We have previously published the highlights of the journey Thomas made with Roos, where he cycled from Ghisallo to Gavia (and back, to be exact). This is part two of that beautiful report, which includes a relatively unknown pass, the Passo Vivione, and also the climb to Gavia, which remains exactly as it has always been. To quote Thomas: ‘In retrospect, it was epic’. A type 2 fun that you would like to experience again, but not if you are in it.
Text and photos Thomas Bogaard
Stage 3: Today we turn it up to 11
Today we have a wonderful climb ahead of us. The Passo Vivione is the challenge of the day with 36 kilometers. Fortunately, the road to the top never disappoints. You travel from one landscape to another. If I had to recommend one climb from this trip, it would be this climb.
We start on the main road and everything is still grand there, the mountains and the views. Until we get into the forest, the road gets narrower and here we see a Efteling-like village, winding paths that go up and down and where you can always look back at where you have been. What an experience!
But that's not the end of the journey yet. The landscape is open for a while, but not for long. We climb up, along the rock wall. The road is attached to the mountain and we drive into the clouds. After the fairytale-like beginning, this feels truly magical.
Once we’re up there, we fill our stomachs with warm chocolate and cake to make the long descent. We take it slow because we have a lot to process at once and a lot to see. We also know what awaits us. We go flat-out for Ponte di Legno. Fortunately, most of the road is a bike path. Here we enjoy the tunnels, the river, and the tranquility. This way we arrive relaxed at our hotel.
Stage 4: In retrospect, it was only epic
When we get up, it’s immediately clear: the sun of the past few days has given way to a curtain of rain. It could have been worse; the original forecast called for many millimeters per hour, but now it’s drizzling. But the courage and the rain are getting to me. We’re going to climb the Gavia.
Fortunately, I have already done the climb once under good conditions. Then my salvation comes. A number of other riders decide that this is not their day. “I don’t cycle in the rain on vacation.” I had little desire for that anyway. We decided to cut it short. 55 kilometers with 600 meters of elevation gain to the next hotel. Rain and drizzle alternate, and we are very happy with our warm shower.
The heroes who did Gavia The climb tells us at dinner how epic the climb was. Super hard in the rain! But the descent was what really kicked in; the cold and the streams of water over the road made this a survival journey. In the end, everyone is happy with their choice.
Passo di Gavia, Ponte Di Legno, Italy
• Distance: 16.1 km, Elevation difference: 1300 m, Average gradient: 8.1 %
Next time, the third and final part! Including the Bernina Pass and an unknown climb in Lombardy
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.