Today was Dolomites Bike Day. This is a special day where the roads are closed to all motorized traffic. The roads were closed over the passes of Campolongo, Falzarego and Valparola. I wanted ride a bit more than just this loop--which is 32 miles and 5,200ft elevation gain. I threw in the Passo Giau which made the loop what you see here (just a bit over 52 miles and 8,000ft gain). It was unfortunate that the Giau was not closed to traffic, and by the time I made my way back around to the Falzarego, the roads were opened up again. So, I only got to ride the Campolongo without traffic.
The Campolongo is short at 3.5 miles and 1000ft gain, but it averages 6% and has ramps over 10%. I hadn't ridden for 3 days, and I was breathing pretty hard due to the altitude change. However, after the first climb, I settled in and enjoyed the next 3!
The scenery was magnificent throughout, and I stopped frequently for photo opps--over 150! Highlights were the incredible jagged mountains and peaks throughout the ride, verdant, green valleys and hillsides along with think evergreen forests! Also, the bright blue skies, puffy white clouds, cows tinkling in grassy fields and churches nestled in valleys and hillsides were beautiful diversions from the challenge of the climbs.