Details:
Cortina D´Ampezzo is the best place I have ever cycled in. The contrast of the multi-colored sharp edged mountains with the blue skies (yes, I was very lucky) and green and brown nature is simply amazing. It seems that every new view is the best view. I have never ridded in a place that I had to stop so many times for photos...and I kept on taking photos while cycling.
Today´s route was a loop, a FANTASTIC loop. It started out north/east on SS51, then South/West on SP49. About half-way there is the peaceful and beautiful Misurina Lake, with an amazing view of the mountains in the background. It´s a great place for a break, to get something to drink and eat, and enjoy one of the best places this region has to offer. Very close to the Misurina Lake is the climb to Tre Cime di Lavoredo. It´s a national park, which means that vehicles have to pay a charge to get in, but cyclists and pedestrians don´t. It´s a 7km ride, about 6,5km climb to reach Rifugio Auronzo. From there you can hop on trails (bikes are prohibited) to meander around. This was the hardest climb I have ever faced. Although it is not very long, it is very steep and I thought that since I wasn´t carrying the panniers, I could climb with ease. What a mistake. As you get higher, the climb gets steeper, with the last 3-4km ranging from 12%-17% gradient. But as the climb gets steeper, the view gets better, and reaching the top is an incredible feeling. The sense of accomplishment, combined with the astounding and beautiful scenery of the Cortina and Auronzo, made this the highlight of my trip so far. It took me a few minutes to understand and realize the place that I was visiting, cycling in...it was a very emotional moment, in a very special trip.
The return back to Cortina is mostly downhill, with really nice views as you descend on the South side of town. I stopped for second time at Misurina Lake and met Gregory, who is from France and was with family and friends. We shared some laughs (in Spanish, French, English and Italian) and he took a great picture of me and my lovely bike.
Overview:
Total time riding: 4:20
Total Ascent: 1.543 meters
Total distance: 56.5 km
Map:
https://www.strava.com/activities/758533378
Photos:
