Day 1
After two days of traveling and gigantic traffic jams it was finally time to ride. After a good breakfast (buffet style) and some coffee (real Italian cafe Americano) it was time to change into my Parentini outfit and get everything ready on the bike. A big bottle of water with Mautern energy drink and some bars and gels for along the way. As a starter the idea was to do a little tour of around 14 km, which we found on Komoot. The hotel (Union in Toblach) is a real bike hotel and has its own Komoot account with many routes, a real bike trip tip!
Route 1
The first route was a 14,5 tour which started in the first kilometer with a gravel climb going up to 9%. We an high heart rate I managed to get on top while along the climb I had to pass a stream. There was a little wooden wobble bridge over that stream but going through it by bike seemed a better solution. On top via a forrest scenic trail there was a nice view over Toblach. The rest of the route was more tarmac but with some steep long climbs, longest was 2,5 km with an average of 8%.
So overall a good warm up lap which made me decide to continue with another lap when I reached the hotel. A little searching on Komoot again and the decision was made. A more offroad route but again about 14 km.
Route 2
This route was really gravel heaven. After leaving the village the roads changed to gravel and never stopped. Gravel bike paths, single trails, past streams, waterfalls and iconic structures this route had it all.
The result of the day was a total 28 km but pure fun. So after a coffee and an apfelstrudel it was time to go back to the hotel, which was convenient because it got a lot colder and started to rain.
Dinner
A well deserved beer and a good meal closed this wonderful first day, let’s see what day 2 brings.
Read more about my Adventure, Food & Gravel via this link: Day 2