We previously published the highlights of the trip Thomas made with Roos, which included a cycling route from the Ghisallo to the Gavia (and back again, to be complete). This is part two of that lovely report, which includes a relatively unknown pass, the Passo Vivione, and also the climb to the Gavia, which remains as it is for a while. Because, to quote Thomas, ‘in retrospect it was epic’. A type 2 fun, which you would love to experience again, but not while you're in it.
Text and photos Thomas Bogaard
Stage 3: Today we turn it up to 11
Today a great climb awaits us. At 36 kilometres, the Passo Vivione is the challenge of the day. Fortunately, the road to the top does not disappoint for a moment. You drive from one landscape to another. If I have to recommend one climb from this trip to anyone it is this one.
We start on the main road and there everything is still grand, the mountains and the views. Until we get to the forest, there the road narrows and here we see an Efteling-like village, winding paths that go up and down, each time looking back at where you've been. What an experience!
But then we are not yet at the top, briefly the landscape is open, but not for long. We climb on, up along the rock face. The road is stuck against the mountain and we drive into the clouds. After the fairytale-like beginning, this feels truly magical.
Once at the top, we fill our stomachs with hot chocolate and cake to make the long descent. We take it easy, as we have a lot to process and plenty to see at the same time. We also know what awaits us. Long false flat to Ponte di Legno. Fortunately, much of it is a cycle path. Here we enjoy the tunnels, the river and the peace and quiet. So we arrive at our hotel relaxed.
Stage 4: Hindsight is only epic
When we get up, it is immediately obvious, the sunshine of the past few days has given way to a curtain of rain. It could have been worse, the original forecast was many millimetres per hour, now it is drizzling. But the courage and the rain do sink into me. We are going up the Gavia.
Fortunately, I have already done the climb once under good conditions. Then comes my rescue. Several other riders decide this is not their day. “On holiday I don't cycle in the rain.” Nice didn't make much sense to me either. We decide to cut off. 55 kilometres with 600 altitude metres to the next hotel. Rain and drizzle alternate and we are very happy with our hot shower.
The heroes who did make the Gavia climbing tell us at dinner how epic the climb was. Super tough in the rain! But the descent was what really hammered it, the cold and streams of water over the road made this a survival trip. 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 a still unknown climb in Lombardy
