In September, my husband, Pete, started his annual Alpine Adventure trip over the Alps. Unsupported and carrying all his gear with him, including a tent, cooking stove and tools in case of a mechanical.
Pete doesn’t have a motor to help him, but all the routes he does can be done on an Ebike, and therefore I believe this will be interesting for our readers.
This is his story in his own words.
Bormio – Livigno 44 km
- average speed up the climb 11.4 km
- Height gain 1222m up & 608m down
- average heart rate 112 bpm, max heart rate 139 bpm,
- bottles drunk 8 (4.0 litres)
Foscagno Pass
Today’s target pass is the Foscagno, less well-known but equally stunning views and testing riding.
It was important to take today a bit easier after yesterday’s effort on the Stelvio. I was physically and mentally a bit knackered after yesterday, as there was a lot to think about and consider. Change doesn’t come naturally to me, but I can do it, as yesterday showed. It was just a matter of finding out the options and making a decision. A lot of people can chop and change quickly; however, I take longer as I need to consider all angles.
I feel much more relaxed now and I am riding into this Tour getting stronger every day. I had a relaxed morning in Bormio, sipping great Italian coffee and watching the world go by. One of my failings on these Tours is constantly ” pushing on” and not seeing what is surrounding me. I took today gently, not so many kilometres, and enjoyed the views and the ambience.
It was a steady climb up the Foscagno Pass today, with plenty of stops for photos and to take it all in. It does help when the weather is fabulous, and the views are distracting!
Overnight Stop
I am ready for a cold night tonight as it could be around 0 Celsius due to the altitude (1800m) and the clear skies. I’ll be sleeping in my thermals and have a spare sleeping bag if it gets really cold.
I’m now only about 20 km from the Swiss border. The Bernina pass and St Moritz aren’t that far, so I will be in Switzerland by tomorrow evening.
Tonight I am going to relax and have a beer with my newfound Belgian neighbours on the campsite, and we can talk Belgian cycling over a pint or two. Ciao!