The Classics...

First a question. If italians are so great at all these fine things, cars, wine, art and they are so none for their lovers, why can't they make a decent bed? In two trips to italy i have yet to sleep on anything more than a board? just curious, they're also really bad at toilet paper dispensers...enough of the whining.
Today was the Sella Ronda, a classic italian climb. only problem is that yesterday we climbed one of the four passes that make up the sella (campolongo) so today we altered a bit for variety. first the passo podoi, another absolute monster, 7 miles to the top and averaging about 8%. then the passo sella and the passo gardena, and then the alternate, the passo valporola. the middle two, anywhere else, would be tough climbs - at this point they're getting easy? the valporola - another monster. 14k to the top with 10-13% stretches for the final 4 miles. the best reward, yeah the views are nice too, is the descents. the roads here are in miraculously good condition and your tires stick to the road very well. i have been (don't read this mom) things on a bike i never imagined and feeling extremely comfortable the whole time. i have no computer on my bike but am sure i have hit stuff that brad would be proud of and can hang with the best riders in the group - former racers and current cat 1 guys. climbing is a different story and they're nice enough to wait for me at the top!
the weather today is the best yet. not a cloud to be seen, the temps in the 60's, the views endless and awesome.
some have wondered about dan. he's holding up extremely well for an old guy! he climbed extremely strong the first three days and was in complete control of the portland polka dot jersey but got his ass handed to him today by the coach so we'll see how things go tomorrow.
more amazing things to say, like the 4 italian words i have learned that seem to get me anything i need but it's time to put the feet up and enjoy some cold pinot grigio after another big day.
ciao!