La Bella 2017 : 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.