23 July 2025 (light cloud, warm, thunderstorm and rain from late afternoon) 64km
Awake at 5.20am and into pack up mode. The campsite was packed around us, which is pretty rich, when the guy on reception told us that we had the last place.
EURO 48 but as the afternoon wore on, apparently we didn't get the last site, as they managed to pack in six others. By my calculations that adds up to Euro 248. Not bad for sitting on your arse.
Once again we slipped away, only noticed by the Swedish mother, who was having some "me time" away from her young baby, so I'm presuming he was with Dad and they were both sleeping.
Apparently, they had cycled from Sweden and were telling someone we spoke to that they didn't realise the roads would be so busy. If I was towing a trailer with a baby in it, the roads would have to be closed to cars.
Straight into climbing this morning. Out the gate, up a hill. The early morning was clear and fine, perfect for cycling. And even though today would be full of testers, the bodies were coping with the strain.
After beginning on a small road, we were on track for a few minutes, before joining the main road, but with adjoining cycle track. We have to say the cycle paths have been thoroughly enjoyable in Italy.
Rode to Muhlbach were we bought breakfast and once out of town, began searching for a suitable eating place.
It took some time, until we were riding through a valley, which was lovely and we came across a dry bench, with a litter bin, the perfect combination. Ate our food in total peace and it didn't disappoint.
The scenery was mountain hills, pleasant but only some were photo worthy. A lot of cyclists out on the trail this morning, mainly locals, riding to the next village, or out training. E-bikes however are everywhere.
It's truly amazing just how many people are riding them, although in this terrain I can understand it. On a normal bike, you wouldn't want to ride to the shops 10kms away and then forget the bread and have to go back for it.
Into the quaint village of San Lorenzo. I shopped for lunch while Julia took some shots. We met Martin, the German from Cologne, who we'd been talking to last night. We'd already done our shopping at the village supermarket so we left him filling his bottles at the fountain and rode on.
The riding was undulating and the tracks were delightful. Bought a coke and a bounty bar in a supermarket in Percha after taking a detour for a while, before riding into the village of Neiderolang where we found a small park with bench, bin and nice outlook, in which to eat our lunch.
It wasn't too long after this stop, that we saw our first site of the Italian Dolomites. Even though we didn't have full sun and the cloud was building, the rock formations looked fantastic.
We were still climbing, mostly short, sharp and testing, but nothing we couldn't handle.
We had a nice gravel track around a reservoir lake and then lovely cycle track the rest of the way.
The views now of the mountains was changing every 200metres and we were busy snapping away at every opportunity.
Arrived in the town of Neiderdorf, where the supermarkets were closed and decided to go to the camp first.
Two kilometres away we were told they could give us an emergency pitch.
" YEAH RIGHT TONTO" we've heard this story before. Emergency pitch. Charge....Euro 46. Jesus....oohhmmmmmmm.
We had no sooner got the tent up than the first spatters of rain started. So we dived for cover and snacked on the free chocolate the guy at reception had given us when we checked in. We're sure it's because of the NZ passports. The person before us didn't get them. Or maybe because we were so pathetically grateful to get their emergency pitch and the poor guy had been dealing with complaints all day, but whatever it was, we enjoyed our chocolate. And the fact we could get wifi in the tent.
As soon as the rain stopped, we went for showers and then to the camp shop to buy a few things for dinner.
We bought a drink each which we had while Ju cooked rice, sardines and tomatoes. The only reason I don't elaborate further on dinner is I don't want to make all you readers too jealous.
The forecast is horrific for the next five days.
Not really what we want as the mountains are the reason we are in this area, so we'll see "what's occuring" as Ness, from Gavin and Stacey would say.
Oh stop it! Rice, sardines AND tomatoes ... it's like masterchef on bikes.
ReplyDeleteThe dolomites look spectacular ... my fave pic is the one with the whitish field of wildflowers in the foreground, bluish looking hills, then the jagged silhouette of the dolomites and the cloud.
A lovely days ride, and you can relax and let the rotten weather pass by now, its looks spectacular those mountains with the clouds around them. Thank goodness the food you are enjoying is available in most places and you find some great places to eat it in. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteThis area looks lovely and very photogenic . A lot of the houses etc look like they could be in Austria .and the cycle trails look to be awesome for some pleasant riding. Hope the weather isn’t too bad for you and you can take in the Dolomites in all their glory!
ReplyDeleteOh don’t worry Pete no chance of giving me food envy when you mention Sardines in any meal . You can keep them ,you know my feelings about eating anything out of the ocean .
Our great weather continues here fir the weekend ,which is nice ,even though we are somewhat housebound with the new pups .
The Dolomites are amazing eh! Hope you manage to spend some time there and that the rain doesn't materialize. Awesome photo's again. Keep up the good work!!
ReplyDeleteSardines makes this reader go green and it’s not with envy! I’d like to like them as meant to be a superfood 🤢.
ReplyDeleteAhh the Dolomite’s here’s hoping the forecast changes and fast. Might have to charge that kindle and hunker down, wait for blue skies and sun
Love the Gavin and Stacey reference!
ReplyDelete