Bob on BAC Trans Alps 2008

Please visit August 30 slideshow

Raptors in Market in Tambre

Our route today, the last day of riding, was rated difficult. Because of that, were were on the road by 8:00. We were the last to leave. We rode through the old section of Belluno on cobbled streets until we reached the outskirts. Then we began a series of short climbs on quiet, narrow country roads. At 8 miles, we began a climb of 900 feet in three miles. It was gradual and very manageable. At 15 miles we had our most difficult climb of the day - 1400 feet in 4 miles. At the top in Tambre, there was a Saturday market. We wandered through part of it and saw, among other things, small birds for sale and large raptors on display.

The route carried on up and down through forested land and a couple of beautiful, green high plains. We were getting hungry but it was well before noon and the sparse restaurants in the area did not have lunch food or were booked. So we rode on. Fortunately we had a steep 6 mile descent into Fregona. Halfway down the hill the view opened up and we could see the vast expanse of the Venetian Plain. It was very hazy, though, so the view was disappointing. We could feel the temperature rising several degrees.

Near the bottom of the descent in Fregona, we stopped at an Osteria and had pannini. The Osteria was at a critical turn on our route. If the turn was missed, riders would have to backtrack uphill to get back on route. We hailed down several riders in our group to keep them from missing the turn. Some of them joined us for a snack.

Grottos

After lunch, we started another series of ups and downs that were fairly gradual. We stopped just outside of Fregona to look at Grotte del Caglieron. We had to pay .50 euros to park our bikes and then hiked down a path to look at the series of caves. Jeff went farther than I and got some good photos.

Vittorio Veneto Buildings with Frescos

Pretty soon we reached the old town of Vittorio Veneto. It had an old square surrounded by ancient buildings with interesting frescos on their facades. It also had a new square with fountains and flowers.

Our final stretch took us through rolling hills past vinyards of prosecco grapes. This is the region where prosecco comes from. We had no time for wine tasting but we did stop for gelatto. The temperature was in the high 80's, so the gelatto really tasted good.

Il Faé - B&B

We reached Agriturismo Il Faé Bed & Breakfast in mid afternoon. I immediately disassembled my Bike Friday and packed it while Jeff turned in his rented bike and went for a swim in the B & B's pool. Once I showered, we joined the rest of the group for refreshments and conversation.

Dinner was al fresco. We had several tasty dishes cooked by the B & B's owner. Wine was from grapes from their vineyard. We also had grapes that were freshly picked while we were eating and fresh figs from their trees. Dessert was fruit tarts that were the best I have had ever.