Bella Italia Stage 1

Bourg St Maurice, France to Arvier, Italy

Strava 76.4 km, 2,044m, 5:10, 169 shifts

September 1, 2024 is the day we’ve been waiting for since a year ago and it is finally here! We fell back into our old rhythm so easily. Breakfast was good then we set off at 8:30. It is so easy to pack when you have so few possessions. We rode through town, flat for maybe one km, then the big climb started. The Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard involves a 30 km climb up about 1,500m from the French side. First we switchbacked up 1,000m to a touristy town where we enjoyed our last French pastries and drinks.

The last 450m went quickly and we were suddenly on top. There was some special event going on so it was even more crowded than on a normal good weather weekend day. There were so many people, what a zoo. We only stayed for a couple of photos then headed down. There was a crappy band playing Superstition as we rode by.

We took the gravel option (rocky and slightly technical) for a while then back on the road. It was fast and easy to a town where we had a delicious lunch. It felt great to have no schedule, no one depending on us for anything.

After lunch there was another climb, 500m but pretty steep. The descent was amazing, so steep but a great surface. Cruising at nearly 80 with our bags… 😊 From the bottom we followed the gravel route which avoided the main road. It climbed so steeply I needed my 52 tooth gear. It took us up to a gorgeous dirt trail, with killer views. So worth it!

Then a big descent and back into the forest on single track. It wasn’t all rideable but nearly. We can see that the Italian course designers have no fear and we love the sense of adventure this brings to the riding.

Soon it was over and we were in our target town of Arvier. The hotel was easy to find and it’s big and nice but seemingly has no other guests? The owner said it was crazy yesterday. Yeah right. We sat outside with big beers enjoying the cool evening air.

After showers and laundry we had a fabulous dinner leaving the selection up to the waitress. My first course was smoked trout, and after that we all had homemade pasta with porcini mushrooms and interesting hay flavored gelato. They threw in some more courses and we had chilled local white wine. What a great first day!