Up and Over!

Today we got up and boogied by 8:45, ready for our 44-mile challenge day. Our first stop was a bike shop where we picked up a couple canisters of CO2 and some sunglasses for Ruby. We also got Lyle's wheel trued, and then we were on our way.

The first five miles were bliss -- relatively flat paths traversing idyllic valley scenery. Then we began a ten mile climb. Yes -- ten miles. This literally took several hours. 

Starting up the hill.

Where we were headed.

It was a spectacular ascent that took us through villages, farmsteads, forests, green pastures, and wildflower meadows. It was a quiet and peaceful slog. Other than our own heavy breathing and groans, the only sounds were tinkling cow bells, birdsong, and a rushing snowmelt river. 

Around mile 15 Dave and I came upon the kids, who had zoomed up the mountain ahead of us, and we inhaled cheese, salami, bread, kiwis, apples, peanut butter, and cookies. (My load was lighter after that!!)

We reached the top of the climb after another mile or so, and paused at the top (around 5900 feet of elevation) to prepare for the descent. 

And then -- whoosh! We were off. Mile after mile whizzed past as we swooped down the mountain, through villages, past alpine farms, through forest and pasture, past a mama cat carrying her kitten across the road, down, down, down, down. It was epic and so, so much fun. 

After the initial exhilarating descent, we had another 18 miles to ride. The final ten or so were rolling hills reminiscent of England, complete with occasional thunder and lightning. We had a slight snafu with the route, and had to double back over a giant hill. That was a big test of everyone's ability to stay cheerful. Nobody cried, not even me.

We were toast by the time we rolled into the campground in Spittal an der Drau under threatening skies. Somehow we managed to take showers and ride into town in search of supper and groceries, and now we are catatonic in our tents listening to the last of the raindrops from the storm.

I think this was the farthest Ruby has ever riden on her own bike, and she crossed the Carinthian Alps, no less. So amazed at that kid! 

-- Liv