A Glorious All Day Downhill Ride through Miles and Miles of Apples

September 3, 2015

We again got up early and went down for breakfast. We were met with a different scene than yesterday morning. The nine German mountain bikers we met yesterday morning were hanging in there by a thread as most were extremely hung over from their long evening in the bar. This time though we headed out and got farther than around the corner. The ride today was magical and one that bicycle tourers seldom get to enjoy.... a nonstop down hill ride for 45+ kms. After leaving the mountain village that we stayed in we rode down into the valley below and entered apple orchards for as far as the eye could see.

Glurns/Glorenza (German/Italian) - some of the towers and fortified walls are still intact.

In Italy, water fountains are safe to drink and available in the countryside, villages and town squares. It is nice for cyclists to replenish their water bottles without searching for a store or bathroom.

Starting down the Etsch River outside the fortified wall of Glorenza.

We have seen very few cyclists who are touring - in fact, other than Sebastian and Kevin and Pim, we have seen no other cyclists who are packing a tent. We were excited to see this couple from Munich. Most cyclists are mountain bikers who stay in guesthouses and carry no gear or a few travellers who are also staying in guesthouses.

As so often happens, we saw this couple again further along the route.

The clouds are almost obscuring the highest snow capped mountain in the region.

An exceptional bike shop in Prato - that was recommended by the bike shop in Malls. We were lucky to get service as shops close for 3 hours midday. The mechanic/owner stayed to adjust our disk brakes. Thanks!! Some shops chase you out of the door on the dot of twelve. As his mother said, we leave when the customer is finished.

Crates for the apples waiting to be filled and hauled by tractor to the factory.

We love these small 3 wheeled trucks - we must be in Italy.

An impressive railway line up the mountain.

Lunch at a trail side restaurant just for cyclists - delicious.

Barry loved his fresh tomato, mozzarella, zucchini, garlic etc. pasta. Prices for food can be more here, but sharing a pizza for 7 euros or a plate of pasta for 7-9 euros is ok.

The trail side restaurant where we had lunch.

Each town along the trail has a sign like this to orient you to its attractions and amenities.

An apple and juice stand on the honour system.

We share the trail with these small tractors hauling apples.

Met this couple at Naturno camping. He had done the triathlon in Penticton in British Columbia and Mont Tremblant in Quebec.

We really enjoyed the pool at the campsite.

Amazing bathrooms at the campground - nicer than at home!

Today's ride: 45 km (28 miles)
Total: 838 km (520 miles)

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