I suppose, when this year comes to an end, I’ll be saying that cycling up the Stelvio Pass was one of my biggest and most successful challenges.
A year before I had already wanted to do this, but someone talked me out of it and pretty much discouraged me. So this year, after having cycled the first few meters, I cried, because I was so relieved that I had started at all, despite the discouraging BS.
It took me a long time to get up there and quite a few breaks plus encouraring words from other cyclists and my skiing instructor whom I met along the way (loved seeing him again!). Along with the lovely weather and the quiet peaceful atmosphere (you could hear nothing but birds singing and bicycle chains rattling) I really enjoyed myself, all the way up, 1.800m altitude difference in 23 km. When I made it, I cried again, because I made it. I was sooo happy :o) – and still am.
Below are some impressions of that day. And next year I will do it again, maybe not with the Koga (which has quite the retro crankset 39/28 and no clickies) but with a new bike that’s currently sleeping in my attic.
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Early morning, after the first few km.
Chocolate gets you anywhere!
My faithful 1979 Koga Miyata Roadspeed
On the road
On the road
Still I had my doubtful moments …
Sunshine!
On the road
More road
Break!
The Koga needed a break, too
Who wouldn’t love cycling in such a beautiful scenery?
The view … grand, isn’t it?
One Of These Impressing Mountains Is The Ortles. While I was cycling up the Stelvio Pass, a friend of mine was climbing his way up there.
Photo taken by a pro – my face still silly :o)
I! Made! It! :o)
By the way I spent about five minutes at the Stelvio Pass top. The place was so crowded and stressing that I just had to leave and start the long way back down. Which was almost as arduous as getting up there. I hate cycling downhill! But I got back to the foot of the hill in one peace.
Oh and that evening I ate a LOT! :o)
Sophie Is A Clown 