Perfect weather, perfect start for a little ride through the Alps. Just not that tough this time, but still, bikes are not riding themselves, and a few mountains are in the way too. We started our first stage in Tegernsee, and five minutes later we found ourselves having a little break at the turquoise water.
We moved on, passed Achensee and stayed overnight in Jenbach. The Airbnb was more for longterm stays, but well-furnished and cosy, offering a great view over the village and the valley.
The next morning we already knew what was coming. Zillertal at first, to warm up, before steep slopes needed to be climbed up to the Schlegeis reservoir. The "Kaiserschmarrn" at the "Alpengasthof Breitlahner" helped to get over it. It was too big though, but so delicious. Then, some more turns, and we reached the "Dominikushütte" on time at 5 pm, to see the world champinionship game Germany - Mexico [0:1]. Would have been better to keep on cycing.
There is nothing good at getting up early, bu even worse is riding uphill in rain. But frankly speaking, I did not expect anything else. It's my third time on "Pfitscher Joch", the weather always got its own ideas. The same this time, quite cold temperatures, dark clouds, light rain and wind. The heavier the way up was, the better the break was at "Pfitscherjoch Haus". And the simple "Flädli"-soup was well deserved.
Next stop: Sterzing. Not difficult to get there, just let it roll downhill. Pfitscher Joch was saying good bye in the same way as it welcomed us - with heavy rain. When approaching Sterzing, the weather changed, it was getting really hot, and down there we were sitting and zipping an Aperol, while checking on our next place to stay.
And here it is: Panorama Hotel Post. We booked it, but didn't pay much attention where exactly it's located. Thus, it was not in Brixen, it again was up the hill, 400 additional meters of hight, in St. Andrea. First, we thought there must be something really wrong. The restaurant was closed (permanently), the door locked, no staff member around. The door bell buzzed, but no answer. A few door bell signs later, someone did open the door, obviously surprised and giving the impression that he didn't expect anybody to show up today. Well, we did, and weren't in the mood the search anything else, so we stayed in that rustic hotel where style and furiture was definitely coming from the 80's.
The next day was hot, very hot. And almost no shade while riding. Meanwhile, one of us had to quit, so only three kept on pedalling. Todays destination: St. Ulrich. Hotel Garni Snaltnerhof is worth a visit, totally modern in a wooden design!
We took it easy the next day. The gondola was taking us up to the Seiser Alm, offering a perfect view of the Dolomites in all directions.
And still perfect conditions, nice and sunny days, blue sky and good company while riding through South Tyrol villages.
"Karer See" was definitely one highlight, the water was crystal clear, surrounded by spectecular mountains and rock formations.
Always keep on smiling, not matter what!
And then, we made it, found our way, stayed one last night in Montan before heading to our destination "Kalterer See".
The last kilometres ... towards Bozen, some strong winds from the front. And finally, we reached it. Proud, and happy! Time to celebrate with Pizza, ice cream and wine. Let's see where the next trail is leading us to.
