Posts

Showing posts from July, 2017

The #5MaratonasChallenge Sommario

Image
The idea of riding the five historic Maratona dles Dolomites routes, over five consecutive days, evolved from a desire to discover and celebrate what this unique mountain range has to offer. Printed on a set of route cards, provided by cyclingdolomites.com , the five routes of this classic Grand Fondo would take me on new roads, and to new heights. It would also provide a challenge that would push bike, body and mind beyond previous limits. This is my #5MaratonasChallenge Sommario - a résumé of the challenge. The greatest memories; the hardest moments; my favourite kit; and the lessons learned. The Final Statistics #5MaratonasChallenge 5 rides 42 hours riding time 873 kilometres ridden 28,300 metres elevation climbed 7 Days in the Dolomites (including the warm-up and #WildCardDolomitiRide) 7 rides 55 hours riding time 1,073 kilometres ridden 36,500 metres elevation climbed The Lasting Memory It is hard to think of one defining moment or memory, from th...

#5MaratonasChallenge - The Wild Card Ride - #WildCardDolomitiRide

Image
There is another side to riding a bicycle in the Dolomites. Away from the passes and ski resorts you will find deserted single track roads, leading to tiny villages, farms and incredible vistas. With the #5MaratonasChallenge completed yesterday , today was the last day of this trip to the Italian mountains. I was keen to explore the less-discovered roads… Selecting the 'Not Only Dolomites Passes' card from the Holimites route card portfolio, I set out with Igor from Ustaria Posta  - in search of small lanes and hidden gems. Not far from home It didn't take long to discover the first of the beautiful roads. After a descent down the valley, we hooked a left turn, and headed up a twisting broken road; taking us far up above the valley floor. Gravel sections, wooden bridges, off-camber tracks, and functioning farm villages kept the mind engaged and interested. Down the valley, then up the Kiener Alm I bid farewell to Igor as we reached the cy...