Here we go again! Three old geezers emulating the efforts of cycling pros in the beautiful setting of Liguria (Northern Italy just in case). Neil Simono and Tony set off on Friday 16th of May for three days of cycling and three nights of eating and drinking Ligurian style.
First afternoon up to the top of Passo La Forcella, a new longer steeper route via Belpiano. Good start although a wee bit damp, turns out to be the scene for the weekend. After our efforts we retired first to the bar then to Jesus's to stock up on liquids then carbs.
The big event was planned for Saturday, hopefully around 110kms with three mountain passes taken in, the idea was around two thirds the distance and climbing of La Marmotte.
First up Passo Ghiffi, cool climb very steep for last three kms. Good wake up call and I managed to stay on for all of the descent.
Next up was Passo Biscia, the snake, not too challenging but still up hill for a good 10kms.
No time to relax, there were right handers to fall off and one proper more climb before the day was done. See the trouble is all this track training has got me stuck in a bit of a rut. We go arond counter clockwise, perpetual left handers - so when faced with steep wet downhill right handed i get confused and fall off - just hit a rock face on the way down from Biscia so not too much of a problem - watch this space.
The getting across to Passo Romaggi was long and essentially flat, and incident fee apart from ice cream.
If only Neil had kept his trap shut about the weather we would have missed most of the rain that day but oh no two thirds of the way up Romaggi the "haven't we been lucky with the weather -- blah blah blah" came out from his mouth and that was it! Walls of water for the next 2kms. Things got pretty steep towards the top but all was fine and that was the three passes bagged for the day - just the trip down and a light climb back up to base camp and beer.
Right handers again!!! Oh and Simono shouting a me, trying to be helpful, led to a momentary lack of control and ...... yes i'm on my backside again skidding round a right hander. Few scrapes nothing major jumped back on and off up to Borzonasca and beer, the Jesus!
Sunday was a complete wash out, walls of water, eventually decided to go up Passo del Bocco for a "quick swim". Just started the climb and SNAP! The Bennoto's rear deraileur sheared off and wrapped itself into the rear wheel! Obviously a delayed outcome from the crash yesterday - my cycling over! S & N went back to get car pick me up then off Chiavri for a spot of late lunch.
With the cycling over all we could do was eat and drink and hang out outside chemists looking camp, with the sun shining!
Great trip guys - roll on next year!
