Friday 9/9

Today the ride takes us from Cortina to Belluno - approx 47 miles. The first 19 took us on bike paths thru little villages.

The route out of town took us past the old ski jump from the 1956 Olympics. They will be held here again and in Milan in 2026. The town is already gearing up for it.

I missed a turn, gears locked, and bike went down - I remained vertical!  At one point, it began to rain, then pour!  We just happened to be passing what seemed an abandoned house, with an overhang and bench. How fortuitous!  Once we stopped awhile I realized I needed a little first aid.  The shower passed and on we went.

We had a kodak moment in front of an ice cream sculpture - I think Rosita said it was where gelato was first made - not sure.  

Once again the trail was an old rail line. We were literally hugging the side of the mountain. The downhills were spectacular though my climbs could use a little improvement.  The tunnels on this trail were better lit and paved, so it wasn’t too scary.  I couldn't resist stopping for a pic of donkeys lolling on the hillside...memories of Quaglietta!

We finally made it to the first rest stop, (after19 miles) a town called Pieve di Cadores.  We were to have lunch there. HOWEVER- getting into town was a vertical climb!  We left the bikes with Miriam and had to walk up. It was almost as bad as riding!  After a quick stop of panini and water we walked back down. Funnily enough I did feel a bit revived. We were the last 4 to leave so Rosita rode with us.

We rode through the Comunita Montanan Centro Cadore where Victor Emmanuel II would summer with his wife Regina Margherita.  She was an avid gardener and apparently this area was one of her favorites.

The ride continued along an area of a less traveled roadway, with very few vehicles. Then it took a turn, thru a small construction zone where my gears locked…again!  Got going only to have to stop and walk the bikes down a very gravelly, rocky, steep embankment. Starting over again, the trail took us thru flowers galore… crocus, butterfly bushes and ground cover of honeysuckle (I think)! 

By the time we got to the end of that trail, I was done. Rosita called Miriam to pick me up.. and not a minute too soon… rain… again!  As the heavens opened, my 3 compadres decided to van it also. 

The hotel in Belluno was The Astor - very modern. Our room was great… twins and a king bed, with views overlooking the river Piave. A fabulous soaking tub was super inviting. Dinner was had at the hotel. We were served a unique dish of gnocchi with mussels and a light yellow tomato sauce. Mmm good!  Complimentary Prosecco was served to all. Doesn’t get better than that!

View from our room!