The calm before the next storm

The nine days in Finale Ligure were a wonderful break. The huge trail network was an inexhaustible playground. From epic day tours to short 200-meter quickies in unstable weather conditions, anything is possible. And all this almost inevitably ends with an Aperol by the sea. In addition, there were fantastic restaurants, and the social environment to enjoy food and drink together extensively. What a contrast to the many lonely nights in tents with Netflix and instant soup in recent months. It was also a curiosity for me to ride in a motorized vehicle, namely a car, again for the first time in three months. I have to admit, they are incredibly practical. Going uphill is a bit faster and easier than with my bike.

Only the weather didn't always play along as expected. After a few warm summer nights, it got dangerously cold, and in the last few days, a storm low also moved in, which claimed casualties in the wider area near Nice and in Piedmont. I was very glad that I had already crossed these areas two weeks ago in the best weather, and now I could watch the natural spectacle from a comfortable and dry accommodation. Only on the last day, when we thought the ordeal was finally over, we got caught in a heavy rain shower during the last trail descent, so that my clothes and especially my shoes became nicely soaking wet, just in time for the start of the next bikepacking stages.

In my naivety, I was looking forward to pleasant and enjoyable days on the AVML. The weather forecast was exceptionally good for the whole week, and I expected to cruise comfortably on forest roads and country roads in beautiful nature towards Genoa in bright sunshine, and of course, occasionally include some flowy single trails. But it would turn out differently. The AVML turned out to be a stubborn beast that would require all my effort once again.