The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Salzburg to the Adriatic

August 30th to September 13th

Ride Director: Warner Griswold
Ride Co-Director: Sue Bunten
Ride Driver: Garry Clifton
Report by: Graeme Thomson

On 28th August about 24 intrepid adventurers gathered in Salzburg for an epic journey over the alps to Grado. Most were from US. Some Canadians and one absolutely amazing Aussie.

After a day of acclimatization and bike assembly, some riders took an optional tour of the outskirts of Salzburg - a route designed by Sue, our assistant director.

The real fun began on Sunday with the group headed to Sankt Martin bei Lofer, a charming little village and a quaint old hostellery.

The following day we headed to Bruck for a 3 night stay at Sportscamp Woferlgut. An amazing place with an impressive sports complex including multiple pools.

A number of optional trips were available: ride up Grossglochner high alpine road; ride or train to the foot of Krimml Falls and ride back down; ride around Zellersee taking in the main town of Zell am See; or just relax in the complex.

After the break we headed to Bad Gastein. A pretty ski town high up the end of a glacial valley with some serious climbs to achieve our destination.

Next day, over the top by train and then a precipitous ride down to the town of Spittal for a 2 night stay with an optional ride around the lake.

Next stop Villach. An early start to beat the promised rain and most made it in before the heavens opened for a serious downpour, which lasted well into the night. Being Sunday and Austria, the town was pretty well closed. As it was heavily bombed during the war, the town is mostly reconstructed but nevertheless quite attractive.

Following on we rode to Tarvisio, crossing the border into Italy not far from the town. A side path leads to Slovenia, only 11km away.

Another ski village, it is not as attractive as the Austrian equivalents. The hotel Is built in traditional style and seems old, however it is only 20years old.

On the optional day here, most took the opportunity to ride over the hills into Slovenia and back.

Tarvisio to Udine today. A quick sprint downhill - at least after the obligatory 6km climb at the start. Only 116km and an excellent cycle path at about 4% grade as we followed the old railway grade. A couple of hiccups with collapsed tunnels and falling walls but overall quite an adventure. Until Gemona when the trail went very cold. About half continued down whilst the rest opted for a train ride.

Udine to Grado, essentially downhill, with a good path - mostly. Aquilea contains the remains of an extensive Roman settlement with the bonus of the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. Probably the oldest Christian church with construction commencing in 313, the same year as Christianity became the official Roman religion. The church also contains a superb mosaic floor dating from the same era.

And so finally to Grado, the end of a great ride. The final dinner was outstanding, and an opportunity to bid farewell to a great group and an excellent leader team; Warner, Sue and Garry.