Passo Fedaia

And here we are, ready for something completely different. Undeterred by the cold and the weather, we set off on our planned tour.

From Bolzano, climbing up through Val Gardena, we will ride over Passo Sella and Passo Pordoi to reach our goal for the day, Passo Fedaia, where legs, head and determination will be put to the test.

The two passes before the Fedaia pass by quietly, and for the descents we layer up well.

At these heights the temperature is now well below zero. Once we reach Malga Ciapela, about midway up to Fedaia, we realize that, despite the cold, the effort makes us sweat as if it were mid-summer. Our breath condenses, mingling with the mist of the low clouds.

Our breath and the clouds conspire together at times to hide the road, giving, at least in our heads, a moment of respite. Past Capanna Bill, the switchbacks fool us into thinking that the climb is less demanding, but the effort remains intense.

Finally at the top, we follow the road along the lake to our left.

Majestic, it’s the Queen of the Dolomites. As we approach the dam, we decide to ride along it to get as close as possible to the spectacle of nature, as if to pay it a tribute of gratitude.

The road runs quietly under our wheels and there is even time for a few atmospheric photos, before we layer up again, and descend towards Canazei.

Giordano Casagrande – Q36.5 Product Tester