Day 8 – Top of the Stelvio Pass to South of Bolzano 135km, 4hrs 40mins moving time, 250m vertical ascent)
El burro. It’s the Spanish word for ‘donkey’. It’s a nickname I acquired on account of hauling luggage around during a recent bike trip in Australia. The set-up on this trip is virtually identical: 2 bags mounted on a pannier rack, one either side of the rear wheel.
El burro looked out of the window this morning. It was snowing. He refused to budge. Maybe last night’s revelation was also troubling him – it transpires that the quickest way to Schio involves going back down the same tortuous road he came up last night. After some gentle persuasion, involving food and the promise of warmer weather at the bottom of the pass, El burro came around to the idea of getting off the mountain.
The descent was cold, to put it mildly. 35 minutes & 48 hairpin bends later, it was time to seek refuge inside a cafe & attempt to defrost the toes, fingers and shins. Once the terrain levelled out, the riding was enjoyable. The sunshine came out, the temperature reached the low 20s, the cycle paths were smooth, the scenery pleasant. All was well with the world.
And then, in the distance, the sign of a massive storm. The sound of thunderclouds clapping & echoing off the local mountains as if under a barrage of artillery fire. The race was on to duck for cover & find a room for the night.
Despite finishing a bit earlier than hoped, & unable to avoid a good soaking, El Burro managed to find a stable for the night. Tomorrow’s forecast looks more promising & the remaining distance for the final push to Schio should be similar to today’s ride, with a bit more climbing.
Banksy's Blog 