First day out in Lugano! MUCH warmer here! Also, if anyone is following this route, be mindful of the beginning turn off just before the first climb - it’s actually a private road (you can go on it) that leads to some steep stairs. I didn’t initially find a way around on the map, so I just hike-a-bike’d it. At the top you’re rewarded with an amazing, shaded bike path that follows a canyon that reminded me a bit of Sawyer Camp. I definitely do that again! First of all, this is basically Italy. Which is fun, so brush up on your Italian, even though this is Switzerland. Beautiful roads, not too busy, and this route clearly routes you away from them. Now. The major climb here took me by surprise. Oh geez, the CLIMB. The Alto Malcantone is a series of short-ish switchbacks that basically bombard your legs with 15-20% gradients with only the turns at maybe 7% as respite. Damn. That was tough. I’d recommend at least a 32 rear cassette unless you have a 3.5-4w/kg FTP or more. Buuuut the other side of this was awesome. So many small Italian towns with beautiful vineyards on hills and small stone villages. I hopefully got some good footage from the action cam. Once closer to the coast you can increase the speed a bit more (I found myself staying slower on the descents because I didn’t want to miss turns, as they can be small), and you eventually get to Marcote. Beautiful town on the water, several small restaurants in covered stone ways, and even a gelato shop. I had a delicious and simple rocket and Parmesan salad. They know how to make good food here. The climb out of Marcote wasn’t so bad by comparison, especially since if you do it in the afternoon, you’ll mostly be in shade. It’s a bit longer than I thought it’d be, but nowhere near as difficult as the Alto Malcantone. Coming back to Lugano via Carona was an amazing descent, too, as the town is super small and quiet before you’re suddenly back in Lugano proper. Then cruise the walking / biking path along the water. It’s an amazingly beautiful place with people watching galore. Overall a wonderful day. And hopefully at least someone read all of this, no idea if I’m boring people with these descriptions!