Finally sun in the Dolomites: 2 days to go..

What a difference the weather makes for cycling in the mountains. After yesterday’s misery, today began in glorious sun shine Here is the view towards La Villa at 10am.

Unfortunately, last night I kept Sarah awake with my coughing and as I dropped off into delicious slumber, Sarah was wondering if I was going to make it, despite me downing 1 bottle of Benylin in 1.5 days.
As I am determined to complete this race, I decided to try to ease her mind:

1. Sarah was worried that my mother would blame her if anything happened to me (as we encounter other mad cyclists or lorries mid road) Yesterday I made a legal disclaimer to my mum stating it was all my idea and Sarah would not be at fault in event of an accident.

2. This morning at breakfast I re-confirmed that I was not trying to annoy Sarah by being so slow up hills (I usually whizz past at some stage laughing) but I just needed to breathe and it is difficult with a chesty cough.

3. Sarah cheerfully commented that most top cross-country skiers die when they exercise with coughs and colds.  (Although I am a mere amateur cyclist and not a top cross country skier) I promised to watch my heart rate monitor and try not to exceed the max %
All good?
The first hill Sarah chose for today’s training ride within the first 1km was the Mur Del Giat (max 19% according to the race blurb but the garmin showed 21%). This beats every other incline we have ever done anywhere - thankfully, and hopefully it will stay that way!
No sympathy despite my wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and tight chest!

At least we now know we can get up the steepest hill without stopping;  the real question is: will be able to do so after 134km right at the end of the ride…?

Today was a more leisurely 50km taking in Campolongo, and Passo Falzarego and Valparola (the last 2 passes totalling 11.8km of ascent) followed by a long ride down to the bike shop at San Cassiano (for a quick check of gears) and La Villa (for a recovery shake and sauna)

There were many more cyclists on the road today which led to a bit of road rage (other crazy cyclists in middle of road vs oncoming traffic)

We (or rather I ) just pootled along at my own speed; Sarah (probably feeling bad after earlier comments) waiting every now and again until i caught up. 

I tried out my new gear and I can thoroughly recommend the neck warmer when you feel a bit rough. I also tried it over the face on the downhills but not only did i look like a highwayman, it made my glasses steam up. Not good when hitting 50km/hr on sharp bends.

Today we learnt from the previous ride and despite the appearance of the sun, we wrapped up warm every time we got to the top - as every descent is very long and very cold.

The best bits today were on the ascent to Passo Falzarego. 

Pine forest and towering mountains above. Fresh mountain water springs, ruined castle, windy roads and a long time to enjoy it on the bike.

This was the road we cycled up (no sign of Sarah) but evidence of snow and the snaky switch backs we have come to love.











Funnily most people take the cable car up these mountains:

Finally I catch up with Sarah enjoying the sunshine and relaxing.

This was just outside a war museum on the top of Passo Valparola.

We learnt today that this area used to belong to the Austria-Hungarian empire and the Italian and Austrians fought over it from 1915-7. Until the end of WW2 it was part of Austria. This is why German is the first language in this area and most signs are in German and Italian.

The museum seemed quite proud that the ruined fort was used as a dummy by the Austrians in 1915-7 (they kept the lights on so the Italians kept shelling it whilst they built new ones elsewhere!) This is very close to the Tre Sassi mountains:  Checkout: www.dolomiti.org/dengl/cortina/laga5torri/musei/tresassi.html

Finally the descent - yippee and off for a long recovery.. Towards San Cassiano.

Thanks to Sarah for cleaning my bicycle after cycling through wet tarmac on the way down and letting me eat most of the snack /banana power bars (she does care - really! )