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Bicycle tour to the mountain finish on Passo Fedaia of Giro d Italia in 2011 . After to Lake Garda- Verona-Bologna-Firenze-Apennines, Rome and returning via Siena-San Marion-Rimini and back to Dolomits : Cortina d Ampezzo from May 22. to June 13th, 2011. to open the picture click on the link , to enlarge it click in the picture ! We cycled about 2700 km. On the 0. day we climbed Jamnig Hütte 1670m level difference. 983 m and on the way home we climbed Viršič pass in Slovenia 1611 m level diffence 802 m 12,5 km from Kranjska Gora. We started our tour on May 22nd ,2011 by car leaving for Cortina d Ampezzo. By bicycle on May 22nd from Cortina d Ampezzo to Rome and back to Cortina d Ampezzo. Our tour included the mountain sprint at passo di Fedaia (2057 m) ,which was the last mountain sprint before the stage finish of Giro d Italia (Gardeccia Val di Fassa) . An old favourinte of mine : Stefano Garzelli at 36 won the mountain sprint.The Spaniard Mikel Nieve (Euskaltel Euskadi) followed him in 200 m distance . Unfortunatelly the stage finish was on the next mountain, that one was won by the Spaniar with 1.47 min. advance before Garzelli . Contador arrived third. Day O. during the journey to Cortina d Ampezzo 635 Jamnig Hut 1630 m from Spittal an der Drau more precisely from Obervellach 15,8 km 983 puncts 6,2 % We went through the wedding of a local firefighter, where funny speach were held in local dialect. Camping near Lienz (~ 11 € /per.) . I.day: May 22nd.. ~75km By car to Cortina d Ampezzo. Cortina d'Ampezzo-7km(SR48)-Pocol-11km(SP638)- an Italian cycling team has made some genuine, not set photos about us during clinbing the passo Fedaia: Laci cycling by the 108 start number . Wouter Weylandt, Belgian rider had this number, who suffered an fatal accident during this Giro. Laci is climbing, András is following him .Laci is overtaking the Italian team! One more, tough km to the mountain finish: Passo Giau**(BIG 2236m,level difference:1047m)-10km(SP638)- Codalonga-7km(SP20)-Saviner di Laste-13km(SP641)-Passo di Fedaia**(BIG, 2057m, level difference:1043m) About 16 hours we reached the top of the pass, we looked quickly for a proper place in the last turn before the mountain sprint. The peleton arrrived first after 5 p.m. Because of the extrem difficulty of the stage the riders came alone or in small groups. The Giro has arrived to the top . After this stage Alberto Contador stated in an interview that this stage was the hardest in his life. -25 km-Pozza di Fassa.Camping Soal, 9€/ pers, where we got a bottle of excellent Italian red wine from an "unknow Italian "to acknowlege our performance - climbing more than 2000 m level difference in the heat. This red wine we drank in a light rain without delay. 
 
we are climbing our first pass : Passo Giau András is loosing the struggle with an Italian the Italian team has waited for us for a common photo  
Passo Giau is awaiting the mountain finish Passo Fedaia done the other side of paso di Fedaia II. day May 23rd. ~123km Pozza di Fassa -12km(SS48)-Moena-14-Cavalese-46 km--Civezzano-9km-Trento- Relaxing in the heat aroud noon in Trento at a fountain. 22km-Monte Bondone**(BIG)1654m, level difference1463m,Lasino-Caravino-Sarche-Pietra Murata, Camping Daino wonderful is the view, rock layers as compensation for the pains. From the hight Trento looks like that -20 km downhill ride. After we crossed the wineyards and were cycling towards Pietramurata.  
 Monte Bondone performed Ágoston László with Charly Gaul view over the Alpes Supper at the camping on foot of huge rocks. Along the wineyards we cycled to Pietramurata. III. day May 24th.:101km Pietramurata-18km-Arco-6km-Nago-Torbole-16km-Malcesine-5km-Assenza di Brenzone-8km-P.d.Telegrafo**(BIG)-2km- Val Senaga-5,5km-Lumini-5,5km-Rubiana-4km-Ceredello-8km-Sega-4km-Pastrengo-5km-Bussolengo-7km-Verona-7km-Verona Agricultural area before Garda See. The first olive tree close up. Lago di Garda at first sight, Riva del Garda Campeggio Castel San Pietro VIA CASTEL S. PIETRO 2 - 37100 - VERONA (VR) This camping was very interesting. Like an arboretum : Discriptions of many trees in two-three languages. The big level difference was well used to form sites for the tents like stairs. The receptionist spoke the basic Hungarian to register guests. 
port of Riva del Garda lake shore with Cypresses port of sailing boats Climbing up to passo Telegrafo . Frankly said: I was pushing my heavy loaded bicycle 4 km long on the 17 % ascending in the heat. I was still sweating terribly. 
Passo Telegrafo : we arrived from there resting near the pass top Pass done the last meters towards Telegrafo Verona Adige-bank Ponte Scaligero View from the bridge to the East. In front of the Colosseum in Verona Gladiators hanging around. Verona in front of Julia Capulettis house , in the cour yard. 
 Julia Capulettis balcony Piazza delle Erbe House of the merchants (from 1301) the archades of Piazza delle Erbe townhall 
 Adige-bank with Castelo San Pietro Camping : stairwise formed site for tents view over the town IV. day May 25th.:195km (longest distance on a single day in this tour) Verona-37km-Nogara-16km-Ostiglia-36km-San Felice sul Panaro-16km-Crevalcore-36km-Bologna-42km-Monghidoro-12km-La Martina, Camping La Martina 10€/ person V. day May 26th .:130 km La Martina-22km-Passo della Futa**(BIG,903m,level difference.:482m)-16km-(bridge)Sieve-10km-Vaglia-6km-Pratolino-13km- Firenze-10km-10km-Ponte a Ema(Gino Bartoli Museum, open Thursdays, Fridays:9:30-13:00, 15:30-19:30, I called the number and a certain Signore Giovani came in some minutes. Entrance fee 3,5 €/pers.) -16km-Pontassieve-16km-Passo di Consuma-13km-Stia-3km- Papiano-5km-Camping Falterona:7,5€/ pers. As cyclist we got discount ! Ágoston László on the top of Passo della Futa in front of a tourist hostel. The compulsory sign at 903 m. Masterpieces of the loggers . In the varied landscapes of the Apennines . On the way to Passo della Futa cycling. Firenzes Sight from the surrounding mountains. Firenze: Palazzo_Vecchio, Arno-Ufer, refrechment at fountain. One of the main squares of Firenze :Piazza della Signoria     court of a palace near Uffizi Dom policemen on bicycle at Signora-square refreshing: in background Tower of Palazzo Vecchio Beside Santa Croce you can have a rest in the shade. Beside Santa Croce there is this thin church tower 
Ponte Vecchio basilica Santa Croce and her huge gate Tower of Palazzo Vecchio Gino Bartalis cyclist museum in Ponte a Ema by Firenze: Gino Bartalis victories. Very old bicycle , bicycle with a grinder from 1950. English bicycle. with hand movable font derailleur. Legnano Corsa 1935.   
war bicycle from 1914 Bartalis track bicycle German bicycle with carding axis Bartalis bicycle used during his last tour race Bianchi 1948 Model 
Bartalis first victory Bartali controlling the Pyrennes worldfamous photo of Coppi and Bartali / Bartali and Coppi 1953 Giro di Toscana Passo della Consuma 1050 m on the pass top, Papiano-5km- Camping Falterona in 836 m hight. Until 10 p.m. we reached the camping . At the end 1.5 km gravel road in pitch-darkness ! VI. day May 27th .: 90 km Camping Falterona-4km-Papiano-12km-Passo della Calla** 1296 m, level difference. 827 m from Stia 15,4 km-27km-Santa Sofia-16km-16km-Corzano-4km-Bagno di Romagna-11km-Verghereto-13km-Monte Fumaiolo**(BIG1400m,level difference.:820m)-3km-Verghereto, Balze Camping Tiber. price 12€/ person The characteristic flowers of the Apennines Trout and salmon farming !!. In the varied landscapes of the Apennines there is not even one km long road section without any descending or ascending! Mountain villages Rock layers. Our cherry tree , which supplied us with cherries. Passo del Carnaio on 760 m. Again a new BIG climbed: Valico_Monte_Fumaiolo with László and the 1400 m sign with me. 
Passo della Calla rock layers " cyclist meeting " on Passo del Mandrioli VII. day May 28th. 128 km Balze,Camping Tiber-13km-13km-Verghereto-10km-Bagno di Romagna-9km-Passo dei Mandrioli**(BIG.1173m, level difference.:650m)-7km-Badia Pretaglia-13km-Bibbiena-24km- Chiusi della Verna -6,5km-Santuario della Verna** (BIG1128m, level difference .:701m)-4,5km-Chiusi della Verna-15km-Pieve Santo Stefano-16km-Sansepolcro-8km-San Giustino-11km-Citta di Castello-3,5km- La Montesca(Camping La Montesca, Tent:6,50E, adult:8 €) László on Passo dei_Mandriolin. Italian-Hungarian cyclist meeting Typical landscape in the Apennines Sanctuario della Verna seen from the country road , Entrance, monastery court yard, view down to the country road, and to the landscape , on the broad Terrace   
Sankt Francis of Assisi honoured the church and the monastery of Sanctuario della Verna Siesta with writing a diary A new pass Valico dello Spino on 1055 m. The varied landscape of the Apennines. VIII. day May 29th 128 km Camping La Montesca-5km-Citta di Castello-19km-Bocca Serriola-9km-Apecchio- 4km Colombara -8km-Serrevalle di Carda-8km-Monte Nerone**(BIG, 1498m, level difference :1022m)-8km-Serravalle di Carda-9km-Pianello, Moria, Palcano, Pontedazzo-11km-Cantiano-12km-Scheggia-16km- Fossato di Vico-7km-Cima Mutali**-(BIG,1083m, level difference.:570m)- 7km- Fossato di Vico -Gualdo Tadino-7km-instead of the Camping in Valsorda,we splept in a new comfortable hostel / house for 20 € per person. View near La Montesca Camping to Citta di Castello. The bitter last km up to Cima Mutali. The immence flower meadow was the " compansation". Deserved break. Descending with nice view. View of Monte Nerone. Pianello, the small town. Pass of Valico_di_Scheggia at 632 m. IX. day May 30th 110 km Valsorda-6km-Gualdo Tadino-14km-Nocera Umbra-7km-Bagnara-10km-Colfiorito-15km-Pieve Torina-16km-Visso(153E6)-8km-Castelsantangelo s. Nera(163A4)-15km-Casteluccio-8km-Forca di Presta**(BIG, 1540m, level difference.:938m)-10km-Arquata del Tronto-26km-Amatrice(Rieti)-5km-Localita Retrosi. Descending in the morning from Valsorda. mountain slope in the morning sun. Again in the town Gualdo Tadino. Nocera , the town on the mountain. In the beautiful mountains of the Apennines , on the wasteland of Forca di Presta we had to fight also aginst the wind. Laci is undressing. Finally on the top, Forca di Presta and the view 
Valsorda mountain slope in the morning sun road to Cima Mutali www.agricamperamatrice.it At camping on the farmstead (in Retrosi) we were the only guests in company of redstarts and jays. Looking for long for the camp site was worth, after in farm steads (Agriturismo) Romanians offered us rooms, apartments for up to 100 € . But we slept well for totally 10 €. X. day May 30th 150 km Retrosi-5km-Amatrice-21km-Montereale-30km-L'Aquila-50km-Campo Imperatore or Gran Sasso D'Italia**(BIG, 2130m, level difference.:1470m)-45km- in Pagánica we have slept for free. Because it was closed on that day.But we could push the sliding door to the side. In the garden was a water tap, so we pitched up our tents on the grass of the yard. We reached the high mountains. The small town in the mountains. Gran Sasso Parco Nationale and its solitary standing pine. The situation is getting serious in wasteland of Gran Sasso. Laci on the top 
 tired 1-2 km before Campo Imperatore Laci on the top finally also I reached the top Laci is taking a bath in the snow or not yet?. We came from there . Descending. During a search for pivate accommodation we got in such a lane in Filetto. XI. day June 1st 119 km Pagánica-26km-Rocca di Cambio-4km-Campo Felice Skizentrum-4km-Rocca di Cambio-25km-Celano-12km-Avezzano-11km-Capistrello-23km-Campo Staffi** 1779 m 1040 m level difference- 14km-Filettino. accommodation for 30 € per person in the hostel Girasole dei Monti Simbruini. For me unknow tree species. Rocca di Cambio the pass in the rain, Laci on the pass top . The houses built after the earth quake Laci at Campo Felice in the rain. Finally also I have done it !! The castle of Capistrello and its main square , a narrow lane. Small town in the mountains, a town. Campo Staffi the empty ski center. Laci is reparing a flat tire or a broken spoke ?   
town in the Apennines before holiday view to the town view from the hostel early morning taking photos of the nature while Laci is reparing a flat tyre XII. Tag 02.07. 95 km Filettino -17km-Altipianidi Arcinazzo-8km-Piglio-27km-Palestrina-38km-Rom, Colosseo-5km-Róma, Villa Mater Redemptoris (our accommodation) Picturesque Filettino early morning. Photos arount 10 a.m. town view Already in Rome at Porta Maggiore, then at the statue of Saint Francis of Assisi 
Monte Nerone view from the top the road to Cima Mutali XIII. ,XIV day July 3rd , 4th. sightseeing in Rome About 150 pictures of Rome you can view through this link . XV. day July 5th 138 km Veio 20 km, Anguillara Sabazia 10 km Trevignano Romano 13 km Sutri 13 km Vetralla 23 km Ponte di Cetti 9 km Viterbo 8 km 22 m Montefiascone 20 km Bolsena Camping near Lago di Bolsena. We came across a wedding by chance in the town Capranica at the entrance of the national park. With a decorated threewheeler the newlywed couple drove to the restaurant nearby. At the Lake Bolsena we had a look at a military cementery from WW II . Grave stones of about 660 British, American, Australian, South-African, Indian fallen soldiers. In Bolsena there was at that time a festival . Town gate, a threwheeler close up. Osteria del Borgo Dentro, the church Sankt Cristina and her Interior nave . XVI. day July 6th. 130 km Bolsena-in direction of Firenze {2} Acquapendente Monte Amiata** ~ 60 km from Ponte a Riga 298m 1672m-re 1329m level difference downhill to Abbadia San Salvatore La Bisarca 23 km 66 km Siena Camping Colleverde noth of Siena ~13€ /fő My tour partner is changing a tube after a puncture. Ágoston László on Monte Amiata. I struggled finally up to the top   
 " wedding limousine ":threewheeler exchange of experiences with Swedish travellers on a bicycle tour drive in to an estate with Cypressen in Toscana scrift: today wedding couple in the village On the mild slopes in Toscana. The town gate of Siena was reached.     Salutio Bandini, father of banking system Chiesa di San Cristoforo Siena Il Campo shell-shaped main square Palazzo Pubblico/ townhall Detail from the fountain Fontana Gaia.     Siena Il Campo (main square) Palazzo Chigi-Saracini at the moment : Academia Musicale Dom Fasade detail Roof tops of Siena in the evening. Last glance to the Dom in the evening dusk XVII. day July 7th 110 km 17km-Arbia-13km-Castelnuovo Berardenga-28km-Monte San Savino-8 km- Tegoleto-10 km-Arezzo-13km-Ponte alla Chiassa--Pass Valico della Scheggia-10km-Anghiari, agricamp-Anghiari(Arezzo) This yellow bush was smelling well everywhere in the Apennines. During descending view to the town. Above the flourishing olive plantation We slept in Val della Pieve camp site in a farmstead at Via della Fossa. This camping had even a swimming pool, which we did not want to try after the rain shower short before. View to the orchard. Sunset after the rain shower. This was one of the best camping, especially as we need to pay only 10 €. The owner offered us half of bucket cherries. He spoke Russian, for he used to be a soldier ! XVIII. day July 8th. 150 km Anghiari-8km-Sansepolcro-5km-San Giustino-15km-Bocca Trabaria**(BIG, 1049m, level difference.:713m)-25km-Sant Angelo in Vado-7km-Lunano-13km-Carpegna-6km -Monte Carpegna**(BIG, 1415m, level difference.:704m) average.. 10,4%, max:22.1 % )- one of the toughest passes I have ever climbed ! -7km-Carpegna-9km-Macerata Feltria-14km -Mercatino Conca-14km-San Marino** (BIG, 725 m, level difference.:450m) --26km- Rimini Camping International Rimini Viale Paolo Toscanelli 112. 13.5 €/fő .It looked pretty much worn. The small town of Anghiari, old town walls in the morning Morgen.  
 view from the hair pin turns of Carpegna monument of Marco Pantani "the Pirat" on Carpegna view to Adriatic see from San Marino The last only for cyclist allowed road section on Carpegna An article about Eddy Merckx Eagle over Carpegna. Sweaty sparrow is drying on the pass top. Already in a bit better mood. In the footsteps of Pantani script "the prestige of Carpegna here and today grabbed" signature: M Pantani Across one of the ridges of the Apennines towards the peak of San Marino . San Marino BIG climbing accomplished. The usual lanes , steep, with cobble stone covered streets were not missing in San Marino either. These walls of San Marino have also contributed to the independence. Free taxi to the museum of the couriosities stylish at disposal. Beginn of the descending from San Marino to the See. One beach in Rimini out of one hundred. Sailing boats can not be missing XIX.day 09.07. 130km Rimini-57km-Ravenna {SS16} -73 km Ferrara, Camping 9 € pro Pers. Ravenna in the John the Babtist Church column head, Altar, nave. A bombardment of WW II has this mozaik spared Galla Placidia, Western Roman empress has this church built after a survived see storm. Leaning tower of Ravenna. Column head, Mozaikfloor, In Basilica San Vitae the Mozaikseiling, a detail of the altar. Mausoleo di Galla Placidia another mozaik. Ancient tower 
   Basilica di San Vitae Mozaiks in the church Pza Popolo S.Apollinaris and its patrons Mozaiks of S.Apollinare and her tower. One in the shade, in front of the church resting German tourist. XX.day July 10th 130km Ferrara- Padova 80 km Curtarola Rosa, Citadella-50km-Bassano del Grappa, Agricamp, community house and camp site :10€/Pers. The Ferrara surrounding wall. Impressive square in Padova. Padova oriel in the old town , opposite is the church of Saint Anton , inside the statue of Saint Anton of Padua. XXI.day July 11th 129km Bassano del Grappa, Agricamp, -4km-Romano d'Ezzelino-28km Monte Grappa** (BIG, 1745 m, 1574 m level difference)- 29 km-Seren del Grappa (Caupo)-38km -Belluno -30km-Agordo accommodation in a boarding house : 32,5€/ person. View onto Bassan del Grappa from the road , which is leading up to Grappa still before the rain shower. We dried us and warmed us up in an inn. Starting to cycle after the big rain. The monument of WW I on Monte Grappa. Well , I also reached Monte Grappa . Laci on the top at the sign. View from Monte Grappa into the valley. Photos of flowers( orchides) and also other flowers , as long Laci repares puncture I am taking photos of flowers. XXII.day July 12th. 69km Belluno Agordo-13km- Passo Duran** (BIG,1601m, 991m level difference ) 8km-Dont -Zolo Alto -Passo Staulanza*(1773 m, 838m level difference ) Palafavera Santa Fosca 22 km Selva di Cadore ,10 km Passo Giau** (BIG,2236m, 901m level difference) -10 km Pocol 6 km- Cortina d Ampezzo. On the last day we climbed 2700 m level diffference. We went by car to Tristachersee by Lienz . Camping " Seewiese" The flowers on the pass Duran . Laci on Duran-Pass Duran pass top. Below the pass top a sign with a race bicycle on it.     I reached Monte Grappa the last pass: passo Giau orchid Cortina d Ampezzo The view on Passo Staulanza. on the pass top. Again in the Dolomits tearing along downhill. On the last pass of our tour on Passo Giau . Cortina d Ampezzo the strating point of our tour has be reacched again. The town is surrounded by such flower meadows. During driving home we had the opportunity as "a reward climbing" one more challenge BIG to cycle. That was the pass Viršič Short away from the Austrian border in the Julian Alps . The road lead from Kranjska Gora up. Laci on the pass in Slovenia. That was in deed our last pass on this tour. Descending on the cobble stone covered hair pin turns. During Laci was repairing a puncture , I again was taking photos of the dried river bed, the cobble stone covered turn, the immense rocks of the Julian Alps, the water fall, forget me not, orchides, meadow flowers. we sah remarkable number of cars from Hungary there. I may take farewell with these last photos from the stops of our well done bicycle tour and wish every cyclist similar nice experiences 
 Julian Alps from Virsic downflowing brook the smile on the last pass in not by mistake so honest, for our pfotografer was a beautiful Japanese girl home |
