High up in May

Summit near the Hochsteinhütte

Time to ride the bike again. Haven't done that for a while in the Alps. This time, a 4 day trip around Lienz, Austria. My cousin was with me, and right after getting parked in Oberlienz, we had to go uphill without any warmup. The cottage Hochsteinhütte was still closed, unfortunately, but we've found a perfect stay in Abfaltersbach - residence Mitterdorfer. Clompletely renovated, the re-opening was just a few weeks ago. Pure luxury!

The drink to toast to the day

The next day started rainy. We extended the breakfast as much as possible. But there was coming a time where we had to leave. It was just too rough that day, and we didn't get far. Maybe only 30 km later we arrived in Obertilliach soaked to the skin. Positive side effect: Enough time for a good dinner.

Mud pools on the way Obertilliach

The less kilometres we had the day before, the more we needed to go the following day. We passed the Porzehütte and the summit "Tilliacher Joch" at 2094 metres above sea level. The ridgeway was leading us, finally, to Casera di Sesis before going down once more to Avoltri. Albergo al Sole - our place for overnight. The excellent food is definitely recommended.

Tilliacher Joch, 2094 m above sea level

The last stage was as well the longest. The track up to Rifugio Marinelli had a debilitating effect on me. I made it to the top, more than exhausted, and needed a break. The Mauthner Klamm was making up for any agony before. Riding along the Drau river towards Lienz was meaning our tour to be going to an end.

Rifugio Marinelli