Wandering Retirees

Prutz Austria to Monte Penegal, Italy via Stelvio and Gavia Passes

This was the most exciting day of the tour so far.  We rode through five passes in all, but we’ll focus on Passo dello Stelvio, which crests at a little over 9,000 feet. 

Planned in 1818, this pass road was built in 5 years (1820-1825) by about 2,000 workers. Because horse-drawn vehicles were state of the art, the gradient was limited to a maximum of 11%, which is still pretty steep. (We’ve ridden on hill grades as high as 16%.) The road to Stelvio Pass was was built on an ancient trade route dating back to Roman times to move goods between Switzerland and the Duchy of Milan, Italy.

Stelvio Pass is the highest pass in Italy and the second-highest paved pass of the Alps. With its 48 switchbacks rising up the northern approach, it is both a famous tourist attraction in its own right, plus a first-class challenge for bicycle and motorcycle riders from across the world. The switchbacks are very tight and very challenging.

When we made it to the top a little dazed and breathless, our fabulous tour leader, Michael, brought us to a small stand that served fabulous brats on homemade Italian bread. We felt we were eating like conquering champions. Well sort of. We were exhilarated and a bit wrung out actually, and needed a chance to refuel and reenergize. As a note: Ever since I first saw pictures of the pass some years ago, it’s been one of my must do’s. Connie and I both felt the thrill and she got some terrific shots which she shared with our fellow riders on the Edelweiss tour. Everyone is glad because most of us were otherwise much too busy to even think about photos.

After Stelvio, we climbed the Gavia Pass (8600 Ft) another high Italian alpine pass. Gavia is famous for the Giro d’Italia road bicycle race, and is notable for both stunning scenery and very narrow, rough roads. It’s usually best to enjoy these one at a time.

Andre, our new friend from Colorado, noted that Colorado bike paths are usually wider than these roads. A bit of fun with motorcycles, bicycles, cars and (yes) trucks going both ways. Amazing and fun.

We ended the day climbing yet another pass to the summit of Monte Penegal where we’re spending the night. The hotel offers a panorama of mountain peaks in Austria and Italy, especially the Dolomites which we’ll ride to soon.  

There’s so much more to tell, but we’re a bit wrung out. (Okay, I am.) Hope you enjoy the pics and thanks for coming along with us for this while. Good night!

PS. You can also follow along on our trip on the official Edelweiss Alps Extreme blog.

https://www.edelweissbike.com/en/blog/?p=33781