The European Chronicles 2024.10 - The Dolomites, Part One
The Perfect Combo Platter
The Alps, in general and across all the countries, offer a unique combination of stunning scenery, challenging roads, culture, cuisine and fantastic "wellness" (read spa) hotels...and the Dolomites are the top of that already very special pyramid. They are breathtakingly beautiful.
We say Ciao! to Roggia dei Cedri, Alberto and Valdobbiadene; we will absolutely return, but now it is time to head back to the mountains...
We ride over several passi - Marmolada, Fedaia, Sella...
Unfortunately, my old phone, which Krisanne is using to stunning effect, ran out of juice before we got to the highlight pass, Passo di Sella, and to the itty-bitty gobsmackingly beautiful shelf road that takes us into Hotel Bemelmans Post, one of those terrific wellness hotels scattered throughout the Alps. Don't worry - we'll do both those roads again while we're here. 😎
Our view...
Relive 'To Collalbo'
Bemelmans is a fantastic hotel; I stayed here in 2022 for the Edelweiss Riding Academy...loved it then, love it now. Perfect location, surrounded by beautiful riding, hiking and a train to the cable car that drops you into Bolzano...more on that later.
While we're checking in, Christian, my first Edelweiss guide in 2005 and the Riding Academy instructor in 2022, walks up to greet us...had no idea he would be at Bemelmans with another Academy class. I've said this before: he's a big reason this is all happening, my experience in 2005 was so positive, I really wanted more. Later that evening, we meet up with the Academy students, Werner and Julie, and share meals regularly the whole week. Christian is second from the left. Put this in the "very small world" department.
We had a day of rain...then perfect riding/hiking weather...so I rode, Krisanne hiked to the Earth Pyramids and beyond...
First strudel at the Edelweisshutte on Passo Delle Erbe...
Relive 'Dolomites Loop 1'
Even the gas station has a great view. 😎
The next ride is 2-up, counterclockwise and over Sella and Pordoi...with a working camera. 😂
Passo Sella
Heading to Pordoi
Moto-culture everywhere. 😎
Passo Pordoi
Krisanne gets to experience the Edelweisshutte...after she warms up!
Itty bitty road over Eores Pass
A good day that ends back in our hotel room...and a trip to the pharmacy. Krisanne needed more contact lens solution, and I needed more toothpaste.
Umm...oops. Rather sticky. 😂
Into Bolzano
One of the great things about Collalbo is that there's a train to a cable car that drops you into the center of Bolzano. Easy stroll to the train station from Bemelmans.
A picturesque ride to Soprabolzano where you catch the cable car directly across from the train.
Awesome way to get into the city!
The center of Bolzano is pedestrian (and bicycle) only...great place to stroll around.
We also did the Otzi Museum, which was very, very interesting and well presented. Highly recommended.
Back to the cable car and the train, such a convenient system.
The Pillion Has No POV At This Time... 😂
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