MOTTARONE

My girlfriend and I had been staying in the area for a wedding. I was desperate to get out on the bike so travelled to the other end of the lake to hire a bike. The bike in question was an old Specialized Allez, with a standard groupset and a chain that had never been cleaned. It was also a tad too small (a Specialized XL is essentially a 56 for no reason) but it would do. I took it home and stared down the looming mountain that lay between us and the neighboring lake.

The next day I got up early to try to avoid the searing heat and made my way out along the cobbled streets of the little town. Having checked the climb the day before I knew there were some really steep sections so I was apprehensive whether I would make it with this gearing. I pressed on. 

It it took a while to reach the climb proper but when I did I sure knew about it. The gradient quickly raced past 10% but I slowed down and went to work. I took it easy and thanks to the long cranks I didn't find turning the big gears as difficult as I had imagined. I knew if I could get past the bottom section then I'd be ok. I pressed onwards and upwards. 

The climb itself is lovely - twisting, turning, relatively shaded. Half way up there is a church I believe with a field of rattling cattle. Cowbells maketh the climb. As I continued, the trees started to open up and I was able to look down at the surrounding views - Wow. For miles around you could see the huge blue lakes. I wanted to stop and take pictures but as it's Strava I figured I'd wait until I was descending. 

The radio tower popped into view and this was the clear sign that surely a cafe awaited me at the top. As I blasted past a few more riders I made it to the top in good time. Indeed there was a cafe! It was very international - a guy next to me had a Welsh dragon on his jersey and a German gentleman from Hamburg joined me as I basked in the sun and wiped away the salt. 

I dont think the Mottorone is a particularly famous or well known climb. But if you're ever in the area - do it! The views are next to none!

The descent took a while as I took photos but once I was under the cover of the trees I was flying. It wasn't long until I was back by Lago Orta where I could shower, change, sip coffee and feel smug about my morning. It was great!