MS Global 2007 : Stage 4
Passo Costalunga
Local wildlife
Today was one of those quintessential Saturday rides - the perfect temperature and hardly a cloud in the sky. The route took us from Canazei on to Bolzano via a short climb over the Passo Costalunga and then kilometer after kilometer of rolling descending against the backdrop of some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
After two challenging days today's ride felt like a gift. No pressure, no super huge peaks to conquer, just great riding on beautiful roads. Everyone was in great spirits. The terrain and the warm weather had the whole group smiling.
We arrived in Bolzano to find our hotel a bit behind schedule; however this mattered very little when we were treated to a classic Italian lunch in the hotel's courtyard as we waited for our rooms to be prepared. We were surrounded by multiple parties and family events going on simultaneously - one of which appeared to be a wedding. But no one flinched as we settled in around them. It was as if everyone was welcome no matter what the occasion.
The town of Bolzano is much bigger than the mountain village of Canazei and has a distinctly German influence. We arrived upon what appeared to be a beer garden festival that dominated the downtown area. We?re told that every year new brews are debuted just prior to Oktoberfest, and these festivals are part of the traditional lead up. All the energy, live music and people in the city made for a fairly lively atmosphere.
The evening was capped off with dinner in an old style restaurant with an atmosphere that made us feel as though we had traveled back in time. The food was great and we all had a fun time reflecting upon the day. One highlight being our favorite Global veteran Jimmy D singing "the hills are alive with music" while running through a green pasture along the route against a backdrop of jagged mountains of rock off in the distance. The contrast of which really has to be seen to be believed.