Life In The Saddle

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...

"The final climb is either an elated zen-like sprint, or a long dark tunnel with a distant light at the end" . I am pleased and thankful to say that today I finished the #5MaratonasChallenge , in a euphoric state. Today's route was the current Maratona dles Dolomites course: 143 kilometres, with 4,300 metres of climbing. That is a big day out by any standards, but thankfully it is less excessive than some of the preceding days that I have ridden this week - my legs were thankful for that, at least. The Finale Ride The sun rose on another beautiful day in the Dolomites, as I headed to the start in Varda. From Corvara, the route heads on a lap of the Sellaronda: Campolongo, Pordio, Sella and Gardena. Then, back in Corvara, you ascend Campolongo a second time; before descending, to the base of the Passo Giau. Café refuel before Giau I have developed a love-hate relationship with the Passo Giau over the last five days, so in the hope of starting this final ...

Before the true challenge commences, a teaser was required. Something to warm the legs, and remind my body and mind of what it is like to ride on Dolomite mountains roads.  Time to take photos, and spin the legs; before the long and difficult days begin. A misty mountain dawn I wake from a good night's sleep, and open the shutters to reveal a mist-shrouded mountain landscape.  " The mountains are calling, and I must go. " Breakfast at the Ustaria Posta Hotel is a beautiful combination of Italian and Austrian inspiration; the mix that makes South Tyrolean cuisine so special, in my opinion. Kit preparation follows: today's line-up comes from Mavic , with their special edition Izoard kit. It seems appropriate, given a spectacular day on the mountain the day before, watching La Course and the Tour de France. Today's route card shows my planned ride over Furcia, Cortina and Valparolo. A misty dawn on the Dolomites Breakfast reading at Ustaria Posta ...