Friday 20 August 2021: Start of an Adventure!

The journey commenced with a train ride to the southernmost point of Belgium, Arlon. Upon our early evening arrival, we faced a 110 km ride. Swiftly departing Belgium, we entered the bike-friendly terrain of Luxembourg. Navigating quiet lanes, we ascended and meandered towards the French-German border. As night fell, the last kilometers unfolded in darkness, marked by a regrettable first crash, fortunately without serious injuries.

The final stretch, skirting the Saar river, was a swift ride. Upon reaching Saarbrücken, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved pizza before making our way to the accommodation for some much-needed rest. 🚴‍♂️🌄🍕

Saturday 21 August 2021: Sunny Trails and Pizza Delights

Basking under the warmth of a lovely sun, we bid farewell to Germany and re-entered France. Our journey led us past golden cornfields and through charming villages, offering opportunities to replenish our water supplies as we headed south. Transitioning into the second leg of the ride, we ventured into the Vosges, encountering our first slightly more challenging climbs. Opting for the northern part of the Vosges, we steered clear of the steeper ascents.

As the day went on, we chose a route through the valley nestled between the Vosges and the Black Forest for the final stretch. The day concluded on a delightful note, savoring the flavors of a delicious pizza—a fitting reward for a day of exploration and cycling adventures. 🚴‍♂️🌞🍕

Sunday 22 August 2021: Cycling from Vineyards to Switzerland

Navigating across the valley toward the enchanting Black Forest, we were greeted by the sight of beautiful vineyards lining the landscape. In this picturesque setting, occasional grapes were plucked, adding a touch of local flavor to our journey. Above, the sky adorned itself with a cozy blanket of clouds. As we entered the Black Forest through the captivating city of Freiburg, our route unfolded in a straight line, guiding us through the heart of the forest toward Switzerland.🍇

Exiting the mystical Black Forest, we made our way into Switzerland. The final stretch of our route followed a tranquil cycle path, gently ascending towards Zurich. Wrapping up our day, we indulged in a short city exploration, soaking in the charm of Zurich. 🚴‍♂️🌲🏞️

Monday 23 August 2021: Lakeside Serenity to Alpine Heights

Departing from the enchanting city of Zurich, our journey unfolded along the scenic lakeshores. The route seamlessly guided us from one picturesque lake to another, starting with the Zurich Sea and continuing through the Obersee and Walensee. Each lake added its own touch of tranquility to the landscape, setting the stage for our venture into Liechtenstein.

Pausing briefly in the charming confines of Liechtenstein, we resumed our route, now gradually ascending. Over the course of approximately 40 kilometers, we tackled a challenging climb, reaching the alpine town of Davos at an elevation of 1600 meters. Here, amidst the breathtaking heights, it became evident that we had truly entered the realm of the Alps. Our night unfolded at a cozy ski resort, marking a peaceful retreat in the embrace of the mountains. 🚴‍♂️🏞️🏔️

Tuesday 24 August 2021: Conquering four Cols -> Queen stage

Embarking on an early ride, our seemingly short journey unfolded into a serious alpine challenge, featuring four demanding cols. Beneath an ominous cloud cover, we tackled the Fluelapass and Ofenpass—mere warm-ups for the trials that lay ahead. A strategic refueling at the Swiss border, just before entering Italy, set the stage for the monumental Stelvio climb.

The ascent of Stelvio, with its unyielding gradients of 8-9%, presented a formidable challenge. Despite a flat tire along the way, we persevered, reaching the summit swiftly. The reward came in the form of a glorious descent toward Bormio. However, our day’s test was far from over as we faced the Gavia. Starting with a manageable incline, the climb became progressively demanding, draining everyone’s energy as clouds gathered overhead.

As rain began to fall during the final kilometers, our descent from Gavia became an unforgettable experience. Dusk settled in, rain poured, creating a challenging yet memorable journey. Safely reaching the valley and our hotel marked the end of the day’s trials, providing a moment to warm up, recharge, and prepare for the adventures awaiting us on the morrow. 🚴‍♂️⛰️🌧️

Wednesday 25 August 2021: A Restful Respite in the Italian Alps

Following a challenging stage, we opted for a well-deserved semi-rest day, embracing the promise of sunshine after the rain. The initial stretch featured a brief climb, giving way to an extended and enjoyable descent. Riding alongside local cyclists added to the fellowship, and we decided to venture to the MTB World Cup competition in Val Di Sole.

En route, a refreshing apple break strengthens our spirits. The day concluded with a final climb, a reminder that even rest days bring their own share of adventure. Overall, this stage proved to be manageable, leaving everyone refueled and ready for the adventures that lay ahead. 🚴‍♂️🌞🍏

Thursday 26 August 2021: From the Italian Alps to Dolomite Majesty

Transitioning from the Italian Alps, our journey embraced the Dolomites with favorable weather.

We commenced our journey with an ideal warm-up, tackling Passo San Pelligrino. With the wind at our backs, the ascent was smooth, fostering high spirits and laughter within the group.

Following a well-deserved lunch, we ventured to the legendary challenge of Passo Giau. This 10-kilometer climb at a relentless 10% gradient was tough but incredibly rewarding, offering panoramic views that ranked among the most beautiful cols we’ve ever traversed. The subsequent descent toward the charming Cortina D’Ampezzo added an extra layer of beauty to our journey

A brief coffee stop and some sightseeing marked a pleasant interlude before embarking on another scenic 30-kilometer descent to our accommodation. As we refueled, the day drew to a close, leaving us with memories of Dolomite triumphs and the anticipation of a good night’s sleep. 🚴‍♂️🌄🏞️ .

Friday 27 August 2021: Mythical Monte Zoncolan

The anticipated toughness of the last leg of our journey proved to be both challenging and rewarding. Beginning with a beautiful climb, the group opted for a leisurely pace, engaging in conversations about the remaining route and reaching the summit before we knew it. A breathtaking 30-kilometer winding descent brought us to Ovaro, a name that resonates with seasoned cycling enthusiasts.

After a brief coffee stop and a touch of anticipation, we tackled the mythical Monte Zoncolan. Though only 10 kilometers long, the climb boasted an average gradient of 12.3%, making every kilometer a formidable challenge. As the climb progressed, it became evident that each rider needed to find their own pace, tackling the unrelenting gradients. The middle stretch, with a continuous incline of over 13% for 5 kilometers, provided a true test of endurance. Passing by struggling cars served as a morale boost, and with determination, everyone conquered the steepest part. Emerging from the last tunnel, the sight of the summit greeted us, a powerful moment as cyclists pushed themselves up amidst the grazing cows.

After savoring the accomplishment and allowing time for recovery, we descended carefully, only to discover an unexpected challenge—Passo Lanza, renamed to “petit Zoncolan.” With steep sections reminiscent of the iconic climb, we persevered, reaching the top together, marking the conclusion of our Dolomite adventure.

Fortunately, the remainder of the journey was a downhill cruise to our final stop, leaving us with a mix of exhaustion, triumph, and memories to cherish. 🚴‍♂️🌄⛰️

Saturday 28 August 2021: Reaching Slovenia Concludes an Epic Journey

Opting for a relatively easy route for the final stage, we steered clear of the high mountains beyond the Dolomites. The favorable weather allowed us to relish the wonderful adventure, savoring the last moments of our cycling odyssey. Crossing into Slovenia filled us with goosebumps and a euphoric feeling.

Within Slovenia, a short detour led us into the serene Triglav mountains. Climbing through enchanting woods on pristine roads, we reached the summit, marking the pinnacle of our journey. A satisfying descent awaited, guiding us towards the Bled valley, where our parents were already prepared with a celebratory aperitif.

As the sun set on our wonderful adventure, we gathered to share the tales and triumphs of our cycling odyssey. 🚴‍♂️🏞️🌄