Day 21, Friday, Bolzano to Arabba

Today's ride brought us into the Dolomite mountains in Northern Italy.  It feels more like Switzerland with all the Chalets, ringing cow bells and apple strudel.  Today replaced the climb up Stelvio as the most difficult on the tour to date.  The mileage was reasonable at 51 miles but the elevation gain was staggering at 9,200'.  It felt like we were climbing all day and in fact we were.  9,200' is like climbing straight up almost 2 miles!!

The views are breathtaking, with the jagged cliffs surrounding us on all sides.  I continue to be impressed and proud of Michelle's cycling abilities.  The view from the back is pretty wonderful!!  Both of us are being taxed to our limits each day.  This is by far the most difficult journey in our cycling / sports career, 100 times more difficult than running a marathon.

Tomorrow is another big day of more than 7,000' of climbing before we leave the Dolomites and head for Venice and a rest day this Sunday.

Best to all,

M and Big




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