Rain, Political confusion, and gas strike.

Interesting time in Italy at the moment.  Just like last year the rains of November are causing landslides and flooding throughout Italy.  The problem is over building, and poor adminstration controls, this is getting to be like the Naples garbage issues, an annual problem.

The current government is on the verge of falling once again.  Not sure if this is a good thing or bad.  There is no one to take over and the system is too messed up to fix with the change in PM.  Italy has not made a decision on what type of government it has wanted since the resorgimento and the birth of the modern state.  I would not dislike going back to the Lire but the up heaval could be very scary.

If you are traveling in Italy over the next few days there is a gas station strike.  Not all stations are participating.

A dopo!!

Monte Zoncolan Bike Ride

One of Italy's hardest climbs Monte Zoncolan is located in the Friuli Venezia region just north of Udine.  The climb is a must do for anyone who loves challenging routes.  This is a very difficult climb and can be made harder depending on how many km you put into your legs before getting to the base. 

For a full trip report check out my web site at http://www.italiaoutdoors.com/






The climb officially starts after this right turn.

The sign is perhaps closer to the average grade the max % of incline on this climb is 22%.

This is the summit

The last section is just after the two tunnels.  The view and enviorment of the climb changes greatly after the tunnels and you only have a few ramps to go.

Enjoy your off season by training.

Monte Grappa from Semenzo

Monte Grappa is one of the top ten hardest climbs in Italy. The route up from Semenzo is the same route used in the 2010 Giro d'Itlaia. Great ride, for a full review check out the posting at www.italiaoutdoors.com