Two fabolous stages of the Giro d’Italia not far from home, which were really worth watching from the side of the road. On friday we drove to Austria through the dolomites of Veneto the region I live in and crossed into Austria to reach the bottom of the climb, where the glacier was already visible. The day was fine. and so was the climb. Italian fans mixed up with cyclists coming from various countries and all had one or more cyclists to cheer. The language was not a barrier impeaching comunications, as Italian are used to speak with feet and hands, but it was curious to see people trying to talk about cycling of today and of the past as the ages were another interesting mixed. You make a lot of friends in these places all commonly inspired by cycling.

On Saturday I walked up to Zoncolan with my Son and some friends. Being the climb so hard as I did it the year before 2010 on bike I could not allow my Son to do it on bike. Slowly but surely we made it to the top, but then came down to 2 kms before the finish basically at the end of the harshest part of the climb where the riders have already sqeezed out the last drop of sweat, and can only hope that the torture is finished. On the walk up imrpovised tents, and camping spots with tables, barbecues and wine were in full swing.

Lunchtime is no longer set at noon, during these events, on the contrary it is an ongoing eating and drinking spell to kill the time. Morevoer it creates the right atmophere to chat, sing, tell jokes and tales. Happiness is everywhere, and it is nice to see people smiling. Then as the first cars and motorcycles starts roaring by people open big eyes to see their beloved riders, take pictures, clap hand, and scream go! It is really amazing what happen on the mountians of the Giro, a spectacular set of scenes to be remembered.