Day 6: Bozen to Mieming

The sun shines on the class of 2019.

Mr Lighbolt is back on the ranch..Mr da Silva is sleeping in..Erik the 'Disappearin Dutchman' returns to the flatlands of northern Europe, where he can't hide behind any hills....Mr & Mrs Ritt are back in Downing Street making last minute plans for a disorderly Brexit...Florence Stigger is still searching through her luggage, looking for her lost passport and Anthony is settling down to read a couple of chapters from 'The Dead' by James Joyce, a freshly opened bottle of Bushmills sits on the table beside him.

The pressure is off and the rookies head back to base. Four of the weeks victims are being rewarded with a ride up the Jaufenpass..and adding joy to pleasure; the clouds part and the sun shines through.

A much more cuddly Markus than we've seen this week, gives the group lessons in local history and riding motorcycles. John and William recieve an extra lesson in how to overtake a bus @ 1500 m on a tight corner from Matthias 'Junior' Schrittwieser and every member in the group are reminded of the incredible raw beauty of the Alps...

The views from 2000m at the crest of the pass are breathtaking, the air fresh and pure. Under a heartbreakingly blue sky, snow capped peaks stretch for a 100km in every direction. What a day, what a week, what a privilage for the 8 new recruits to be able to share in the dream of a young couple from 40 years ago, who had the strengh to ignore the nay-sayers and turn that dream into reality.

Long live Edelweiss Bike Travel!!

Fun in the Sun

Day 5: Levico to Bozen

Day 5 starts with drizzle and fog. First Photostop, not far away from the Hotel, was on Castello Pergine. Unfortunatly the view was limited because of the fog. With each km more it become drier. Next stop was on Lago di Santa Colomba. An 100% Fishfree Lake apparently it is tradition in South Tirol that Fisherman come here to wash their worms. It was a nice quiet scenery, we only heard the birds chirping and something like pffffffffffttt. So our Guide Matthias got the chance to show us how to fix an tire.

For lunch, Axel provides us, near Mezzolombardo, the best Picknick there is.

After Lunch we switch into the fast mode. Our Guide William show us the Lago di St. Giustina. He also give the chance for freeriding on the Gampenjoch. On Top of the Pass we learnd the most Important thing on this tour "you can break every law, but not the EBT law". In another Words, dont drink and drive.

Day 4: Bozen to Levico

Leaving Bozen we immediately dive into the switchbacks heading up to Passo de Lavaze, stopping off at the Kaserer Bild along the way. From there we head to our favourite picnic stop where celebrate Thomas's 99th birthday, preceded by a well received tour of the downtown Truden. After witnessing a random drone attack on some local foliage we head south over Redebus Pass and visit the Filzerhof with spcial information provided by the local population. Our day ends with a traditional Edelweiss boot beer on the private beach of our hotel.

Day 3: Levico to Bozen

Starting in Lévico we directly went to the direction of Trento. At the worldwide known exit 6 (or was it 6b ...?) we leaved the highway into direction of Monte Bodone. With 1 unplanned coffe stop (thanks to the dutch guy) & 1 regular we arrived our picknick spot in Mezzolombardo where we got spoiled by Arild & Markus. In the afternoon we continued our ride like always with some GPS struggles & we decided to go on with the old fashioned style of an map on to top to Passo di Mendola. Of course there was one or another road block on our way & a police officer that ironically looked very similar to one of our tour guides ....

Manchmal muss man eben improvisieren

Day 2: Bozen to Levico Terme

Our first day on the bikes takes us south out of Bozen through the Dolomites on small, windy roads. Along the way we experience accidents (simulated), GPS failures, lost riders and unscheduled loo stops. Just another day in the office.

Daily briefing ... A picture is worth a thousand words

St. Helena church - first highlight of the day

Val di Cembra - the lush and beautiful "Valley of Pines". 

Looks like someone enjoyed both the views and the nice, long sweepers through the valley.

Day 1: Arrival in Mieming

The 2019 Rookies arrive in Mieming to prepare for the Modul Tour and the 2019 Season.

First step:Meet and greet of the team old and new friends.