At the end of yesterday's blog entry I had mentioned that the climbing today was going to be a challenge. I just didn't know how much of a challenge it was going to be.
First let's talk about the weather. The Epic Ride Weather was again very accurate at predicting the weather conditions for the ride. looking at the graphic below the temperature was within a degree or so of the prediction. The rain, more like a steady drizzle started shortly before we started, about 9 AM. The wind was almost non-existent.
As you can see in the elevation above we really didn't start climbing until almost half way into the day's ride and in the meantime we were treated to spectacular views of the Alps as we cycled through the valley.
The day was gloomy as we continued to climb and we were fortunate that the temperatures remained in the upper 50's and low 60's throughout the day and between the warmth of exercising and our gear, we keep fairly comfortable.
Though we passed through small towns occasionally, however we couldn't find an open coffee shop so we pushed on until lunch. This valley is known for it's winter skiing and we often saw signs for Innsbrook, the site of the 1976 Winter Olympics. This must have been their off season. Though there were plenty of restaurants, we had a difficult time finding one that was open.
A bit past the half way point, we did find a small welcoming bakery and restaurant. We piled we all had good hot coffee and a hearty lunch while looking out the large glass windows. We could sense that the rain was just starting to lighten up a bit.
Back on the road, the rain had let up and almost completely stopped. We continued the climb and soon we could see on our cycle computers the following road shape, switchbacks. We knew that a climb steep climbs was coming and we could see it in the elevation profile from this morning, but when we stood at the foot of the climb staring up, we knew we were going to be in for a real challenge!
As you look at the following 2 photos, you will see a yellow bus making it's way up the serpentine road. First heading left to right, making a tight turn then at the next level, right to left.
Surely this was an optical illusion. We really weren't go up this route were we? There must be an alternate and easier way to the top? Double checking the route, yep that was the way to the top so off we headed.
We slowly climbed the hill. left to right, right to left. Some stretches were steeper than others and occasionally a car or large truck passing us by on the left. But we continued to climb. It was hard climbing but now impossible.
The above photo was shot about halfway up. I had stopped to take it, because after many turns, I thought that I was at the top. Then after the next turn, I discovered that I was only halfway. More climbing ahead!
When reaching the top, the following was the view, From this vantage point it was so steep that you couldn't see the road that we had climbed, only the view back down the valley.
Above is Chris close to the top of the climb.
And me at the marker at the restaurant at the very top (1802 m / 5912 feet). Were we gathered to celebrate our success with a cup of coffee or two.
We still had a 20 km descent to our hotel that included some fast downhill, a long tunnel and finally some beautiful bike paths. A wonderful way to end a ride!
Tomorrow, we head into Italy. The weather is expected to be similar to today and the climbing will be significant, but maybe not as challenging as today. It's going to be another challenging day I expect.
Today's Photos
Brian
brian@coxintl.com
