Italian Recovery Day

Looking up to the days goal (from MUCH closer than we started-LJ)

 Today was a rest day in anticipation of the next days duo of the Mortirolo and the Gavia.  Of course a rest day in the alps includes a 10KM 6% average climb!

Jason our Trek guide

It has been really hot this week and it was to all our relief that it was raining when we woke up.  We delayed our day's ride a 1/2 hour in hopes we could time the rain, but when we started out it was raining on us.  It was still warm out and everyone who started with rain gear on quickly jettisoned them and just enjoyed the cooling spray of the rain.  Jason, our guide who was riding today, started out in a neon yellow rain coat and combined with his shoe covers could be seen from the top of the Stelvio!

Dan and Lynne at the top!

 This was the first ride that the group stuck together for most of the ride.  It was a recovery ride after all.

Torri di Fraele

Summit Sign

This summit sign does not quite have the fan fare of all our other summits so far!  Since this isn't a pass, there is no hubbub up here.  We didn't have motorcycles, buses or cars zooming by us, so it was quite a pleasant ride.

Wrong Turn 15%

The group did get separated from our guide at one point and that lead to a short cut wrong turn up a steep 15% grade narrow Italy street.  This did put the days total climbing above 1000 meters!

Top of Climb

Mini Stelvio

 They call this climb the mini Stelvio because of all the switchbacks.  As you look up from the bottom the climb seems impossibly steep, but the switchbacks smooth it out and are really effective.

Tranquillo

We ate a bit and took lots of photos from the top.  The descent off the climb went back the same way we came up.  It was a little tricky because of the wet roads and sharp switchbacks.  You had to watch yourself or you could easily wipe out in the corners.  On the descent we broke up as a group, but all made our way down safely.

Bormio 

Alpine Water

Since the day was a short ride we had some time to explore the town.  Lynne and I ate a late lunch and then walked along the Via Roma.  The Via Roma is a pedestrian only street that is lined with retail shops, it is quite a concept that I am surprised more cities don't replicate.  We got there during siesta time so we planned on coming back in between the Tour de France and Dinner.

Hotel Nevada for Dinner

We had a nice early dinner.  Early in Italy is 7:30!  We wanted to fuel up for the next day.  Good night!