Trapped in the Dolomites and a long way behind schedule

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So my big day in the Dolomites has ended up in disappointment, failing to make it up (or even start) the final climb of the day. As it turns out, the Passo di Gavia (2621m) is about as tough a climb as you will find anywhere and given the altitude, an absolutely freezing descent. I am now roughly 30 miles behind schedule, in Bormio when I had planned to be on the other side of the Passo dello Stelvio, so time for excuses...

I have none, I think I may have found the limit of what I'm able to do which doesn't include 2 mountain climbs above 2,500m towards the end of 120 odd miles of cycling. That said, the last day or so I have been compelled to the the bathroom a lot more often and urgently than I'd like, which has not helped matters. To climb the Gavia trying to put in maximum effort, while at the same time holding out for the gents room at the summit, is no mean feat. Now I am in a spot of bother in terms of trying make up time, as it's meant to rain tomorrow in Bormio. When it rains in Bormio at 1,200m, it snows on the Stelvio at 2,800m. I am not built for cycling in the snow...

So it would appear a collection of over ambition, an uneasy stomach and possibly lack of ability have left me on the wrong side of a very big (potentially snow covered) hill. A big hill that unless I go backwards, is the only way out of this place. On the plus side, the views on the climb and descent (of which of tried to do justice with my camera) were unbelievable.

Tomorrow - I've no idea what's going to happen

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