Stelvio Pass

188km
The main aim of our trip was to ride the infamous Italian Stelvio Pass. And today was the day.
Knowing it would be busy we started out early, only to be met at the foot of the pass by police saying the Stelvio was closed!
Okayyyy, so we turned round and went up by the Umbrail route instead.
Met at the top of the Umbrail by more police saying the road was closed there too for another 2 hours...
So, back down the Umbrail, had tea and cake, and waited.
Distant thunder and approaching cloud reminded us of another reason we had wanted to start early...
Anyway, against all logical reasoning, we went for it, raining and windy now also...
We both agree it was the most challenging and terrifying ride we've ever done!
A combination of inclement weather, wet road, poor visibility and numerous vehicles on the pass - cars, motorbikes, campervans, cyclists - not to mention the extremely tight blind hairpin bends.
As you've probably realised, we made it to the top!
And the sun came out!
Surreal to discover that the 'event' the police mentioned was actually a classic car rally, marking the Bicentenary of the opening of the pass!
So many iconic vehicles on display - Derek in car heaven yet again.
All's well that ends well eh!

(Sadly this Porsche 356 Cabriolet is not ours - we rode up on our Moto Guzzi Stelvio!)