Plenty of adrenaline

The realization of my trip yesterday was - Col Tsa Setze with all my equipment is not a good idea. Unfortunately, other good ideas were also scarce. I could simply roll down the Cogne to Aosta road. But who wants to do that? Or I could take the trail directly to Col de Drinc, which I rode down yesterday. However, it was also steep and exposed in parts. But at least it wasn't too blocked. It won't be a piece of cake either. Despite that, it seemed to be the best of all bad options.

So, same procedure as yesterday morning - shivering, enjoying a delicious breakfast, and then packing. Let's go. I pushed the lower part ahead of me, as I already knew the way. But it didn't make it any less exhausting. After almost two hours, I reached the key point. A steep gorge and behind it an even steeper rock wall, grimly standing between me and the next grass plateau. How on earth did I come down here yesterday? And, even more importantly, how am I supposed to go up there today? So, I gathered all my courage and followed the steep, gravel-sandy path along the edge of the slope. It's quite doable when you're only on foot. You find your balance and can use your hands to support yourself on the rocks and cliffs if necessary. But with a bike, you don't have these options. Your hands are on the handlebars, you have to balance yourself and your vehicle on the same narrow path, and you have to be extremely careful not to let the front wheel slide uncontrollably off the path towards the edge. And only using the brakes in moderation helps to prevent the bike from rolling backwards. In short, the whole undertaking was extremely difficult.

Step by step, I lifted my way too heavy bicycle up, always paying meticulous attention to balance and searching for space with my feet next to the pedals. In the most critical areas, the only help was holding the bike firmly with one hand above the abyss and quickly (but deliberately) taking one or more steps forward. The effort was immense, but once inside the steep wall, there was no going back. So, eyes open and keep going. Further and further. Until I reached the upper plateau, exhausted but relieved. The key point was conquered. Although the final steep section made me curse, at least it wasn't as exposed.

I already knew the magnificent view from Col de Drinc. But even after finishing the hard work, I could still enjoy it to the fullest. In front of me was now the well-deserved reward - the Pila Epic Freeride. A fabulous 2,200-meter descent through the bike park of the same name all the way down to Aosta.

This ride exceeded all my expectations. The first part flowed quite smoothly through high alpine terrain. Then came a 150-meter uphill stretch that drained my last reserves. So, pretty exhausted, I started the second part of the descent. Well, what can I say? It went downhill rapidly, adrenaline production was at its peak, and I entered that unique state of flow that biking is not only generally healthier but also so much more exhilarating than any drug use could ever be. I zoomed down a slightly rocky natural trail at high speed, which could be ridden quickly but still required full concentration. The only similar nonstop trail ride I could remember was the Downieville Downhill in distant California. Truly an extraordinary experience.

Completely exhausted, with sore hands from braking, but with a huge grin on my face, I finally arrived in Aosta. The next stage was accomplished, and what a stage it was! But now it's time for a break anyway. The next two days are expected to bring heavy rain from a low pressure system. So, I'd rather make myself comfortable in Aosta and wait it out.