Dolomites September 3 - 19 2022

Monday 9/5

Monday is a travel day.  We had a leisurely morning, packing, strolling, preparing for our 2 pm pick-up. Lenny called Rosita, our guide, to tell her we were all at the same hotel, and just maybe , the driver/van could pick us up at the hotel.  Apparently we were in a no car zone, so we had to get back down to the train station.  We must’ve looked pretty ridiculous - 14 of us rolling our wheelies, struggling with backpacks in a parade to the station!  Then the ride itself, was a ride from hell!  It must’ve been 100 degrees on the mini bus, with inoperable windows AND NO AC!  It was a 2 hour drive …about 30 min before our arrival, someone shouted from the back, “ is there any water up there” and the driver said yes, do you want some?   Kill me now!  He had water in a cooler and never said a word!

I thought Darryl was going to rip the driver out of his seat!  Thankfully we arrived safely with no bodily harm,

The hotel is quite quaint and serves as ski lodge in winter.  There is a ski lift in the back yard! 

Rosita and Miriam, met us and we had our bike fittings.  Ann, Sheldon, me and Len and Spencer are the only ones with regular bikes.   The rest are using E-Bikes.  After seeing these mountains, gotta say, I’m a little “a scared “ of what the rides will be!

After cocktails on the porch, we enjoyed a fabulous dinner.  Morning will bring safety talk and route review - and then we ride to Lienz Austria!

Tuesday, 9/6

Today began slightly overcast.  Exiting the garage was probably the hardest thing all day…a steep climb …I walked!  Access to the bike trail was right in town so that was great.  It is a combination hike/bike trail and it seemed like everyone was out doing something.  I couldn’t get over the amount of families riding and parents with kids in backpacks!  We even witnessed dogs being chauffeured in wheelie carts!

Our first rest stop was at the Loacker factory - San Candido’s version of Hershey.  It was quite the happening place!  

The trail took us through pine forests, along rivers and babbling creeks that took my breath away.  Somehow I was in great form, and I managed to stay ahead of Len and Ann & Shel. The climbs were gentle and downhills, fun.  I enjoyed trying to keep track of the different species of trees we rode through…pines, birch and I think aspens…at least something with a silvery quaking leaf!  We traversed the railroad and river numerous times and stopped for Kodak moments.  It was so enjoyable. 

Upon arrival in Lienz, we had a choice of training back or riding back. I had booked a spa treatment for later so I opted for a 3 o’clock train.  We walked into town, found a cafe for a quick lunch and then walked the main square.  The desserts were decadent! 

Back to the hotel (Sport Tyrol) for drinks…we toasted Karen and Conrad as new grandparents, recorded it and sent it to them.  Everyone was stoked with how great the ride was.  I was amazed by how green the mtn slopes are.  Who mows up there?  Or do they just send the sheep and cows up there to graze?

We’ll never know!  Tomorrow we bike to Contina…the crown of the Dolomites!