Things have improved little since Tuesday. The weather is still sitting heavily on Livigno and the surrounds, and it’s pretty hard to get motivated to get out and ride when it’s cold and you’re tired. Sleep has been welcome, and pizza and red wine lunches have also helped smooth things out a little. But the fog that needs to be navigated is as much weather based as physically and mentally based.
It takes some effort to just switch off and try to recover, so I headed out yesterday anyway, to ride up and into the Val Mora. For sure, it was worth it. The valley has a slow bend all the way around from the Swiss border, so despite being a bit windy near the lakes above Cancano, it was eerily still, warm, and even slightly sunny. In short, it was worth it. From here you either head to Santa Maria or Fuldera, or hightail it around and go back. Or so I thought. I’ve consulted some Hans Rey maps since yesterday, and there’s a sneaky route back via the Fuorcla del Gal. There’s always another high altitude trail to ride up in the Alta Rezia.
This is our last day here, and I have opted to stay off the bike so far. Josh headed out on his trusty and rusty Paul Milnes road bike, but had to turn back before the passo to Switzerland. His knee has virtually imploded – rest is best until Willingen this Sunday.
Having been caught in rain storms twice today while out wandering through Livigno (stocking up on cheap cigarettes and alcohol) it’s fair to say the start of June is too early for this place. We aren’t the only mountain bikers here, but the weather isn’t conducive to our goals. But neither are our legs. The memories from last year are solid though, and I’m looking at the next two months to see if I can spot a chance to get back. Late June is free – and I hope the legs will be better by then. Snowy passes can still stand in your way though!
Josh and I head north tomorrow, up to Willingen for the Willingen Bike Festival. At over 120km Josh and I both consider at an ‘Ultra’ Marathon. More hurt box ahead then!