Temalzo Mt is one of many peaks near Rive del Garda that requires driving on steep (20%) single lane, twisty, precipitous roads for a couple of hours to reach the paseo (pass). Of course, this is Italy and there is a nice clean, neat Cafe at the top of the pass serving cappuccino and strudel. Why not, it's mostly downhill. While fueling up, we get a brief tutorial from Mateo, our guide. The road we are going to ride down was built by Austrian prisoners during WWI to bring supplies from the valley floor to the various entrenched positions on the sidewalls that are protecting the Italian side of the front. The grade can be no greater than 9%, so, lots of hairpins rising close to 6,000 ft from the valley floor. I'll cease the history lesson and let some of the pictures provide some insight into the ardor, determination and engineering prowess of building such a road.
Look down onto the ridge top below. That's the road. No mistakes cycling.
Where are the guardrails? Minor note on road conditions. Think Mt Bike riding on ball bearings. Keeping it rubber side down is imperative.
Somewhere nearing the lower third of the ride there is a rescue hut where travelers can stop 24 / 7 for shelter water and cheap Italian wine. We stopped to eat and relax w great view over Lake Garda. The other group there was a well oiled set of sinoires enjoying the alpine air, the pancetta, the Grappa and not so good singing.
Ready for the last plunge, one can see the starting point on the peak above Holly. Hence King Tremalzo.
The day ends, well, as per usual, enjoying a great dinner in a beautiful spot with the moon rising above.
Tomorrow? Transit to Canazei.
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