Prima parte
This one has been a while in the making. If there is one place to go and see the MotoGP then the San Marino GP is one of the must do's.
A group of us has decided to attend the meeting but because of the fear of flying
I elected to take the bike down to visit the
eyeties and in the process explore a bit more of this world. It didn't start well. By my own stupidity I deleted a few photos of the
start of the trip![Blast :blast :blast](/forums/images/smilies/doh.gif)
Sunday evening we beat a trail to Ashford to stay over for the night. On the way there we pass the Moto GP trucks. On a tighter schedule
than us to get to San Marino. The air is warm and the view at night on the QE II bridge over the industrial area is something I rarely
see and my missus even less. A good sleep, an early rise and a train to Calais. Just in time to see the people arriving to protest the
migrant camp which has made the news for the wrong reasons.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/512/31787295270_5a27bcf7ce_b.jpg)
The road was very monotonous but before Bastogne we turn off to enjoy the country side. Not planning on the detour we encountered so we double
back and try another way leading us past a bridge destroyed by the Americans before crossing a farmers field to join the road into Bastogne. A stop
in the centre of Bastogne to enjoy some of the irresistible cuisine.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/259/31352017053_02ffe5de90_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/273/32044016891_5cc430c0c4_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/472/31786939370_e50e395dae_b.jpg)
Onwards to Vianden and another detour through a village where roadworks force you through a farmers yard. Fun for me but the missus is a
bit more concerned. And so the operator failed his satnav practical which lead us to some really good roads and eventually Vianden which
comes into view as you round the corner.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/569/32013451632_3490facff6_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/714/32044011991_7ce642b722_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/735/31320730154_4c8e96b44d_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/431/31351735553_1f70dc8a7a_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/561/32013756082_3a24c4866a_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/452/32044009841_56c94e4593_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/654/32013446612_4819b91626_b.jpg)
I, I mean we, liked the place but not the restaurant were we ate. This place is to be avoided in
the future together with the hotel next to a very busy road. You live and learn.
The next morning is straight out of a children's book with layers of fog drifting through the forest. Beautiful. The roads leads us away and
out of the forest and into sunshine.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/464/32044009221_2082b05956_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/255/31352035693_d25c4e82c6_b.jpg)
Here once again the operator failed his resit of the nav exam. Fear not for he is stubborn and failure
is not an option. Onwards through the Northern Vosges, lunch break in Haguenau, before crossing the Rhine to Baden Baden and the B500.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/686/32013753552_c275ff8939_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/624/32161797815_2b09c49c3f_b.jpg)
Afternoon tea is at Mummelsee and we beat a path to our overnight accommodation near Engen. The place has some dramatic views across southern
Germany, the Bodensee and into Switzerland.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/444/32162766225_441c877179_b.jpg)
Next morning the sunrise has me reaching for the phone. Such a view is rarely seen and I click away. Also spotted the couple downstairs who
made quite an enthusiastic noise last night![BigGrin :D :D](/community/data/assets/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/356/31321334004_5076d29a4d_b.jpg)
From previous dispensed advice I knew the road to Lindau is going to be busy and it was.
Somewhere we stop for a brief coffee and snack and a chance meeting with some bikers on a holiday. We will see more of them later on.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/363/32013441552_66374e4e72_b.jpg)
Eventually made it to the Alpenstrasse. Now it is starting to feel like a holiday. It is beautiful in the crisp clear air and the mountains tower over you.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/491/32124506566_3d1b21fe1c_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/289/32124485936_fe05283ba1_b.jpg)
The road snakes through the green valley past alpine cottages and blue lakes. You breathe the fresh air and all is right in the world. The
missus clicks away happily on the back of the bike. Immenstadt calls for a toilet break and a chance to replenish the food stock for later
consumption. Also a good place to meet Ausies, the bloke kept me amused for a good 10 minutes before we set off. The sausage we bought is on
my mind. The Hahntenn Joch provides the opportunity to sample the local delicatessen and enjoy the views. Loads of cars and bikes out today.
Some flashy, some a bit more workhorse like. We are heading to the tourist mecca of Imst and Oetz.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/257/32013440022_f3152208cb_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/344/32043993841_78f4fa3cdb_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/439/32043992711_b54d75f649_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/409/32013745732_fca28beac2_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/560/32123917776_1ba4d60a4f_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/276/31786908590_94b1dc6e09_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/415/31787805290_dea498f6fb_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/418/32161787325_e25ed61513_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5602/32162653505_448669ffc6_b.jpg)
It is cooking in the valleys and the spots of shadow provides some relief until we climb the pass again. The deeper you go into the valley
the steeper the climb out of it is going to be. The Timmelsjoch does not disappoint. The view from the top is breathtaking. The restaurant
is most definitely recommended. At the altitude the sun beats down on you. With a cool breeze blowing we seek out the leeward sunny side and
relax with a milkshake. This is a spectacular pass and a lesson in road building practises. The Italian side is narrower and seems steeper. The
road surface is also noticeable poorer.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/643/32044508521_214cc7da10_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/379/32014238162_7216e3f842_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/448/31352478433_3038335ddd_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/413/32043960351_1f0da51994_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/316/31786893350_5038e7a4dd_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/326/31320696404_f4e9977aae_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/703/32013713422_2b197d876d_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/315/32162057015_204b573227_b.jpg)
It has been a long day and we still have some distance to cover. 2 more passes before we laid eyes on Vipiteno and 15 minutes later we stop at
a selfcatering holiday let in Reisenschuh. Perfectly positioned for a trip up the ski lift and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
The hosts are most welcoming and I suspect the hostess would set Flatdogs trousers on fire
A small restaurant nearby provides the last meal of
the day, traditional Italian pizza before we retired to a good nights sleep.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/497/32043949671_1682a587fe_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/691/31786884120_8279a11953_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/346/32162611705_5e68c1b6f5_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/580/32043943641_e6f4be54cb_b.jpg)
What I come to appreciate of the mountains is the clear crisp air, the views and the reflection of the morning sun on the mountain peaks. It
is food for the soul and you drink it up never to tire of it. With a clear head and purpose we set off. Today would be a proper introduction to
the Italian way of building roads. Vipetino to Bolzano Bozen avoiding the motorway. The road twist and turns with switchback after switchback
of narrow road until you reach the top. We found ourselves overlooking the Penser Joch early in the morning. From here we drop down into the
valley to follow the road all the way to Bolzano Bozen. It is a road that eggs you on notwithstanding the undulations caused by years of neglect
and patchwork repairs. It is fast and flowing interrupted by little settlements and light traffic.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/686/32044459851_87781516c7_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/636/31351713693_820aaabd83_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/510/31786877790_536546f759_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/544/31787244940_3c92083c9d_b.jpg)
Bolzano Bozen is our gateway to the Dolomites and we waste no time there. Ferrari, Lamborgini and Fiat tractors. You will find them all on the
road and on the slopes covered in vineyards. By now we can see the Dolomites. For a biker the Dolomites is tarmac heaven with the sights to go
with it. During the course of the day we navigate more passes that you can shake a stick at but the ultimate goal is to ride the Passo Di Giau.
I have first seen it on the KTM Super Duke GT launch video. Rest assured. It doesn't disappoint. No wonder this place is a UNESCO world heritage
site. You have to see it for yourself because no words can desribe the sight of the pale limestone peaks. Sturdy and strong as it can never me
moved and as old as earth itself. It attracts all sorts of adventurers but for today it seems the conditions are right for paragliding. Leaving
it behind via Passo Pordoi we descend down the mountains into the valley. Another comfort break before we deviate slightly to avoid the string
of cars forming on the road to Cavalese. And so we stumbled on the Passo Lavaze or the SS620. This road rewards an aggressive approach to ragging
a loaded GSA up and down and round the corners. For once the tarmac is smooth and predictable. It was a joy playing the gears up and down the box.
The missus is protesting and making promises of a severe see to when we stop. Well, better make it worth it.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/319/31786875130_7d859fac77_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/539/31351965643_47f445dc75_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/422/31787738450_1b67012c1d_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/301/32123869666_fcb0dde1d5_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/567/31351952223_a28545f0a6_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/366/31787725650_a3c0dcb353_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/278/32043902141_61b58de921_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/524/31352407333_6c97cb2324_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/541/32123861636_2286ea3a68_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/260/31787696370_27be0f4163_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/436/31787706910_2f2f23c682_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/691/32162552405_1939647774_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/546/31321220654_d25f293c27_b.jpg)
Cavalese gives the impression of being a sleepy town. We have opted for a hotel south of the village with a swimming pool to relax in. That
evening we indulged ourselves and took a walk in the eveing to see more of our surroundings before bed time. Cavalese would be the last stop
in the mountains for us before arriving in Cattolica. It was with some anticipation that we set off on the Friday to join the group arriving
during the day in Cattolica. Instead of going to Trento and then down to Verona we took the road to the south of the river out of Castello di
Fiemme. The road winds its way round the slope of the mountain loosely following the river. It is early morning and in the shadow so we are
gratefull for the extra time in the cool morning air. The traffic is light and the pace makes for a comfortable ride as the miles click by.
Then we turn off to cross the mountain and instantly we are back on the now familiar crappy Italian roads. The GSA soaks it up. In the mean
time my mandibular molers are swimming and despite the effort of searching for a toilet near Lake Caldonazza relief had to wait till we found
a secluded spot on another pass a mile or 2 away.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/659/31352400233_191b695c71_b.jpg)
By now the weather has set the tone for the weekend as we travel further south. It is getting
hotter and the camelback is refilled more often. We are in the sticks and get a good view of what Italian life is like in the rural areas.
God knows how they cope driving from one village to anther. A stop somewhere for a break and restocking our supplies with a surprising poster
in the mens room![BigGrin :D :D](/community/data/assets/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/415/31787741640_3e38d271e1_b.jpg)
As a last goodbye the mountains rewards us with another unexpected good road and I make the most of it unaware of how tedious the rest of the
day is going to be. By midday we made it to Camisino. Here the landscape changes in a dramatic way. You arrive at the edge of the mountainous
plateau and the floor drops away as you wind your way down numerous switchbacks with the equivalent of the fens stretched out as far as the eye
could see. This is the agricultural heartland of the north. From here there is not much excitement apart from what the traffic can dish up.
A few stops to refill the camelback and rest in the choking heat with all that protective gear on. Getting to Cattolica is the only mission and
the roads are straight and fast. Ducati and Ferrari will have to wait for another visit.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/688/31787214110_cb855aa7e3_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/306/31787213150_7d74c42af7_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/522/31787675810_4cf30b7631_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/661/32014144612_4ab0da94ed_b.jpg)
Fine della prima parte
This one has been a while in the making. If there is one place to go and see the MotoGP then the San Marino GP is one of the must do's.
A group of us has decided to attend the meeting but because of the fear of flying
![BigGrin :D :D](/community/data/assets/smilies/biggrin.gif)
eyeties and in the process explore a bit more of this world. It didn't start well. By my own stupidity I deleted a few photos of the
start of the trip
![Blast :blast :blast](/forums/images/smilies/doh.gif)
Sunday evening we beat a trail to Ashford to stay over for the night. On the way there we pass the Moto GP trucks. On a tighter schedule
than us to get to San Marino. The air is warm and the view at night on the QE II bridge over the industrial area is something I rarely
see and my missus even less. A good sleep, an early rise and a train to Calais. Just in time to see the people arriving to protest the
migrant camp which has made the news for the wrong reasons.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/512/31787295270_5a27bcf7ce_b.jpg)
The road was very monotonous but before Bastogne we turn off to enjoy the country side. Not planning on the detour we encountered so we double
back and try another way leading us past a bridge destroyed by the Americans before crossing a farmers field to join the road into Bastogne. A stop
in the centre of Bastogne to enjoy some of the irresistible cuisine.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/259/31352017053_02ffe5de90_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/273/32044016891_5cc430c0c4_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/472/31786939370_e50e395dae_b.jpg)
Onwards to Vianden and another detour through a village where roadworks force you through a farmers yard. Fun for me but the missus is a
bit more concerned. And so the operator failed his satnav practical which lead us to some really good roads and eventually Vianden which
comes into view as you round the corner.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/569/32013451632_3490facff6_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/714/32044011991_7ce642b722_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/735/31320730154_4c8e96b44d_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/431/31351735553_1f70dc8a7a_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/561/32013756082_3a24c4866a_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/452/32044009841_56c94e4593_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/654/32013446612_4819b91626_b.jpg)
I, I mean we, liked the place but not the restaurant were we ate. This place is to be avoided in
the future together with the hotel next to a very busy road. You live and learn.
The next morning is straight out of a children's book with layers of fog drifting through the forest. Beautiful. The roads leads us away and
out of the forest and into sunshine.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/464/32044009221_2082b05956_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/255/31352035693_d25c4e82c6_b.jpg)
Here once again the operator failed his resit of the nav exam. Fear not for he is stubborn and failure
is not an option. Onwards through the Northern Vosges, lunch break in Haguenau, before crossing the Rhine to Baden Baden and the B500.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/686/32013753552_c275ff8939_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/624/32161797815_2b09c49c3f_b.jpg)
Afternoon tea is at Mummelsee and we beat a path to our overnight accommodation near Engen. The place has some dramatic views across southern
Germany, the Bodensee and into Switzerland.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/444/32162766225_441c877179_b.jpg)
Next morning the sunrise has me reaching for the phone. Such a view is rarely seen and I click away. Also spotted the couple downstairs who
made quite an enthusiastic noise last night
![BigGrin :D :D](/community/data/assets/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/356/31321334004_5076d29a4d_b.jpg)
From previous dispensed advice I knew the road to Lindau is going to be busy and it was.
Somewhere we stop for a brief coffee and snack and a chance meeting with some bikers on a holiday. We will see more of them later on.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/363/32013441552_66374e4e72_b.jpg)
Eventually made it to the Alpenstrasse. Now it is starting to feel like a holiday. It is beautiful in the crisp clear air and the mountains tower over you.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/491/32124506566_3d1b21fe1c_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/289/32124485936_fe05283ba1_b.jpg)
The road snakes through the green valley past alpine cottages and blue lakes. You breathe the fresh air and all is right in the world. The
missus clicks away happily on the back of the bike. Immenstadt calls for a toilet break and a chance to replenish the food stock for later
consumption. Also a good place to meet Ausies, the bloke kept me amused for a good 10 minutes before we set off. The sausage we bought is on
my mind. The Hahntenn Joch provides the opportunity to sample the local delicatessen and enjoy the views. Loads of cars and bikes out today.
Some flashy, some a bit more workhorse like. We are heading to the tourist mecca of Imst and Oetz.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/257/32013440022_f3152208cb_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/344/32043993841_78f4fa3cdb_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/439/32043992711_b54d75f649_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/409/32013745732_fca28beac2_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/560/32123917776_1ba4d60a4f_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/276/31786908590_94b1dc6e09_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/415/31787805290_dea498f6fb_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/418/32161787325_e25ed61513_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5602/32162653505_448669ffc6_b.jpg)
It is cooking in the valleys and the spots of shadow provides some relief until we climb the pass again. The deeper you go into the valley
the steeper the climb out of it is going to be. The Timmelsjoch does not disappoint. The view from the top is breathtaking. The restaurant
is most definitely recommended. At the altitude the sun beats down on you. With a cool breeze blowing we seek out the leeward sunny side and
relax with a milkshake. This is a spectacular pass and a lesson in road building practises. The Italian side is narrower and seems steeper. The
road surface is also noticeable poorer.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/643/32044508521_214cc7da10_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/379/32014238162_7216e3f842_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/448/31352478433_3038335ddd_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/413/32043960351_1f0da51994_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/316/31786893350_5038e7a4dd_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/326/31320696404_f4e9977aae_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/703/32013713422_2b197d876d_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/315/32162057015_204b573227_b.jpg)
It has been a long day and we still have some distance to cover. 2 more passes before we laid eyes on Vipiteno and 15 minutes later we stop at
a selfcatering holiday let in Reisenschuh. Perfectly positioned for a trip up the ski lift and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
The hosts are most welcoming and I suspect the hostess would set Flatdogs trousers on fire
![BigGrin :D :D](/community/data/assets/smilies/biggrin.gif)
the day, traditional Italian pizza before we retired to a good nights sleep.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/497/32043949671_1682a587fe_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/691/31786884120_8279a11953_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/346/32162611705_5e68c1b6f5_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/580/32043943641_e6f4be54cb_b.jpg)
What I come to appreciate of the mountains is the clear crisp air, the views and the reflection of the morning sun on the mountain peaks. It
is food for the soul and you drink it up never to tire of it. With a clear head and purpose we set off. Today would be a proper introduction to
the Italian way of building roads. Vipetino to Bolzano Bozen avoiding the motorway. The road twist and turns with switchback after switchback
of narrow road until you reach the top. We found ourselves overlooking the Penser Joch early in the morning. From here we drop down into the
valley to follow the road all the way to Bolzano Bozen. It is a road that eggs you on notwithstanding the undulations caused by years of neglect
and patchwork repairs. It is fast and flowing interrupted by little settlements and light traffic.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/686/32044459851_87781516c7_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/636/31351713693_820aaabd83_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/510/31786877790_536546f759_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/544/31787244940_3c92083c9d_b.jpg)
Bolzano Bozen is our gateway to the Dolomites and we waste no time there. Ferrari, Lamborgini and Fiat tractors. You will find them all on the
road and on the slopes covered in vineyards. By now we can see the Dolomites. For a biker the Dolomites is tarmac heaven with the sights to go
with it. During the course of the day we navigate more passes that you can shake a stick at but the ultimate goal is to ride the Passo Di Giau.
I have first seen it on the KTM Super Duke GT launch video. Rest assured. It doesn't disappoint. No wonder this place is a UNESCO world heritage
site. You have to see it for yourself because no words can desribe the sight of the pale limestone peaks. Sturdy and strong as it can never me
moved and as old as earth itself. It attracts all sorts of adventurers but for today it seems the conditions are right for paragliding. Leaving
it behind via Passo Pordoi we descend down the mountains into the valley. Another comfort break before we deviate slightly to avoid the string
of cars forming on the road to Cavalese. And so we stumbled on the Passo Lavaze or the SS620. This road rewards an aggressive approach to ragging
a loaded GSA up and down and round the corners. For once the tarmac is smooth and predictable. It was a joy playing the gears up and down the box.
The missus is protesting and making promises of a severe see to when we stop. Well, better make it worth it.
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/319/31786875130_7d859fac77_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/539/31351965643_47f445dc75_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/422/31787738450_1b67012c1d_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/301/32123869666_fcb0dde1d5_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/567/31351952223_a28545f0a6_b.jpg)
![](https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/366/31787725650_a3c0dcb353_b.jpg)
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Cavalese gives the impression of being a sleepy town. We have opted for a hotel south of the village with a swimming pool to relax in. That
evening we indulged ourselves and took a walk in the eveing to see more of our surroundings before bed time. Cavalese would be the last stop
in the mountains for us before arriving in Cattolica. It was with some anticipation that we set off on the Friday to join the group arriving
during the day in Cattolica. Instead of going to Trento and then down to Verona we took the road to the south of the river out of Castello di
Fiemme. The road winds its way round the slope of the mountain loosely following the river. It is early morning and in the shadow so we are
gratefull for the extra time in the cool morning air. The traffic is light and the pace makes for a comfortable ride as the miles click by.
Then we turn off to cross the mountain and instantly we are back on the now familiar crappy Italian roads. The GSA soaks it up. In the mean
time my mandibular molers are swimming and despite the effort of searching for a toilet near Lake Caldonazza relief had to wait till we found
a secluded spot on another pass a mile or 2 away.
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By now the weather has set the tone for the weekend as we travel further south. It is getting
hotter and the camelback is refilled more often. We are in the sticks and get a good view of what Italian life is like in the rural areas.
God knows how they cope driving from one village to anther. A stop somewhere for a break and restocking our supplies with a surprising poster
in the mens room
![BigGrin :D :D](/community/data/assets/smilies/biggrin.gif)
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As a last goodbye the mountains rewards us with another unexpected good road and I make the most of it unaware of how tedious the rest of the
day is going to be. By midday we made it to Camisino. Here the landscape changes in a dramatic way. You arrive at the edge of the mountainous
plateau and the floor drops away as you wind your way down numerous switchbacks with the equivalent of the fens stretched out as far as the eye
could see. This is the agricultural heartland of the north. From here there is not much excitement apart from what the traffic can dish up.
A few stops to refill the camelback and rest in the choking heat with all that protective gear on. Getting to Cattolica is the only mission and
the roads are straight and fast. Ducati and Ferrari will have to wait for another visit.
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Fine della prima parte