Monday 08 July:
The day after the Maratona usually consists of a ride up the Furkal pass and this year was no exception. This climb is a brute with double digit gradients for most of its 5.5km and everyone found it tough, but satisfied at the top where there is a ski station. Dave and Rebecca rode brilliantly today,  but speaking for myself it was a grind with speeds below 5mph at some points.
We rode back down – this really challenges the wheels as they get red hot and those on carbon clincher rims stopped halfway to check the heat on them. I have had two carbon front wheels overheat in the past out here as the resin melts, trashing the wheel for ever!
Ian who organises the Maratona trip gave us a recommendation of place to stop to have a drink and some food and what a charming place it was with unusual architecture and a history dating back to the 16th century. The owner was very friendly and explained the history of the building before serving us with meats, cheeses and different types of bread on a sharing platter. Several coffees, a beer and a red wine cost just €43!
A cycle back to the hotel for a shower and then out in the van to the nearby town of Bruneck and Rebecca soon located a clothes shop that had a dress she liked and Nick’s credit card made another appearance. This town has a lovely old part and that is where we walked around for a couple of hours.
Back at the hotel and it was time drinks before dinner in the bar. Everyone was feeling it in their legs at this point and with one full day left before the long travel home, perhaps there might be just one more ride in all of us!
Mark