Our last day in Bassano del Grappa, tomorrow we mount up for what could be a dry day in the mountains. Yesterday we got in a great ride until the rains turned into a downpour. That hurry up, let's get back home why did we even go this far day. 

Tomorrow the Campy GF and then the Dolomites.

Looking up the final few turns of the Col du Glandon.

 We started this loop from St Jean de Maurienne where we staying.  At the top of the Glandon we truned and went up a much more gradual grade to the Croix de Fer where we had lunch. The ride back to home took us the Col du Mollard (sign said something about the road being closed but who cares). Glen Erickson pointed out one of his all time favorite downhills. It's not easy to find but it's well worth the effort. We dropped 3000 feet turning every 30 seconds if not sooner. 50 miles in 4 hours includes many stops for photos. The weather was warm, we made it back before the rains that keep this area green. Tomorrow it's the up the Queen Mother.

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By this time next week I'll be looking for Jim roaming the streets of St Jean de Maurienne. It's a small town in the valley between many famous Tour de France mountain stages.
My travel bike has been rebuilt for the 3rd time. This go around I should have all the mistakes fixed. Don't go to the real mountains with gearing for the hills.

It's only 59 days until Jim and I queue up for our date in hell. We are both in the 500 to roll out of Feltre for a all day bike ride. As Hayden puts it "my pops likes to suffer" and yes Hayden suffer we will. http://www.granfondocampagnolo.it/index.asp There's still plenty of time for the rest of you to make your travel plans and join us.