Sella Ronda bike day 2018
Probably, just as many other roadies, I have Maratona dles Dolomites on my bucket list since I first heard about it. Probably, it is the most desired sportive in Europe (not sure if Ötztaler Radmarathon gathers so heavy attention, although it is very tough to get into that one as well, to the best of my knowledge).
Like many others, I have not yet won the lottery to Maratona. Having that said, it was a great discovery to know about Sella Ronda bike day, which shares a small part of the Maratona route (to be precise, it is a reverse of Maratona short route). And, although Sella Ronda bike day isn't a competition, just roads closed to motorized vehicles for a day, it gives hell lot of fun.
That time we lived in San Cassiano, which is a bit aside from the Sella group. Nevertheless, it was even better, since we discovered lovely trails to walk around, as well as got to know there is a way younger event - Dolomites Bike Day.
I believe, Sella Ronda Bike Day is running its' 8th edition already and become quite popular among really different people. Dolomites Bike Day is way younger event, hitting its' third edition in 2019 and going over different, yet not any worse passes in the Alps.
Speaking of Sella Ronda bike day, it started for me with a slight mistake cycling in the wrong direction: from Corvara I went to the South in direction of Passo Campolongo, but discovered my fail quite soon. Okay, back to Passo Gardena climb.
The first climb came super easy. I even thought my wide range cassette was not needed (in fact, it is true: haven't hit any longer section over 11%, so the 34x32 gearing embraced relaxed pedalling and enjoying the time). Won't tell that about a group of people who hit the climb with folding bikes...
Oh well. There is something absolutely magical in the event's openness for everyone. You'll see roadies with bikes more expensive than your car, or seniors with e-Bikes. Then parents with kid trailers, including kids inside. People on whatever crazy stuff they found. Mountain bikers. Everyone!
Top of Passo Gardena. Wait for a queue to make a picture, take an espresso and ride further. Time to hit descend! The only place I enjoyed descending that much was going to the northern side of Alpe d'Huez. Mainly because of the landscape, but the overview of the road actually pushes you to "fear limit", when you want to go faster and you can, but you break because you fear that speed. Uh.
...and you always have a reason to brake until full stop. Probably because you want to observe such a landscape. Stunning views!
There is another reason for braking and stopping. Altitude change, climbing and descending, hard work and enjoying the speed all force you to change the dress. Or was it just me? Yet I preferred wind jacket and full-finger gloves for a descend (still remember chilling +2ºC on the Northern side of Passo Giovo, brrrr) and none of that for a climb.
And it comes again. Passo Pordoi provides fast... no, super-fast and very long descend to Arabba. Each switchback we (roadies) play with mountain bikers: having hydraulic brakes and big wheels they can brake later than we do. Yet after the switchback, we only release the brakes and accelerate in no time, when they have to pedal a bit. A bit...
Arabba itself provides a lot, starting with crazy braking, as being relaxed after a long descend I won't expect such a crowd right at the city "entrance". Well, might be funny, but good rim brakes and aluminium rims do brake. I can lock on my Ksyriums Elite in no time.
After Pordoi Campolongo comes really easy. The only thing I regret is there were no event jerseys left in my size... better luck next time? Perhaps.
Another reason for the brakes check.
Everything good has its' end. So did the Sella Ronda Bike Day 2018. But sitting in a hotel and enjoying the view, nobly provided just in front of our window, knowing my legs would swear on me the next day, I already knew that would be lifetime memories even if I won't take any single picture.
But, well, I haven't been there for a race. The time to pin up the start number and race will come, eventually. And that would be the reverse route... It will come. One day. It will...
Like many others, I have not yet won the lottery to Maratona. Having that said, it was a great discovery to know about Sella Ronda bike day, which shares a small part of the Maratona route (to be precise, it is a reverse of Maratona short route). And, although Sella Ronda bike day isn't a competition, just roads closed to motorized vehicles for a day, it gives hell lot of fun.
 |
| Famous place, where everyone does a selfie :) |
That time we lived in San Cassiano, which is a bit aside from the Sella group. Nevertheless, it was even better, since we discovered lovely trails to walk around, as well as got to know there is a way younger event - Dolomites Bike Day.
I believe, Sella Ronda Bike Day is running its' 8th edition already and become quite popular among really different people. Dolomites Bike Day is way younger event, hitting its' third edition in 2019 and going over different, yet not any worse passes in the Alps.
Speaking of Sella Ronda bike day, it started for me with a slight mistake cycling in the wrong direction: from Corvara I went to the South in direction of Passo Campolongo, but discovered my fail quite soon. Okay, back to Passo Gardena climb.
Oh well. There is something absolutely magical in the event's openness for everyone. You'll see roadies with bikes more expensive than your car, or seniors with e-Bikes. Then parents with kid trailers, including kids inside. People on whatever crazy stuff they found. Mountain bikers. Everyone!
 |
| Passo Gardena - first real stop of the day. |
Top of Passo Gardena. Wait for a queue to make a picture, take an espresso and ride further. Time to hit descend! The only place I enjoyed descending that much was going to the northern side of Alpe d'Huez. Mainly because of the landscape, but the overview of the road actually pushes you to "fear limit", when you want to go faster and you can, but you break because you fear that speed. Uh.
...and you always have a reason to brake until full stop. Probably because you want to observe such a landscape. Stunning views!
There is another reason for braking and stopping. Altitude change, climbing and descending, hard work and enjoying the speed all force you to change the dress. Or was it just me? Yet I preferred wind jacket and full-finger gloves for a descend (still remember chilling +2ºC on the Northern side of Passo Giovo, brrrr) and none of that for a climb.
 |
| Passo Sella. The second pass. |
Another descend. Wind jacket comes into a pocket again.
A few meters further I see this guy and can't refuse a smile, taking a picture and cycling aside almost screaming "Man, you're my hero of the day!". Dunno about you but I haven't felt any soreness thereafter.
And it comes again. Passo Pordoi provides fast... no, super-fast and very long descend to Arabba. Each switchback we (roadies) play with mountain bikers: having hydraulic brakes and big wheels they can brake later than we do. Yet after the switchback, we only release the brakes and accelerate in no time, when they have to pedal a bit. A bit...
 |
| Passo Pordoi is the 3rd climb and the highest point of the day. |
Arabba itself provides a lot, starting with crazy braking, as being relaxed after a long descend I won't expect such a crowd right at the city "entrance". Well, might be funny, but good rim brakes and aluminium rims do brake. I can lock on my Ksyriums Elite in no time.
 |
| The lowest and, luckily, the easiest climb - Passo Campolongo. |
After Pordoi Campolongo comes really easy. The only thing I regret is there were no event jerseys left in my size... better luck next time? Perhaps.
Another reason for the brakes check.
Everything good has its' end. So did the Sella Ronda Bike Day 2018. But sitting in a hotel and enjoying the view, nobly provided just in front of our window, knowing my legs would swear on me the next day, I already knew that would be lifetime memories even if I won't take any single picture.
But, well, I haven't been there for a race. The time to pin up the start number and race will come, eventually. And that would be the reverse route... It will come. One day. It will...
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