A 4 Pass day!!

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Today was another big day - 4 mountain passes reaching altitudes of 2244 m. Starting the day I was more than a little bit nervous. There have already been a number of riding suprises here and I was really apprehensive about encountering another. It's particularly more of an issue when riding alone. Regardless, I found my rhythm after leaving Covara on the first climb up to Passo Compolongo and I felt even more settled and stronger as I ascended Passo Pordoi. Before attempting Passo Sella, I stopped for lunch on the terrace of a most picturesque ristorante nestled beneath an array of raw mountain peaks. ( I have in the past put off eating only to suffer the consequences----bonking---- a situation where you lose all energy are unable to go on , an almost flu like feeling). After descending from Sella I began the final climb to Passo Gardena. By now all the fears of the morning had vanished and I was feeling quite pleased with my conditioning and the pace I had been able to maintain. Just for interest my average heart rate over the 3 hrs. and 48 mins of riding was 131 bpm and I covered 60 kms. so approx. 30 kms. of climbing. Tonight I feel tired but not exhausted; however, discretion would would dictate that tomorrow be a rest day. Ciao for now.

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