 mtr, with the surrounding mountains over 3000 mtr, fast flowing streams, small lakes and....Marmots!

The town belonged to the Roman Empire, then The Republic of Venice, and in 1508 was handed back to Austria, and in 1920 returned back to Italy.

In 1956 Cortina hosted the Winter Olympics, also put in a bid for the 1988 games but was beaten by Calgary.

Did not see the ski jump but this is what it looks like