Tutti Dolomiti, final stage 13

Torbole back to Verona, June 4, 2025

Strava: 76.46 km, 351m, 2:59, 88 shifts

Our last morning was somehow less stressful and easier than the other riding days of the tour. Due to the hotel serving breakfast late and the short, easy distance of the stage, we got up later and also knew that there was no threat of bad weather today, only warm sun. We loaded the truck one last time, packed our bikes and took off at 9.

The ride along the lake was magical. We hadn’t had any flat riding like this and the scenery was off scale. This part of Lake Garda really has to be seen to be believed. My tires just hummed as I pedaled easily.

Wilbert told us not to rush, that lunch at 55 km was not until after noon, so make sure to stop early and often. I stopped for photos a number of times, then a group of us stopped in the town of Garda for cold drinks. It was so relaxed sitting in the shade at a café by the lake shore, talking about all our recent adventures.

We had a short ride to our final lunch served up by Ben and Dion, along the bike path to Verona. It was the mostly the standard fare, upgraded a bit, very tasty and very appreciated. Eventually it was time to ride and we headed out in groups to ride the last 20 km to Verona. It was gently downhill, mostly on bike paths, calm and easy. Traffic in Verona was unlike what we’d been dealing with lately but no problem at all. Mike and I were leading a group and thought we were about one km from the bridge where the final ceremony would be. Then we heard yelling and realized it was a different bridge all together and we were already there.

Wilbert and Wijnand put together a fantastic assortment of foods and drinks. Once everyone arrived, including the lunch crew, out came the champagne. Wilbert’s toast amazed me, something like: “Here’s to all of you, the first group to do this tour without requiring a hospital!” I think we were very lucky (and careful) as there really were no biking injuries. We then walked onto the Castelvecchio Bridge for a series of group photos that I think came out well.

The final 1.5 km felt like it took two minutes, then we pulled up at the Hotel Italia, which looked the same as two weeks ago when we left. My new Aussie roommate John is also doing Milano San Remo, and we will have two nights in Verona before driving 170 km west to Milano.

In the afternoon, I relaxed and tried hard not to take a nap – John did the same. A cold shower felt so good. We did last until 7 pm and then went to the final banquet in the hotel dining room. It was a great dinner, with lots of fun conversations. Wilbert handed out souvenir milestone markers made by his dad, and recapped the trip, thanking everyone especially for riding safely. Ben gave out some awards like “Worst design” – to various hotels for various design faux pas. The bravest person was Cathy, for riding in the van with Ben. And best bike cleaner – I got first runner up and Keith scored the win. It was a great ending to a fun and challenging tour. If I had been healthy I would’ve enjoyed it even more but loved it nonetheless. A few days off now to rest is just what the doctor ordered.