Monte Grappa

I chose Monte Grappa as my training ground. Instead of going alone, I decided to make it a quick vacation in Verona, which would give me a nice opportunity to explore the area. On the day of the ride, I left early to drive toward the mountain. I chose Bolzano Vicentino as the starting point, as it offered a good warm-up to the climb, and would allow for a cool-down afterward, although it was quite hot, as it was mid-summer in Italy.
The ride to Bassano del Grappa, located at the base of the mountain, was easy and flat. Before starting the climb, I met Herbert and his wife Nicole for breakfast, as they were staying in the area. After breakfast, I was energized and ready to begin the ascent.
Monte Grappa has a profile similar to Pikes Peak, with an average gradient of 8-9%, peaking at 14%, and a steady climb throughout. The main differences are that Monte Grappa is about twice as long, and it ends at 1,838 meters, whereas Pikes Peak begins its climb from that altitude.
The climb itself was quite demanding. The first part consisted of several switchbacks, which felt long and exhausting. Once I reached a plateau, I briefly thought I had a rest, but that illusion quickly vanished as the next steep section began. After completing that, I had a short downhill section before facing the final 500-meter climb.
As I ascended above the tree line, the panoramic views became more breathtaking, and I could see how far I still had to go. Eventually, I reached the summit, where I saw many cyclists taking a break. The top has a restaurant, and the view in all directions was overwhelming. Another highlight of the summit is the military shrine, a significant historical site.
For the descent, I chose a different route, which was equally beautiful. The 20 km downhill was thrilling, and I enjoyed the smooth ride back towards Bassano del Grappa. Once I was near the base of the mountain, the final 30 km of flat riding felt a bit monotonous, especially after the challenging climb. The heat also made it less enjoyable, but I pushed through and finally reached the car, looking back at the majestic Monte Grappa with a sense of accomplishment.

bike: Pretty Betty Specialized Tarmac S-Works
starring: Gerry Samer