2010 Recap

2010 is coming to an end, so before I flip the calendar page I wanted to say what a wonderful year it's been. The mild weather and good fortune surpassed all expectations.

I started riding again a couple of years ago after a long period of dormancy and illness. I only wanted to recover some strength and fitness, then maybe someday ride around the foothills where we live. I never dreamed I could ever climb the high passes of Carnia and Dolomiti Bellunese. To me it still feels miraculous- each climb is a gift I never expected to experience again.

Several rides stand out for both the challenge of the climb and beauty of the environment: Sorgente del Piave, Sella di Razzo and Monte Crostis. If I had to chose, the most fascinating was Monte San Simeone. It was a mystery: the only report I'd found beforehand was from mountain bikers, so I wasn't sure it was paved. But what a pleasant surprise- it was a well-designed road with dozens of switchbacks, many tunnels and a constant grade. There were almost no cars and the views were spectacular. Best of all were the hundreds of butterflies, and the glorious wildflowers in the alpine meadows at the top.

Here's hoping 2011 is as good a year or better- Happy New Year!