Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Stage 2 -- September 4, 2012

Pieve Di Ledro -- Fiera Di Primero
132 miles, 16,400 feet, corrupted Garmin file

After trying to dry shoes overnight and get psyched up for a rainy start, many riders were a bit somber at breakfast. The days of rain had also obviated Phil's plan to take an off road route to bypass the tunnel to Riva del Garda (no bikes allowed), but we were forced to tuck in behind a support van and go for it.


View from breakfast table
 
 
After a few "bumps" that would be climbs at home, we hit our first real HC climb of the tour, the Monte Bondone. I felt good and was literally singing in the rain for a good bit of it. Very foggy, chilly descent, and then the weather changed to sunny before the next big climb, the di Compet.
 
 Dudes on the descent
 
 
The Compet was a beautiful climb, narrow, wooded and 10km with gradients in the high single digits for the most part. Here I really enjoyed riding with Jez. We got water from mountain springs and he saved me with some salt tablets. Cheers, Jez!
 

 
Then it was onto the Forcella and the Brocon, a long steady climb with another natural water source!
 
Here is Jez again ....
 



 
 
I then flew down the descent, and pass the hotel! Bonus miles! Luckily I got in by dark ...


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